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From: [email protected] (Lars Norved)
Newsgroups: alt.punk.straight-edge,alt.music.hardcore,alt.lifestyle.substance-free,alt.skate-board,alt.answers,news.answers
Subject: alt.punk.straight-edge sXe FAQ
Followup-To: poster
Summary: This article describes the straight-edge lifestyle, AKA sXe,
   which forms a subset of the punk/hardcore sub-culture.
Reply-To: [email protected] (Lars Norved)
Approved: [email protected]
Organization: more than J U S T I C E  positive youth crew
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Archive-name: cultures/straight-edge-faq
Posting-Frequency: monthly
Version: 1.11
Last-modified: 10 Feb 1999
URL: http://www.faqs.org/faqs/cultures/straight-edge-faq/
Copyright: (A) Anti-copyright see section i.
Maintainer: Lars Norved <[email protected]>

   alt.punk.straight-edge sXe FAQ
   maintained by Lars Norved ><[email protected]><
   <http://www.geocities.com/Pipeline/Ramp/4130>

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject:    i.      Introduction

   This article aims to provide information about being straight-edge.
   The information has been compiled from many sources and is believed to
   be close to the truth but there is no guarantee given.  If you know
   better, contribute your wisdom!

   These frequently asked questions were initially gathered together on
   22 May 1997 and was approved by the *.answers moderators on 05 Jun 1997.
   Since then I've discovered an earlier, unofficial alt.punk.straight-edge
   FAQ by Randy Thatcher [12] last updated 28 Feb 1995.  This is actually
   also the source of much of the information from some of the early
   references for this document.

   If you'd like to use this article to provide information to others for
   free, then feel free but please present it whole or properly qouted
   and referenced.  Please cite it as:

        Lars Norved <[email protected]>, alt.punk.straight-edge sXe FAQ,
        Usenet alt.punk.straight-edge,
        <ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet/news.answers/cultures/straight-edge-faq>.

------------------------------

Subject:    ii.     Table of Contents

   i.      Introduction
   ii.     Table of Contents
   iii.    References
   iv.     Where to find this FAQ
   v.      About the maintainer
   vi.     A word about SPAM
   vii.    Questions in progress

   1.      About straight-edge
   1-1.    What is alt.punk.straight-edge?
   1-2.    Where does the name straight-edge come from?
   1-3.    What's with the Xs?
   1-4.    What is sXe?
   1-5.    Where can I find hardcore sex?
   1-6.    Is straight-edge a religion?
   1-7.    Why do kids get into straight-edge?
   1-8.    How do I join the straight-edge?
   1-9.    Why do you need a label to be poison free?

   2.      About the music
   2-1.    What is hardcore?
   2-2.    What's the difference between old school and new
           school bands?
   2-3.    What is emo?
   2-4.    Who was the first straight-edge band?
   2-5.    What is this windmill dance?
   2-6.    What is floorpunching?
   2-7.    What other dances are there?

   3.      About the commitment
   3-1.    Why are there so many rules?
   3-2.    If I slip from the 'edge does that mean I can't be
           straight-edge anymore?
   3-3.    Can I be straight-edge and a Christian?
   3-4.    If I'm straight-edge can I take holy communion?
   3-5.    Can I be straight-edge and gay?
   3-6.    Is straight-edge about politics?
   3-7.    Do I have to be vegan/vegetarian to be straight-edge?
   3-8.    Can I take medications if I'm straight-edge?
   3-9.    Is taking caffeine straight-edge?
   3-10.   How much does pro-life feature in sXe?
   3-11.   Don't most stop being straight-edge when they reach
           drinking age?
   3-12.   All my friends drink, does this mean I have to find
           new friends?
   3-13.   Do straight-edge kids have sex at all?
   3-14.   I used to drink and do drugs, can I still be sXe?

   4.      About the scene
   4-1.    Aren't you all just mummy's boys?
   4-2.    Why do all you kids wear backpacks?
   4-3.    Why is straight-edge so narrow minded?
   4-4.    Why can't we have unity within hardcore/punk?
   4-5.    Isn't straight-edge just a fad?
   4-6.    What is hardline straight-edge?
   4-7.    What is a poseur?
   4-8.    Is sXe a crutch for the weak?
   4-9.    What is a sellout?
   4-10.   Why do a lot of you people use the name of your band
           or 'zine as a surname?
   4-11.   Why don't sXe kids have a sense of humour?
   4-12.   What is DIY?
   4-13.   What is the relationship of sXe to skating and BMX?
   4-14.   Why is there so much violence in sXe?

   5.      About the people
   5-1.    What do you guys wear?
   5-2.    What's with the tattoos and stuff?
   5-3.    Who's who of apse?

------------------------------

Subject:    iii.    References

   [1]     Josh Krist <joshuak@vpico!com>, White Punks on Hope - What's
           punk rock without the beer and nihilism? Better, according to
           members of the Valley's "straight-edge" punk scene.,
           Phoenix New Times, 1996,
           <http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/1996/082296/music1.html>.

   [2]     Daniel Zander <XzanderX@bigfoot!com>, Straight Edge - The
           Discipline, Cyber Edge,
           <http://xxcyberxx.xxedgexx.com/sXe.html>.

   [3]     David Diekmann <david@crackedass!com>, Minor Threat: Lyrics,
           CrackedAss punk-ska-hardcore zine & records, 1997,
           <http://www.crackedass.com/minorthreat/lyrics.html>.

   [4]     Juergen Heerdegen <juergen@straight-edge!com>, More than you'd
           care to know about straight-edge, straight-edge.com
           Website, <http://www.straight-edge.com/definition.html>.

