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April 09, 2008

National Geographic's 'Inside Straight Edge' explores the violent world of militant abstinence...Thurston Moore narrates TV doc tonight...

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National Geographic Channel Blog:

In today’s world, the pressures of being young can be overwhelming. Eighty percent of high schoolers have tried alcohol; seventy percent have smoked cigarettes; and almost half have used some sort of illegal drug.

But there is one group taking a stand. They call themselves Straight Edge and they are a movement built around three simple rules: don’t drink, don’t smoke and don’t do drugs.

In schools and neighborhoods around America, Straight Edge has become something more: a community, a way of life. But to some, it has also become a militant-styled menace.

Boston Globe:

“Inside Straight Edge,” a powerful hourlong documentary airing tonight on the National Geographic Channel, explores the two faces of this growing youth culture: positive, tight-knit communities that try to set an example through abstinence; and more militant, fanatical groups that use their intense focus on wiping out substance abuse as justification for violence.

Sonic Youth frontman Thurston Moore narrates the documentary. His presence may help the filmmakers attract an audience interested in a youth movement that’s becoming more prevalent – and harder to define.

The term straight edge was first used in 1981 by the punk band Minor Threat. Their 45-second song “Straight Edge,” famous for the line, “I’ve got the straight edge,” unintentionally sparked the beginning of a movement focused on self-control and protest.


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Previous comments include

#1 2RealEstateMidgets says:

Has anyone claiming to be part of the straight edge ethos ever gone on beyond straight edge to do anything interesting?

Rock In Opposition kinda sucked, too.

#2 Pogo says:

have a beer

#3 "militant abstinence" says:

hahahaha

#4 Plorny Turgedson says:

"Don't smoke, don't drink, don't fuck, at least I can fucking think." Revolutionary for the early '80s post-hippie generation. Of course the last line is "Why aren't I invited to any parties?"

#5 xJASONx says:

Straiht Edge is more than some fickle choice. Its a lifestyle. Its not right for everyone. But those who claim need to have a strength above their peers and stand out of the crowd and let people know theyre different. Its not a club, or gang, or religion, or socio-economic class, its a commitment to remain pure and keep your mind clear of poison. And because youre straight edge doesnt mean you beat people up if they dont claim edge. Were a family, we have each others backs, just like any other group of people. And yes, it may resort to violence sometimes, but that doesnt mean were all militants. Everyones entitled to their own opinion, as am I. It may not be right for you. But its right for me. And ill stay true to the end. FOREVER FAITHFUL. XXX.

#6 sarah says:

i dont think striaght edge should be this big of a deal, big deal people dont drink or smoke, people do.
whatever, why make a documentary on it. if your straight edge you should already know whats up

#7 the pope's bastard daughter says:

fuck that!

#8 Stirling says:

Ok, So I grew up with this guy, who is now at least 26 or 27. I don't know if that really diminishes the message, but this is not recent footage.

#9 No Place Like Home says:

#1 2RealEstate...,
Every heard of Ian MacKaye?

#10 xKENSEIx says:

First off, sex and promiscuity have nothing to do with straightedge in it's original form. Minor Threat were drug, alcohol, and smoke free... There was never any of this crap about "no sex." I don't know where people got that whole idea from, but it has nothing to do with straightedge.

Secondly, Jason, I agree that it is a lifestyle; however, in order to belong to this lifestyle, you do NOT have to make it know to everyone in the entire world. You can be straightedge and not have stupid tattoos that you're going to regret one day or wear exclusively "Xed up" clothing. If you're straightedge and feel like telling someone, great. But you do not HAVE to in order to be considered straightedge.

There is absolutely NO REASON for any debacle over straightedge to turn violent. NO REASON. Big deal if someone's saying thing about straightedge that you don't appreciate... That's their deal and their loss. You don't need to punch them for saying "Straightedge fags" or "Fuck straightedge." I do not see why there is so much violence involved with the straightedge crowd, but it seems to be getting worse. The only reason straightedge has a bad name in anyone's mind is because straightedge kids GIVE IT a bad name...

This being said, I am and will always be straightedge, myself... But I feel no need to tell everyone I come into sontact with.

Everyone has their own opinions, and their own right to chose how to live their life. You being straightedge doesn't give you the right to tell them their wrong...

xKENSEIx

#11 Tucker says:

I am Edge and this documentary was awful, it didn't show what straight edge really is, all it did was show all kids that take it way too far. Almost all of the edge population is opposed to that kinda shit.


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