User:BubbyJ/sandbox

Straight edge contributions/edits

Straight edge emerged amid the mid-1980s hardcore punk scene. Since then, a wide variety of beliefs and ideas have been incorporated into the movement, including vegetarianism,[4] animal rights,[4] and Christianity.[5] While the common thread in all straight edge identity has always been the abstinence of alcohol, nicotine, and illegal drugs, their have been considerable variations on how far to take the interpretations of "abstaining from intoxicants" or "living drug free." Disagreements often pertain to the primary reasons for living straight edge. Straight edge politics vary widely, from left-wing and revolutionary, to conservative.[6]

While some straight edge groups are treated as a "gang" by law enforcement officials,[7] a 2006 study found the vast majority of people who identify as straight edge are nonviolent.[8] However, the public's overall perception of Straight edge has largely been negative. While the early Washington, DC, hardcore punk scene is often praised for its commitment to positive social change, both the youth crew movement of the 1980s and the vegan movement of the 1990s have drawn criticism. Both movements have been accused of extreme male dominance, violence, and intolerance, while the latter is also criticized for its self-righteous militancy. These perceptions have been reinforced by violent outbreaks between rival straight edge groups in Salt Lake City Utah, and Reno, Nevada. The "gang" classification by these cities police departments was exploited by the corporate media. For these reasons, straight edge has often been approached with skepticism, ridicule, and hostility. Despite the ideologically less dogmatic and more multifaceted character of contemporary straight edge.[9]