   [5]     Bruce Buckley, Earth Crisis - Desperate music for desperate
           times, Syracuse New Times, 1996,
           <http://www.rway.com/newtimes/111396/cover.htm>.

   [6]     <xjeffx@creighton!edu>, More Straight Edge For Your Money!!,
           <http://www.creighton.edu/~xjeffx/>.

   [7]     Ruth Horner <softie@rocketmail!com>, sXe Intro, Punks G Hybrid zine,
           <http://www.phreakco.com/punksg/columns/ruth/intro.htm>.

   [8]     Greg Patterson, The Straight Edge, Seattle Times, 1995,
           <http://studwww.rug.ac.be/~jdschepp/sxe/texts/seattle.htm>.

   [9]     Sean J. Mallison, The Straight Edge: Clean Living's New Look,
           NY Times,
           <http://studwww.rug.ac.be/~jdschepp/sxe/texts/nytimes.htm>.

   [10]    Hardline Creed, <http:/www.pitt.edu/~mpkst6/HL.html>.

   [11]    Laurie Mercer <laurie@musicwest!com>, What is Hardcore?,
           D.O.A.'s Hardcore homepage,
           <http://www.musicwest.com/DOA/doaishc.html>.

   [12]    Randy Thatcher <rht3@po!cwru!edu>, alt.punk.straight-edge
           Frequently Asked Questions, 1995,
           <http://k2.scl.cwru.edu/~rht3/faq>.

   [13]    Matt Williams, Outside Dremley Studios - an interview with
           Russ Rankin from Good Riddance, June '95,
           <http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Heights/4379/gr-info.html>.

   [14]    Michael Traub <traub@mistral!co!uk>, rec.food.veg FREQUENTLY
           ASKED QUESTIONS LIST (FAQ), Usenet rec.food.veg,
           <ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet/news.answers/vegetarian/faq>.

   [15]    Straight Edge Vegan Mailing List, Vegan Straight Edge Site,
           <http://www.vegan-straight-edge.org.uk/sxevegan.htm>.

   [16]    Jacques <[email protected]> and Nicolas
           <[email protected]>, x Straightedge Park x,
           <http://studwww.rug.ac.be/~jdschepp/sxe/main.htm>.

   [17]    "Earth Crisis going mainstream", Destroy Babylon, Issue 4,
           1996.

------------------------------

Subject:    iv.     Where to find this FAQ

   This FAQ is posted monthly to the Usenet newsgroups
   alt.punk.straight-edge, alt.music.hardcore,
   alt.lifestyle.substance-free, alt.skate-board, alt.answers, and
   news.answers where you should be able to find it. Most news server
   honours the expiration date for news.answers so this is probably the
   best place to look for it.

   The latest officially posted copy of this FAQ is archived at
   rtfm.mit.edu. You can retrieve it by anonymous FTP from:
   <ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet/news.answers/cultures/straight-edge-faq>

   If you don't want to use FTP you can get it via email by sending an
   email request to [email protected] with the following line in
   the body of the message. Note there should not be any spaces before the
   word send.

       send usenet/news.answers/cultures/straight-edge-faq

   A hypertext version is also maintained automatically at
   <http://www.faqs.org/faqs/cultures/straight-edge-faq/>.

------------------------------

Subject:    v.      About the maintainer

   I was always meant to be straight-edge
   I've never liked the taste of alcohol
   I've never liked the smell of smoke
   I've kept myself for my special girl

   I've always dressed to be different
   I've always liked my music radical
   I've never really had any friends
   Now I've been labelled straight-edge

------------------------------

Subject:    vi.     A word about SPAM

   Since I started to post this FAQ I've been inundated with junk emails
   from mindless shits that can't respect anyone's privacy.  As a result
   all email addresses are listed with exclaimation marks in place of
   the periods to save my friends from the curse of SPAM.

   On 02 Jul 1997 Rodger Whitlock <totototo@mail!pacificcoast!net> wrote:
   "What are Spammerz? They are parasitic, thieving, bottom-feeding,
   asocial would-be entreprenuers with Ayn-Randish hero complexes, who
   abuse UseNet by sending out massive numbers of newsgroup messages
   (and email) advertising porn sites, phone sex lines, psychic readings,
   make-money-fast schemes, multi-level marketing schemes, and other
   methods for separating you from your hard-earned money without
   providing anything of use in return.

   "Why Spam? There is a Monty Python skit featuring a song, the text of
   which is essentially "Spam" over and over - that's all you get - it's
   everywhere.

   "Welcome aboard."

------------------------------

Subject:    vii.    Questions in progress

   The following are some questions that people want answers to but haven't
   been finalised yet. Please mail me your ideas for questions and answers.

   Got any more questions?

------------------------------

Subject:    1.      About straight-edge

   Straight Edge is a more philosophical offshoot of the punk movement, a
   reaction to the hedonism and self-destruction that characterised punk.
   The basic tenet of the philosophy centres around the issue of
   self-control. The goal is to regain as much personal control over your
   own life as possible. sXe is the only youth counter-culture to actively
   discourage drug use, alcohol use, and casual sex. [2] [12]

   Straight edge is a lifestyle centred around personal development and
   well being, while encouraging fun and togetherness. sXe is not just
   about  being into contemporary punk music acts and being against drugs.
   It goes deeper than this. The movement wishes to attract people away
   from dependancy lifestyles centred around drug habits (legal or
   illegal) and unhealthy and exploitative eating and general living
   habits common in modern cultures. sXe is not dogmatic, there are no
   hard rules, these are for you to decide. Nobody should dictate like
   the police, or preach an ideology like the church or state. [15]

