Looking for two people to interview

[RollOnDough91]

Hello, my name is Rolando and I'm new to this board. I've been Straight Edge ever since I heard about the movement in middle school. I am basic Straight Edge, which I consider to be staying away from drugs and alcohol. I am a literature major in hopes of teaching at the college someday. For a literacy class, we are required to complete a major research paper about a discourse group that we belong to. I figured this would be the perfect thing to choose, seeing as not many college professors know anything about punk, hardcore, or straight edge culture. What I need are two people who are willing to answer 8 brief questions about life as a straight edge person. I already have one person in my life who is Straight Edge Vegan, I am looking for a variety of straight edge voices. If anyone could help that would be great!

[rodrigo]

i'll help you, but only if you stick around after you get your answers c:

[RollOnDough91]

Sounds like a deal :). Idk why I've never thought to look up a sXe message board. Here are the questions:


Interview questions:

1. Why the label? What made you decide to brand yourself as "Straight Edge"?

2. How do you recognize other SxE members? What kind of language do you use that other non-members won't understand?

3. How did you first hear about the Straight Edge movement?

4. What does the phrase "straight edge" mean to you?

5. How do you feel being Straight Edge makes your life different?

6. What sXe lyrics stand out to you? Why?

7. Are there any misconceptions you feel are imposed upon your lifestyle by others?

8. What do you associate with the sXe movement and won't dont you? (besides drugs of course). Think clothing, symbols, language, texts.



So this project is really about understanding how a community communicates to one another. Its not about group dymamics or fitting in. Its about being able to different straight edge from non straight edge in every way that involves communication. Its also about staying objective, which is extremely hard to do. Feel free to add any other comments that would help people who read this research article understand what we are all about.

[rodrigo]

alrights
here it is! but dont forget your promise and interact!


Interview questions:

1. Why the label? What made you decide to brand yourself as "Straight Edge"?

For me the label didn't come first hand, I never wanted to BE straight edge and THEN modify my behavior. I was just a kid that thought drugs were not cool and loved that 7 seconds tape a friend got him. Then, after some time, I figured the label fitted me and started using it.

2. How do you recognize other SxE members? What kind of language do you use that other non-members won't understand?

You know when two skinheads cross eachothers paths and they yell "OI!" and raise their hands lookin' all pissed? I don't. And i dont think there's much "special" language besides the usual X on the hand at shows, or maybe liking each other's band shirts, both have some sort of visual language. But if i had to guess, to recognize each other, you'd mostly have to talk.

3. How did you first hear about the Straight Edge movement?

A friend was talking about it while giving me a Youth of Today tape. then on, i just started investigating more bands, more people who were into it.

4. What does the phrase "straight edge" mean to you?

As a phrase? not much, just kids who don't do recreational drugs and love some of the most fun music out there.

5. How do you feel being Straight Edge makes your life different?

Well, it comes with different deals, I feel i may be lucky, cause I've never been casted out of groups because of my beliefs in drug consumption. At least not often. I've seen people here having completely shitty friends that treat them like crap because of that. In general it's not something easy for society to accept. But being straight edge got me to live a pretty awesome life, i like being aware and unclouded, i like that it got me to meet some pretty great people, and they make my life different kinda daily. But i guess it made me try to think a lot more about what to do or what not to do in life.

6. What sXe lyrics stand out to you? Why?

Gorilla Biscuit's - No Reason Why
"I walk down to the corner store to catch up with my friends
They're puffin smoke high on dope, will this shit ever end?"

'cause there's just no reason why.

7. Are there any misconceptions you feel are imposed upon your lifestyle by others?

I cant say imposed, but a bunch of people tend to add extra content to what being straight edge really means. Some come from really nice places, like trying to add abstaining from meat and dairy. Others come from more negative places like thinking we should go beat up drug dealers. But none of those are true. Sadly the militant kids beating up people get more media attention, and they usually tend to group us with them, but it seems to be receding at this point. I can't say how's stuff going on in the states, though.

8. What do you associate with the sXe movement and won't dont you? (besides drugs of course). Think clothing, symbols, language, texts.

As a symbol, the X is kinda constantly out there. I can't say clothing, besides band t-shirts but those are everywhere. Or that Bold T-shirt, that's also everywhere. Some people love to quote songs.
what doesnt go with straight edge is wrestling. Not that you can't be into both, but they're not united or have shared meanings. seriously, i just saw that kid CM Punk on the cover of a wrestling videogame with the X's on the hands, doing an X with his arms and a red X on the background, 4 X's in just one cover! and i'm glad that the dude is straight edge, but as a gimmick it may throw different ideas to people than what being straight edge really means. Also, Pepsi.


hopefully this helped you, and you'll stick around and stuffs.
if there's anything you need clarification cause i didnt do a good job explaining, do say it.

[RollOnDough91]

Much thanks and appreciation brother. This will do just fine I'm sure. If anyone else is willing to answer please let me know :)