Straight Edge = A popular philosophy based around the notion of "No sex. No drugs. No Alcohol". It's a lifestyle intended to prolong human life through avoiding misuse (or just use) of recreational drugs, alcohol/binge drinking and/or promiscuous sex. Some hardcore Straight Edge people even go as far as declaring meat a harmful substance so they turn to Veganism.
Straight Edge started out in the late 80's to early 90's through Hardcore Punk bands. One of the pioneers of the genre AND Straight Edge being Minor Threat.
On the topic of music, Straight Edge people usually tend to listen to a lot of hardcore punk and/or hardcore. Most hardcore music involves harsh vocals (screaming) with beat downs and irregular time signatures (also knows as 2-step). Lyrics usually promote positive outlook in life, anti-drugs/pro-Straight Edge behaviour and social issues such as suicide and oppression.
Spiritually, Straight Edge is based around atheism as most S.E groups find religion to be another mind-altering object. To them, a clear mind is the only way to reach spiritual enlightenment.
Back when the culture was starting to boom, many hardcore bands would insist that any underage or minor fans have two X's drawn on the top of their hands with a marker to indicate they are of young age and are not permitetd to drink. This, in turn, has lead to Straight Edge's most notable visual aid and nowadays, almost all people involved with Straight Edge attend shows w
09/04/2007
Guitar Hero III
Back in Sydney. WOOT!