   The term itself is believed to have been coined by the band Minor
   Threat of the punk rock/hardcore scene in the early '80s.  Their singer
   Ian MacKaye eschewed the nihilistic tendencies of punk rock, promoting
   instead the simple (almost simplistic) philosophy of "don't drink/
   don't smoke/ don't fuck." [4]

       Out of Step (with the world)
       by Minor Threat, 1981 [3]

       (I) Don't smoke
       Don't drink
       Don't fuck
       At least I can fucking think

       I can't keep up
       Can't keep up
       Can't keep up
       Out of step with the world

   In the 12 years since the demise of Minor Threat, these simple beliefs
   have transformed the minds of scores of teens worldwide. Increasingly
   disenchanted with societal ills, young men and women adopt the
   straight-edge doctrine as a blueprint to better first themselves, and
   then the world in which they live. While the original definition of
   straight-edge only included the rejection of mind altering substances
   and promiscuous sex, modern interpretations include a vegetarian (or
   vegan) diet and an increasing involvement and awareness of
   environmental and political issues. [4]

   On 15 Sep 1997 Andy Dempz <adempz@umich!edu> wrote:
   "Well...  [Ian] might be credited with starting it, but he's made it
   abundantly clear he doesn't care for what's it turned into.  Read old
   Minor Threat interviews, i bet most Earth Crisis fans would be shocked to
   hear him say 'it doesn't mean never drink a beer...'  Besides, after
   watching every "hero" since then fall, from SSD to Youth of Today to
   today's flavor of the month, i think worrying about some stranger's
   lifestyle in regards to your own is a little silly.  I do this for me,
   no one else."

   On 17 Sep 1997 Andy Dempz <adempz@umich!edu> wrote:
   "I mean gees, just listen to what he mumbles in the middle of Out of
   Step, 'there's no set of rules, i'm just bringing up three things
   that are like so important to the whole world... whether they're
   fuckin, or whether they're playing golf.'  So maybe golf isn't sxe!"

   From a Minor Threat interview in Touch & Go zine:
   "Ian: Like Straight Edge, people have taken it to an extreme...as far
   as i'm concerned all we did was put out an idea... if people wanna
   hear it as preaching if that's what they want.  Straight edge to me
   is someone who is alert enough to benefit from what he or she is
   doing...

   "Lyle: the drug and alcohol is only one side of it anyway, it's alot
   more than that, there are other things that can sidetrack you...

   "Ian: That's what "don't Fuck" means... alot of people think that to
   be straight edge you can't drink, smoke, or have sex and that's
   silly... what the don't fuck thing is that the whole getting laid
   and getting head thing

   "Lyle: living for sex

   "Ian: following your penis around is fucking people up more than
   anything"

------------------------------

Subject:    1-1.    What is alt.punk.straight-edge?

   alt.punk.straight-edge is a news group on Usenet that provides a forum
   for discussions about the straight-edge lifestyle.  The sort of things
   that should be posted includes questions and news about straight-edge
   hardcore/punk bands, the straight-edge lifestyle, and the scene. The
   sort of posts that aren't welcome is SPAM, mindless insults (lets try
   to be creative :), and irrelevant cross-posted threads.

------------------------------

Subject:    1-2.    Where does the name straight-edge come from?

   According to legend, the drummer for Minor Threat [Jeff Nelson], one of
   the first bands to preach the "stay punk, stay clean" ethos, ...was
   drawing a poster for a show using a wood ruler. He commented to his
   bandmates that the ruler's straight edge was a metaphor for their
   lifestyle. [1]

       Straight Edge
       by Minor Threat, 1981 [3]

       I'm a person just like you
       But I've got better things to do
       Than sit around and fuck my head
       Hang out with the living dead
       Snort white shit up my nose
       Pass out at the shows
       I don't even think about speed
       That's something I just don't need

       I've got the straight edge

       I'm a person just like you
       But I've got better things to do
       Than sit around and smoke dope
       'Cause I know I can cope
       Laugh at the thought of eating ludes
       Laugh at the thought of sniffing glue
       Always gonna keep in touch
       Never want to use a crutch

       I've got the straight edge

   On 30 Aug 1997 erik mohr <emandrew@mindspring!com> wote:
   "my understanding of the origin was that ian mc.. wanted to call minor
   threat "straight edge" and the rest of the guys wouldn't go for it. so
   he wrote a song cause he liked the name."

   On 09 Aug 1998 Larry Phillips <bigphil@solutions!mb!ca> wrote:
   "Ian Macaye didn't want to call the band "Straight Edge", he wanted to
   call it "Straight".  here is the exact quote from the interview with
   him in the sXe book on Revelation "I wanted just to name the band
   "Straight," because we were going to push this thing even more. We
   didn't end up using it for the name of the band, but I ended up writing
   a song about it, and it was basically a song which was, in my mind,
   championing the individual.""

------------------------------

Subject:    1-3.    What's with the Xs?

   A common practice at all-ages punk shows was to mark minors with an "X"
   on their hands so they couldn't buy alcohol. As the straight-edge
   philosophy grew popular, punkers who were older than 18 but didn't
   drink for ideological reasons started to mark themselves with the X in
   a show of solidarity. [1]

------------------------------

Subject:    1-4.    What is sXe?

   sXe is really just an acronym for straight-edge with the X thrown for
   good measure.

   If you have more stuff on the history and origin of the use of the
   term "sXe", share it.

------------------------------

Subject:    1-5.    Where can I find hardcore sex?

   Man! You're seriously in the wrong place. And maybe you should see
   somebody about that dyslexia.

------------------------------

Subject:    1-6.    Is straight-edge a religion?

