There are a lot of misconeceptions and questions about straightedge. here, I'll do my best to clear the air a little and maye disporove a few common misconceptions.

Straight edge kids will beat you up if you don't agree with them

Complete bullshit. Most straightdgers aren't violent at all, straightedge is a non-violent movement. However, there are a few people out there, as with anything else, who take it to an extreme level. These kids are often called "Hate-edgers". Most straightedgers will disagree with this violent means of spreading your message, and would much prefer to just stick to zines and concerts.

Straightedgers have to be involved with hardcore

Also, bullshit. Straightedge, though created in a music scene, is not ased strictly on your scene like that. It's just a belief against recreational drugs and promiscuous sex.

Straightedge kids can't have sex

Not true. Straightedge is against promiscuous, casual sex, not sex in general. Most edgers will choose not to have sex with someone until they have a steady relationship where the couple in truly in love and both agree that they want to. It's not something that they will do just for the sake of doing.

What's with the X's they put on their hands?

The X on your hand comes from back when there were all ages shows and a kid would get an X put on their hand to show that they couldn't buy alcohol. Now kids do it to show that they don't drink by choice. This is often referred to as "x-ing up".

Why do you call yourself straightedge? Isn't that just labelling yourself?

A lot of people ask this question a lot. Actually, straihtedge has come under quite a bit of condemnation for "labellling" itself as so. But think about it: Straightedge is a system of beliefs. Yes, you could choose to say, "No thank you, I don't drink, smoke, or have casual sex", but why wouldn't you just give a picture of how you feel in general if you can? It just makes sense. It's like coming down on someone for their religious beliefs.

Straightedge kids don't have any fun

I camn tell you from personal experience that I've never heard anything so ridiculous ever in my life. There are so many great things you can do with your friends that don't require drugs or alcohol. I have so much fun with my friends just going out and/or hanginng out, and I don't wake up with a hangover the next day.

That one edge kid used to smoke. He's not really straightedge.

It doesn't matter what you used to do. It's all about now. If you've made a choice to be poison free in the present, then who gives a damn what you used to do?

Why would you want to be sXe?

To be in control. To keep a clear head. Because of some past experiences with drugs/alsohol. It all depends on the person. I personally have quite a few reasons for going edge. I want to be in control of myself. In this current society it's hard to be in complete control of anything, but control over my body is something I do have, and I intend to keep it. Also, i've seenwhat drugs and alcohol can do to someone. I've seen friends, who I used to be very close to, slip away to go off and party. It's sad, and I' do't want to do something like that. But my reasons for going straightedge are sompletely different than someone else's. It's a personal choice.