A Conversation for Straight Edge Philosophy
Philosophy
Phryne- 'Best Suppurating Actress' Started conversation Jun 16, 2001
It's possible, though, to have the straight-edge dislike of mindlessly harmful behaviour without actually being part of the scene... isn't it? You could be someone who loathes smoking, doesn't drink to excess and etc. but who defines themselves as Goth, for example.
Philosophy
shrinkwrapped Posted Jun 20, 2001
Yup, sure thing. A few people call themselves 'teetotal'...
But really, straight edge is linked to or inspired by the scene/movement, where as not smoking or drinking to excess is just common sense!
Philosophy
Phryne- 'Best Suppurating Actress' Posted Jun 20, 2001
Common sense, definately. But if you make a point of these views, as well as following them, can you still be described as a straight-edger?
I've read just one thing in the British press about the movement, and it concentrated mainly on how 'hostile' and 'violent' they were. You made this point, I think; it does make better copy. But if anyone describes themself as straight-edge, they get a pretty negative reception. I'd like to be able to use the term as it's so convenient.
Philosophy
shrinkwrapped Posted Jun 20, 2001
"But if you make a point of these views, as well as following them, can you still be described as a straight-edger?"
Well, I don't see why not. I called myself "straight edge" before I really knew anything about the history of the term, so I don't see why anyone else couldn't. I'm really no authority on the matter - in fact, as far as I'm aware, there ARE no authorities on the matter (it is a punk idea, after all!). As we were saying to Pillowcase in one of the other sXe forums, if someone has the principles of straight edge, and say they are straight edge, then they are!
Philosophy
Phryne- 'Best Suppurating Actress' Posted Jul 1, 2001
That's alright, then. Thankyou.
(Signing off with a big X)
Philosophy
PastureOfMuppets Posted Feb 23, 2004
I always associated straight edge with simply being well disciplined with your own integrity.
Top marks for mentioning Ian Mckaye.
It may have been mentioned, but their is a chapter on Minor Threat and one on Fugazi in the book "This band could be your life." ( i think it's that and not "our band...")
Also one on Steve Albini, a whole new way of tackling the world 
Philosophy
shrinkwrapped Posted Feb 23, 2004
I'm reading that book right now!
It IS called 'Our Band Could Be Your Life', after the line from the Minutemen's song 'History Lesson - Part II'.
Philosophy
PastureOfMuppets Posted Mar 15, 2004
Cool, i assume you enjoyed it. It's the first decent account i have seen of the whole thing that hasn't been Nirvana heavy. Gina Arnolds "666 The road to Nirvana" was really good like that as well if you haven't read that.
Let me know what you think of "Our band...." 
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Philosophy
- 1: Phryne- 'Best Suppurating Actress' (Jun 16, 2001)
- 2: shrinkwrapped (Jun 20, 2001)
- 3: Phryne- 'Best Suppurating Actress' (Jun 20, 2001)
- 4: shrinkwrapped (Jun 20, 2001)
- 5: Phryne- 'Best Suppurating Actress' (Jul 1, 2001)
- 6: shrinkwrapped (Jul 2, 2001)
- 7: PastureOfMuppets (Feb 23, 2004)
- 8: shrinkwrapped (Feb 23, 2004)
- 9: PastureOfMuppets (Mar 15, 2004)
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