   No. Although sXe embraces some of the moral values held by most major
   religions, sXe'ers don't necessarily believe in a God. There is no
   organised church or worship service. However, some sXe'ers are members
   of organised churches, temples or mosques where they feel that the sXe
   beliefs fit in. [2]

   Straight Edgers say their life choices stem from a desire to be true to
   themselves and not from any religious beliefs. [8]

------------------------------

Subject:    1-7.    Why do kids get into straight-edge?

   Some common reasons people decide to become sXe include: 1. wanting to
   control their own lives 2. seeing what damage drugs can do to others
   3. being raised in an alcoholic family 4. identifying with the sXe
   values and 5. being with people who have the same values. [2]

   Ruth Horner said "There's just such a TREMENDOUS social pressure to
   drink, do drugs, and so on. Society says 'just say no' but what does it
   matter, once you turn 21? Or at least become an adult. Then it's just
   an accepted form of 'recreation.' By then it has become an accepted
   'addiction' as well. Look at how prevalent alcohol and tobacco and
   negative sexuality are in the media, not just commercials. it's a big
   part of our culture, particularly youth culture. Where does it end you
   up?

   "That's right. Nowhere fast. I just don't understand. From what I have
   heard, hangovers suck. Watching your life fall apart sucks. It's just
   not fair o yourself, or anyone else around you that loves you to take
   such a risk and purposely deny yourself the privilege of being healthy.
   Health isn't a privilege, it's a given. It doesn't FEEL good to have
   hangovers.  It doesn't FEEL good to OD. It doesn't FEEL good to go
   through withdrawal and it most certainly doesn't FEEL good to have
   AIDS! So why don't today's youth learn from example? I did. A lot of
   others out there have too. But for some reason, the ignorant are still
   out there.

   "You just have to learn to stand strong against it all. Stay true to
   yourself. Find alternatives. Personally I find that I get a high from
   going to hows. Just the ROAR of the guitar, and the RUSH of the drums
   feeling he sweat drip from my face, being squashed by the others around
   me. I find THAT exciting!!

   "I don't think I'm any better than anyone else, I just think I'm being
   smart. And if you have a problem with that then tough." [7]

   On 07 Oct 1997 jeramie <[email protected]> wrote:
   "I speak for myself, but I think some of us find life to be more
   entertaining when you can walk and talk straight or look at a member
   of the opposite sex and not be obsessed with f@#$ing them. Being sXe
   is it's own reward. It isn't for everyone, but I know a lot of people
   who do more constructive things which their energy and time because
   they believe in sXe and are'nt tearing themselves apart with vices and
   addictions. You have to be brave enough to try it in order understand
   why it's a lifestyle choice and quest."

   On 09 Aug 1998 Larry Phillips <bigphil@solutions!mb!ca> wrote:
   "Another reason kids get into sxe is cause they think its the cool
   thing to do."

------------------------------

Subject:    1-8.    How do I join the straight-edge?

   You don't join straight-edge, you take on the straight-edge. You
   just get involved in the scene and start thinking for yourself.

   The idea is to closely examine your own life, identify what factors
   influence your thoughts and behaviours, assess what impact they are
   having on your life and rid yourself of those factors which you deem to
   have a negative impact on your life. [2] [12]

------------------------------

Subject:    1-9.    Why do you need a label to be poison free?

   On 28 Aug 1998 Stew <stew-e@usa!net> wrote:
   "Well, you really dont.  There are many hardliners that do it for
   themselves, and themselves only.  Afterall, sXe is a personal choice...
   no one can make it for you.  And today there are many more followers
   than leaders, and we follow what other do and wont take a stand and
   fight the minority.  this label help keep us together and stay strong."

   On 30 Dec 1998 <SikanderXe@aol!com> wrote:
   "the label shows you're actually serious about what you're saying and
   that you're not making any exceptions (although there is lots of
   hypocrisy, but this is ideally speaking). It's also a commitment thing,
   something to believe in."

------------------------------

Subject:    2.      About the music

   Straight-edge grew out of the hardcore/punk scene and the music plays
   an important role. The music is fast, powerful, with angry and
   thoughtful lyrics. It forms a vital outlet for rage and sadness
   against abusive and/or dysfunctional political, societal and family
   structures.

------------------------------

Subject:    2-1     What is hardcore?

   On 15 Apr 1997 <lgumaer@ibm!net> wrote:
   "Hardcore is the style that began in the early 80s, often applied to
   bands such as Black Flag, Minor Threat, Sick of It All, Bad Brains,
   Rollins Band, Fugazi, etc.--sort of "2nd wave" punk bands.  They were
   sloppy punk bands that played with more intensity and heaviness than
   earlier ones like the Sex Pistols, The Clash, etc.  Today's hardcore
   bands are tighter and much heavier, and can be divided into two general
   types (usually called East Coast or West Coast, for where the band is,
   but it's not always consistent).  The first type are smoother, with
   heavy grooves that flow, with a vocalist that sings (or at least tries
   to) or shouts.  The second type is heavier, with tight, stop-and-go
   rhythms and harsh vocals that are a cross between shouts and low
   screams."

   On 10 Jun 1997 Chris97a <chris97a@aol!com> wrote:
   "Hardcore music by definition HAS to fit a mold, but hardcore lyrics by
   definition, are SUPPOSED TO BE THOUGHT PROVOKING!!!"

   On 26 Jun 1997 erik mohr <emandrew@mindspring!com> wrote:
   "... to me that's pretty much always been what hardcore was, highly
   politically charged punk. punk that screams an opinion."

   Nicolas 'Da Ringmaster' <[email protected]> wrote:
   "Alright, this is what hardcore means to me: Energy, Positive attitude,
   Rebellion, Independance, Separating from trends, Not following the
   masses, Hard-core = hard music" [16]

   From the D.O.A. website:
   "D.O.A. popularized the term hardcore as applied to punk rock music
   with the release of Hardcore '81, a pivotal record from the early
   west coast hardcore punk scene.

