sXe
It seems that these days, some sort of reference to straightedge is nearly obligatory in the vast realm of hardcore/punk zines. I can’t speak on the sXe scene as a whole; the people in it are straightedge for different reasons. I can, however, talk about my personal experiences. I got into sXe hot on the heels of being a grade A druggie. Pot, acid, and coke were my best friends. I wasn’t interested in anything that didn’t illegally alter my mind. Then, I was arrested on a slew of drug charges one sunny afternoon. Part of my punishment included taking drug education classes. I started these with the usual “you can’t teach me a damn thing” attitude. However, they showed me that I was wasting my life (all puns intended). I also noticed through my slow withdraw from the drug scene that I had few true friends. Most were just drug buddies. This really changed my view of how I was spending my time. I remembered hearing that there was a strong straightedge scene in the hardcore/punk community; I decided to check it out. I took Pogo along with me to the Hanover House and we caught our first show there. I don’t even remember who played it. All I remember is that it was more fun than I ever thought I could have sober. Each show I attend leaves me feeling the same way. I get out my frustrations by dancing in the pit and screaming along to my favorite songs instead of drowning them with drugs. When I look at my old “friends,” I see stagnation. They’re all still getting stoned, just like before, only now on stronger, more dangerous shit. I’m glad I got out when I started getting deep into it. I have straightedge to thank for all I pride in my life right now: my girlfriend, my zine, my band, and my friends. It may sound cheesy, but sXe saved my life. If you’re not straightedge, and anything I’ve said is hitting home with you, maybe it’s time for a change.
