There are two different kinds of straightedge subcultures, posis and militant hardcore. Posis are those who live out the straightedge lifestyle in a positive way by being examples of what straightedge stands for. Usually posis just live their life refraining drugs or alcohol. Just like every group, there are always some bad apples that can ruin the bunch and they are called militant hardcore. The militant hardcore like to induce violence on those who deal drugs or who get drunk. This group gives the posis a bad reputation. The militant having given the reputation that if you are linked to straightedge then you are put on record by the gang units. An accident happened in Utah in which militant hardcore straightedge members killed a young boy.
Is Straightedge becoming just another gang that kids can join or is it a safe haven for kids who do not want to drink, do drugs, or smoke? Should parents allow their children to be straightedge?
Here are some links about the murder in Utah and a clip from a movie that my class watched in sociology
I would have to say that I'm on the fence about this subject because being a straightedge person is a good thing but the acts done in groups(gangs) are worse than drinking alcohol and doing drugs in some cases. I feel that people should not be killed over the fact that they drink or do drugs. That individual chooses to do the things they do and therefore they should not be punished for that. These gangs seem like a cult almost like the KKK. Killing people who do drugs or drink does not make the world a better place it ultimately brings more chaos.
ReplyDeleteAll straightedge is is a violent gang pushing their beliefs on individuals. What makes it any different or right for these thugs to attack people for not believing as they do. Through the centuries we've seen individuals who have tried to push their beliefs through violence, i.e. Hitler and Jimmy Jones. All though I don't agree with drug or alcohol use by teens, I believe God gave us free will to choose our own right or wrong and not be bullied into it by thugs.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading some articles and gaining information about Straightedge groups, I have come to the conclusion that it is another gang. Although the gang members do not do drugs and alcohol, they still promote violence, which brings them down to the same level as gangs that do drugs and alcohol. Parents should not allow their children to join a Straightedge group, because, although their children will not be involved in drugs and alcohol, they will be involved in violent acts that may harm many people. This gang, nor any other gang, should not be promoted. If this gang is promoted, children will think violence is okay, and will participate in violent actions, believing violence is fine, whereas drugs and alcohol are bad. While parents shouldn't allow their children to join straightedge, they should definitely promote the no drugs or alcohol concept, and explain that it is the violence aspect of the group that is wrong. All in all, I believe that Straightedge is a gang, and parents should not let their children become a part of this gang.
ReplyDeleteI believe that Straightedge started out as a way for kids who abstain from drugs and alcohol to stick together. However, the morale behind the group has clearly changed over the years. Now, it appears that Straightedge groups are violent and detrimental; they are gangs. The principles of coming together to support each other from making poor decisions have vanished from such groups. If teenagers choose to refrain from drug and alcohol use, they should do so for their own sake; they should not have to be a part of a group or gang to stick to their choices. I believe parents should praise their children for their choice to say “no” to drugs and alcohol, but should urge their children not to participate in the current Straightedge groups.
ReplyDeleteThe group straight edged is very different then the concept of being straight edged. In reading the article I found some major things that point to this group being a gang. The first is that the members that Straight edge attracts are usually kids that have had parents that abuse drugs and alcohol. To start the kids who had parents with these problems are going to have some inherent difficulties in their life. The idea of joining this group is to get support. However the Straight edged group seems to break the limits of a support group. Instead of trying to reconcile past issues they vilify those who use drugs. They attack drug dealers, and commit violence to all who don't share their views. Another disturbing note is the "rush" that some of the members experience when they fight. This rush sounds like replacing one drug with another. The idea of of straight edge is actually a good one, people do need support when they are doing something different. Also not many people will argue that avoiding drugs and alcohol is not a good thing. However the straight edge idea should have remained an idea, in practice it is a gang that thrives on violence and acts as vigilantes in hope for a drug free world.
ReplyDeleteStraight Edge consists of two entirely different subsets. Posi is the lifestyle choice of not drinking, doing drugs, or in some cases even having pre-marital sex. They get together only in a support group-type setting or as friends. This version of Straight Edge is nonviolent and socially acceptable. I think parents should encourage their children to be clean and be around others their age who would support them in their decision, but since the subculture now has a bad name, they should not advertise themselves as Straight Edge to be safe.
ReplyDeleteThe Militant Straight Edge (e.g. Hardline) is a radical movement that is more about violence for the same cause, but is contradictory to the core message of sobriety and peace. They are more concerned with the rush of their more gang-like lifestyle, as Josh said.
Straight Edge itself is not another gang. It is a social movement alongside the Punk deviance of the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, that countered the normal behavior of over-indulgence of chemical substances. It is simply that the few who are "hardcore" and take it way too seriously give it a bad name for the ones who are only trying to live their life soberly and help others realize they do not have to be intoxicated to have fun.
Any good thing is good until it is taken too far and shoved down people's throats, as is demonstrated throughout history. I happen to know quite a few Straight Edge people who are not a part of a gang, do not promote violence, and are embarrassed by the Militant Hardcore as well as disappointed. The Straight Edge Posi subset is the same as someone who might not call themselves Straight Edge, but still abides by their core values.
Straight Edge Posi requires no initiation, no meetings, no wars, and no assignments. I do not believe it to be just another street gang. I do believe that Militant Hardcore is another gang, but they should not be the only thing people think of when they hear "Straight Edge".