   "Hardcore was (and is) uncompromising punk attitude combined with
   social activism. Sort of "punk with a message", but not to be confused
   with "straight edge" or "PC" movements, later variations of hardcore.
   West coast hardcore was completely different from the "fashionable"
   punk rock of art school students and posers - in the early days of
   punk there was a huge difference between the English-style punks
   with their fashionably torn and safety-pinned look, and the hardcore
   'street' punk who just didn't give a fuck about their appearance.

   "It's an intelligent movement characterized by a deep anger at the
   status quo. It is not surprising that it began on the U.S.west coast,
   where radicalism and rebellion has deep roots...  schools don't tell
   you much about the labour riots of the 20's or other examples of
   North American civil disobedience... Uncompromising hardcore shocked
   the complacent hippie mentality, needless to say.

   "Hardcore will never die where individualistic thought can survive -
   which of course means it has been constantly oppressed by the vacuous
   media of North America. The current popularization of 'punk' is more
   concerned with style than substance, rather a new fashionable trend
   for the pop machine.

   "Hardcore survives in bands like Fugazi, NoMeansNo, The Ex, and
   D.O.A. - hopefully with the current popularity of punk rock more kids
   will discover that the world ain't exactly a great place, and work for
   positive change despite the many evil forces in this world. And that is
   the best definition of hardcore I can imagine." [11]

   There is quite a bit of disagreement over exactly when hardcore
   started but here are some people's thoughts:

   On 10 May 1997 Fitaurari <fitaurari@aol!com> wrote:
   "And by the way Bad Brains DID invent 'hardcore'!"

   On 10 May 1997 paul.kaczmarek <paul.kaczmarek@ukonline!co!uk> wrote:
   "The Germs (April 77) , Black Flag (June 77), he Misfits (first show -
   April 77), Chain Gang, The Pagans (mid-77), Canada's The Diodes (first
   lp June 77) and The Viletones (recorded Jan 1978) were already under
   the 'hardcore' banner in 1977.

   "There's also a solid argument for giving the first hardcore prize to
   Chrome, who recorded undoubted hardcore lps in 1976, or Crime, who did
   the same."

   On 10 May 1997 Rastapoodle <herblady@zippo!com> wrote:
   "Your knowledge of the dates of the emergence of the punk hardcore
   scene is very good.  I might add that by 1976, bands like Patti Smith,
   Richard Hell and the Voidoids, and many that were playing at CBGB's
   were called punk, and I think that the (mostly) West Coast bands that
   you cite were the hardcore 'babies' of those groups. (Boy, I'm sure
   they'd love that designation!) ;-)"

   On 10 Jul 1997 TSOL12 <tsol12@aol!aol> wrote:
   "without a doubt BLack Flag was the first HC band...anyone who says
   otherswise is a fool. People forget that early HC has its roots in punk
   everyone thinks that the newschool sound is what hardcore is
   about.....plus theres more to being a HC band than just the sound."

------------------------------

Subject:    2-2.    What's the difference between old school and new school
                   hardcore bands?

   The basic musical difference is that old school is punk and new school
   is metal.

   On 12 Jun 1997 Peter <pma@xxedgexx!com> wrote:
   "it's actually really simple. new school is kinda like slayer, only
   the 'kids' pretend it has something to do with hardcore. i see it as
   cheap metal.  old school (THE ONLY SCHOOL!) on the other hand is
   precisely the other way around: fast and positive."

   On 01 Jul 1997 BattleMonkey <battlemonkey@rocketmail!com> wrote:
   "Actually, "old school" depends on how old you are. If YOT is old
   school, then you need to reach back a little further into the Teen
   Idles/Minor Threat days. And that wasn't always positive. The big
   difference for me is that new school is a lot more exclusionary, a
   lot less fun, and has bigger pants."

------------------------------

Subject:    2-3.    What is emo?

   On 1 May 1997 "DAVe B." <skapsr@ix!netcom!com> wrote:
   "emo is a type of music, which is derived from early 80's hardcore.  I
   don t know the whole story, but emo combines hardcore with more melodic
   and experimental music.  Fugazi is the easiest example of a band i can
   name that is considered to be "emo"  also bands like promise ring and
   texas is the reason play this vein of music."

   On 1 May 1997 Kevin Hirsch <hirschk@anet!net> wrote:
   "Emo is generally said to have started with DC bands like Embrace (Ian
   MacKaye's band after Minor Threat and before Fugazi) and Rites of
   Spring (Guy Picciotto's band also before Fugazi), but is in no way
   limited to them, around '85. The sound was basically a slower more
   emotional (hence the name "emo") post- version of hardcore. The vocals
   are usually sung in  "whiny" (for lack of a better word) sort of way.

   "Emotional in this context generally connotes "vulnerability" and/or
   "troubledness", which is different from the emotionality of the
   screaming and thrashing generally associated with hardcore. This open
   emphasis on "vulnerability" and/or "troubledness" represented a major
   break in the hardcore/punk scene at that time, for it prided itself on
   tough- and hardness, as it generally does today. Hence, the long
   running feud between hardcore (sXe) and emo kids.

   "As for emo today, as most other sub-genres, it has spawned many
   (sometimes extremely opposite and/or contradicting) hybrids that all
   stake claim to the label, rendering it somewhat useless. Here are some
   examples: there's political, scream-and-flail-on-the-floor, emo like
   Frail, Swing Kids, Impetus Inter, and a slew of San Diego based bands;
   there's the really slow, discordant, artsy emo like Cap'n Jazz, Joan
   d'Arc, Evergreen, etc.; then we have the more popular
   melody/pop-oriented bands like Texas is the Reason, Sensefield,
   Mineral, Promise Ring, Split Lip (now Chamberlain), etc.; and last but
   not least we have the slow, stop-and-go, melody-thrash alternating
   groups like Amber Inn, Still Life, and others I can't think of right
   now."

