The letter X is the most known symbol of straight edge, and is sometimes worn as a marking on the back of both hands, though it can be displayed on other body parts as well.
A variation involving a trio of Xs, XXX, is often used in show flyers and tattoos. This can be used to show that an adherent is extremely straight edge.[3] Also, it can be ironic based on the fact that three X’s are a cartoon way to signify alcohol or poison.[43] The term is sometimes abbreviated by including an X with the abbreviation of the term “straight edge” to give sXe.
-From Wikipedia
I have X’s drawn into the handles of the guns on my hips and on a poison bottle on my arm, but I felt the need to get the traditional trio of x’s blasted on my knuckles.
It is who and what I am and what I stand for.
Granted, I don’t care if you’re not. I’m not that picky. I adhere to it beyond a shadow of a doubt but I’m not one to care if someone else does.
Granted I don’t think shooting/snorting/smoking drugs is a swell idea, nor is drinking yourself silly. And cigarette smoke makes me mad. But those are choices everybody needs to make on their own.
I did.
And when I cleaned up, I simply transitioned from the hardcore punk scene to the straight edge scene.
For reasons you read above from Wikipedia. It was the only thing I could stand behind in my sobriety. I didn’t have to trade in my moto boots or surly attitude for Jesus and a sweater set or a handful of chips.
Now, Disclaimer! I don’t have a problem with any sort of rehabilitation or faith. If it works for you, please, by all means, carry on.
Everything else just wasn’t right for me. Trust me, I tried it all. Well the judicial system of the state of Michigan tried to make me…
I’m a cynical bitch and the sXe crowd was one I could stand up with. I also had a huge support network. I had several brothers and sisters who had claimed edge and welcomed me with open arms.
Why did I post this?
I’ve had a lot of questions about what straight edge is, why am I, what do the x’s mean, etc. So to get the record straight, I figured I’d throw this up there.
I also feel that in order to get the most out of your life, clean living is the only way to go. Why kill yourself via drugs, liquor and cigarettes? Does that shit really make you feel better?
But what the fuck do I know? They might!
So keep on keeping on. But new members are always welcome.
I never want to alienate any readers by my beliefs. This is just a system and an organization that I stand behind and that I believe in. I of course do not look down upon or judge anyone who acts or thinks any different. We can’t all be the same.
Individuality rules. Do what’s right for you.
For me it’s XXX, Death Before Dishonor.
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