   On 31 Aug 1997 <PolarityHC@aol!com> write:
   "I believe that Al Flipside called Embrace "emo" and Ian was like "huh",
   but for some reason the name stuck."

   On 03 Oct 1997 <[email protected]> wrote:
   "i think the band verbal assult invented the word emo.  and embrace, as
   good as they were, weren't the first "emo" band.  dag nasty, 3, and
   7 seconds all had an emo sound before them."

   On 18 Nov 1997 .xmikex. <info@jameson!com> wrote:
   "EMO (E-mo) slang 1)A wimp 2)Anyone not tough enough to listen to your
   friend's band. 3)Anyone/thing that refuses to floorpunch and hit
   bystanders in a mosh pit (see mosh).

   "OK, for real, THIS is my understanding and how my friends and I use
   this helpful term every day:
   1) EMO is an abbreviation of EMOTIONAL.
   2) As such, it can (& I think originally was used to) describe a style
   of music.
   3) A lot of bands from the Washington DC area punk scene are considered
   "EMO" (Embrace being one of the 1st to have this label).
   4) The EMO "SOUND" of minimalist drums & guitars, quiet singing building
   up to a loud screaming racket. There can be a major jazz influence.
   5) Anyone can be emo now. Morrissey, the cure, fugazi, endpoint, you
   name it, they've been labeled "emo" (sinatra)

   "The people:
   Emo kids are considered wimps by most "tough guys". This may or may not
   be true. Classic "emo stories" are of kids crying at shows. (something
   I recently witnessed at a show...) I guess this public show of emotion
   is seen as weakness by most in the HC community. Whereas Emo music tends
   to wrestle the inner demons of personal defeat, loveloss, heartache etc.
   "Hardcore" tends to wrestle that big hairy smelly guy in the pit next to
   you. No, seriously, HC tends to deal with taking action to change things
   rather than ruminate on that might have been. I guess the main
   difference is that Emo tends to be backward looking, and HC tends to be
   forward looking. (Yesyesyes, I know there's MASSIVE crossover in musical
   styles and song subject matter- a lot of HC bands write "personal"
   lyrics and a lot of emo bands write songs with a social message).I
   dunno, I like some emo bands, but I prefer HC.

   "THE STYLE:
   Hair: often a bit crusty
   Glasses: Horn-rim ONLY (cat-eyes are also acceptable for the women)
   Facial Hair: Stubble
   Piercings: Optional
   Necklaces: Beads, etc. (mandatory)
   Shirt: Old t-shirts, dress shirts etc.
   Sweater: No!no!no! a sweaterVEST. (old)
   Jacket: Old, thrift shop gear as with all the above.
   Pants: Dress pants / corduroy. Floods are totally cool.
   Socks: White
   Shoes: Black dress shoes

   "The color palate? Browns, blacks, dark blues etc.

   "Think "Nick at Night". The look is retro with an edge. Drew Carey if
   he wore thrift store stuff.

   A brief list of "emo" bands I or my friends like:
   (i don't like all these bands. they will have an * by their name if I'm
   not a big fan)
   FUGAZI
   EMBRACE
   RITES OF SPRING
   JAWBOX
   BLUETIP
   FRODUS
   TEXAS IS THE REASON*
   PROMISE RING* (yeech)
   NONE LEFT STANDING
   MINERAL
   MAXIMILLIAN COLBY
   JAWBREAKER

   "Perhaps CRUCIAL YOUTH said it best in their glossary of terms when they
   described it:
   EMO-CORE: "Mature" music made by cigarette-puffing ex-straightedgers.
   Heavy on soul-searching, hard to mosh to."

------------------------------

Subject:    2-4.    Who was the first straight-edge band?

   The Teen Idles, an early 80's Washington, DC hardcore band, and
   something of a precursor to Minor Threat, can arguably be called the
   first straight-edge band. [4]

------------------------------

Subject:    2-5.    What is this windmill dance?

   On 13 Nov 1996 Daniel Wayne Zettwoch <dwzettwo@artsci!wustl!edu> wrote:
   "It's kinda like the Humpty-Hump, but a lot more violent.  Got it?"

   On 27 Aug 1997 Karl <RecoilRex@aol!com> wrote:
   "Okay, remember when you were 8 and you'd get into a fight? (or
   see other kids fighting) and you'd just swing your arms in a
   circle toward the person?

   "Well the whole windmill dance thingy is done like that (only
   swinging the arms backwards) while skipping left to right/ right to
   left.

   "Kind of hard to describe"

------------------------------

Subject:    2-6.    What is floorpunching?

   On 13 Nov 1996 Daniel Wayne Zettwoch <dwzettwo@artsci!wustl!edu> wrote:
   "It's done exactly like it sounds. Really punch that floor to make it
   realistic!!  Punch it hard!!"

------------------------------

Subject:    2-7.    What other dances are there?

   On 18 Oct 1997 XMARTINX <hexen@gmx!net> wrote"
   "a guide to violent dancing

   "stagediving, pile-ups, windmills, walls of death, slamdancing, its an
   excellent way to release pent-up frustrations or to shed thos extra
   pounds. This is the spirit of the youth, this is what hardcore is all
   about. The pit found its roots in punks slam and pogo (some say it was
   invented late 70�s on shows from the Germs, The weirdos, Black Flag ...)
   and progressed in trash- and death metal gigs. Since the walls between
   punk and metal have come down, the audience has changed lately, the size
   of the pit is growing. Early hc-gigs saw the craziness of a few
   violators but the latest shows were slamfest were over 50 kids really
   knocked their way through the audience. What makes me so proud about
   this scene is that it never comes to fights. In other places, when a pit
   starts, it often comes to fistfights and those who participate in the
   action want to dance the hardest. Lack of respect and comprehension is
   mostly the reason for this. Anyway, heres some names and explanation
   for pit-tricks, the editor is not responcible for any injuries at all
   ... ;-)

   "Some stagediving techniques:

   "arrow: hands behind the back, take a leap on stage and shoot yourself
   into the front rows.

   "Flip: flip your body headfirst and land on the crowd, you can flip
   over and over again while laying on the crowd too.

   "Feet-first: make sure you dont wear combat-boots for this. Run off
   the stage and jump as high as possible, then stretch both feet before
   you land with your gravity centered in your bottom.

   "Wuss-dive: get on stage and make gestures with your arms that people
   should move up front to catch you, then with lots of efforts, lay down
   safely, like you would drop dead.

   "Floor kiss (or pope -dive): take a huge leap and jump as high as you
   can, pointing your lips in a romantic way and land on your face.

   "Golden Rules:
   - Dont wear too many clothes. Just make sure your piercings, fresh
   tattoos, genitals and brest are well protected. Of course its great if
   you can rip some yuppies Nirvana T-Shirt to tiny pieces.
   - Only dance when theres a good mood. Dont make a complete idiot of
   yourself going off on emo or melodic gigs. Use the H-force for H-bands.
   - Dont take food/drinks with you. You dont wanna end up with fries in
   your ears smelling of Dr.Pepper after a good gig, do you ?
   - Dont fart in the pit !!
   - Dont kiss your partner up front (especially when you dont want the
   others tongue-piercing to be yours)

   "DANCING TRICKS

   "GORILLA (PICKING UP STYLE)
   Legs spread and hands grabbing the floor on the rythms of the beat
   (NY-Style is excellent to do this, Solid the perfect band)

   "BREADSLICER
   Crouch your arms and slam them open as wide and hard as possible, great
   on fast parts, even better in combination of shoving your feet in all
   directions.

   "WINDMILL (single or double)
   Rotate your arms 360 degrees forward or backward, make sure your fingers
   are locked safely in a fist, for the sake of yourself and buddie-slammers.

   "DOUBLE TROUBLE
   One dancer rides the others back or neck against onslaughts of attack by
   human battering rams. Invented by the skins but lately done by our
   BXL-friends.

   "SUCK-CORE SWEEPER
   Stand back to back with a fella and grab his arms from behind. Lift him
   up and whirl like a madman into the front rows. This move is complete
   if you release the human projectile to knock down some victims.

   "WALL OF DEATH
   Arms locked tight in an iron chain, a line of burly dudes mows down any
   unexspecting pedestrian standing in its path. When doing this, make sure
   you have the beefiest guys with you.

   "FRIGOBAZAR HIP-HOP
   Jump up and down like a moron to ridicolous hiphop-beats. When you see
   geeks doing this, go for a double windmill or a wall of death to clear
   them of the floor so they can hide safely in the back drinking
   Kriek-Beer"

   On 18 Oct 1997 XJeremyX wrote:
   "My favorites:

   "The Menace: If you saw the movie "Don't be a menace to south central
   while drinking your juice in the hood" (the grandma did it while she
   was break dancing in church) you should be familiar with this one. You
   stand on one foot, grab your other ankle and kick your leg forward while
   still holding it. Fun to do to the slow dance parts.

   "The helicopter: spread your arms out and swing them around like your a
   helicopter.Wheeeeeee!

   "The Sledgehammer: Clasp your hands and Swing them like you've got a
   sledgehammer. Fun to do to the intro of those fast old school songs
   just before you point and scream "GO!"

   "Kick'n'go: Hold your arm out, fully extended, with your hand held in
   a palm. Swing your arm and strike your palm with your fist. now when
   you bring your fist back to hit your palm again, kick. repeat.

   "Seisure: My favorite. Do what you want, but shake like a maniac and
   run around. Do this when the singer passes you the mike."

------------------------------

Subject:    3.      About the commitment

------------------------------

Subject:    3-1.    Why are there so many rules?

   Straight-edge isn't about rules. It's a philosophy about being in
   control of your own actions and making decisions for yourself. As a
   result you'll choose not to smoke, drink, sleep around, eat meat but
   these choices may be different to different people. The hallmarks of
   straight-edge remain hardcore/punk music and don't smoke, don't drink,
   don't fuck.

   On 22 Mar 1997 sibber <sibber@worldnet!att!net> wrote:
   "to call what i, you,and that everyone else lives by as ''rules'' is
   kind of i don't know the right word but when I hear rules its normally
   something i want to do but can't. i see it as commitments that i
   proudly live by."

------------------------------

Subject:    3-2.    If I slip from the 'edge does that mean I can't be
                   straight-edge anymore?

   Noone is perfect, so just get back on the 'edge.

   On 12 Jul 1997 <Shmee5@aol!com> wrote:
   "It's my belief that either you are or you never were. I'm not saying
   that I don't believe in second chances - but when it comes to slipping
   from the edge...well, just don't slip and there's no nead to worry.  I
   just feel that if you aren't ready to commit then you shouldn't call
   yourself SxE."

   On 14 Sep 1997 ianX <[email protected]> wrote:
   "it's easy to go off track when shit happens. No-one has to be perfect
   as no-one can be."

   On 01 Dec 1997 <[email protected]> wrote:
   "there is no slipping up in sXe. this can be heard in the lyrics of
   many bands...sXe is, by the modern definition a commitment for life.
   if you slip up you sell out, and if you sell out then you can't call
   yourself straightedge anymore. that's basically it. there's no turning
   back."

------------------------------

Subject:    3-3.   Can I be straight-edge and a Christian?

   The typical punk view is that all organised religion is a crutch that
   keeps people down.  However there are many who don't agree that is has
   to be, nor should be like that.

   xjeffx said "I don't believe in a god or in organised religion,
   Christianity especially. Believing in something which we don't know
   definitively exists, is absurd to me. Religion (Christianity) is
   oppression of the people. ...In the words of Karl Marx "Religion is the
   opium of the people." What is meant by this is that people rely on
   religion like a drug. When things get bad, they take a little, like
   when they get fired, they would pray and feel better. Then something
   else happens and they go take a little more. Eventually they are
   "addicted" or in other words "faithful" to religion and god, like a
   drug, which is their way of escape from reality." [6]

   Christians would respond that they agree that this sux and that it is
   some bad elements within Christianity that give the whole scene a bad
   name. True Christianity is about truth and not blind faith so your
   belief has to be backed up by historical fact and reason.  Its sort of
   like the hardcore scene - there are all these kids who haven't got a
   clue but just smoke, drink and fuck themselves into oblivion. These kids
   give HC a bad name. Then there are the few kids who are straight-edge,
   who take life seriously and do something positive.  Even within sXe
   there are the militant and hardline elements that distort the rest of
   the movement.

   On 18 Jun 1997 X calculus X <bwrenn@cslab!vt!edu> wrote:
   "The guy who only turns to God when he is down is not a true Christian.
   He thinks of God more or less as his imaginary friend. Being Christian
   involves understanding who Jesus is and how following his teachings
   will enable you to work towards bettering your own life.  This is not a
   crutch at all.  This has some degree of parallelism to sXe in that it
   involves follwing priciples and beleifs."

------------------------------

Subject:    3-4.    If I'm straight-edge can I take holy communion?

   Firstly why doesn't you Church provide grape juice as an option to
   wine? How do they cater for ex-alcoholics? Ask! Secondly the amount of
   wine is so small that it really shouldn't be an issue. The point of the
   exercise is symbolic.  You can think for yourself so make your own mind
   up on the issue.

------------------------------

Subject:    3-5.    Can I be straight-edge and gay?

   Straight-edge has nothing to do with your sexuality. Its casual sex
   that's an issue.

------------------------------

Subject:    3-6.    Is straight-edge about politics?

   Although sXe is not inherently political, politics are a logical
   extension of an sXe lifestyle. Once you have regained control over your
   life, the desire to help others and to make a positive contribution to
   your culture, society, community by addressing issues of social justice
   is a very natural thing to do. Many sXe'ers join organisations like
   Greenpeace, Amnesty International, and SADD (Students Against Drunk
   Drivers). They also encourage friends to give up drugs, alcohol, and
   smoking. [2] [12]

   On Mon, 24 Mar 1997 <katoh9tale@aol!com> wrote:
   "My impression of people who are talking about straight-edge these days
   is similar to the impression of current dead-heads sitting around
   talking about how much they wished that they had been around at
   woodstock shouting the "fish cheer" with Country Joe and the Fish.

   "It is an incredible misunderstanding of the music and surrounding
   culture that lead to it's creation.

   "The straight-edge in spawned in DC and Boston back in the days of
   Minor Threat and SSD was not some kind of ideological system.  It was a
   knee-jerk reaction to an overwhelming number of fans who were minors
   and the incredible numbers of clubs who refused to allow them in the
   doors. Even the "X" in sXe is nothing more than a throwback to club
   alcohol policies."

   Asked where he stands politically, Russ Rankin from Good Riddance said:
   "I would say I'm very much to the left on everything. Everything except
   drug legalization.  I don't think drugs should ever be legalized.

   "Why not? Because I'm straight edge and closed minded." [13]

------------------------------

Subject:    3-7.    Do I have to be vegan/vegetarian to be straight-edge?

   On 23 Jul 1997 Andy Dempz <adempz@umich!edu> wrote:
   "vegetarianism is not part of sxe, only a natural progression."

   Veganism has little to do with sXe pure life ideals. People generally
   aren't addicted to animal products. But it seems logical to look at
   everything you put into your body once you start examining external
   factors, and so many sXe folk logically choose to adopt a vegan life.
   [2]

   The following definitions are from the rec.food.veg FREQUENTLY ASKED
   QUESTIONS LIST (FAQ):
   The term 'Vegetarian' was coined in 1847. It was first formally used
   on September 30th of that year by Joseph Brotherton and others, at
   Northwood Villa in Kent, England. The occasion being the innaugural
   meeting of the Vegetarian Society of the United Kingdom.

   The word was derived from the Latin 'vegetus', meaning whole, sound,
   fresh, lively; (it should not be confused with 'vegetable-arian' - a
   mythical human whom some imagine subsisting entirely on vegetables
   but no nuts, fruits, grains etc!)

   The original definition of 'vegetarian' was "with or without eggs or
   dairy products" and that definition is still used by the Vegetarian
   Society today.

   A vegan excludes animal flesh (meat, poultry, fish and seafood),
   animal products (eggs and dairy), and usually excludes honey and the
   wearing and use of animal products (leather, silk, wool, lanolin,
   gelatin...). The major vegan societies all disallow honey, but some
   "vegans" still use it. Some "vegans" also refuse to eat yeast
   products.

   The word was invented by the UK Vegan society in the 1940's. They
   pronounced it "vee-gn". [14]

------------------------------

Subject:    3-8.    Can I take medications if I'm straight-edge?

   Some kids say you shouldn't take any drugs. "Straight Edger's exclude
   all forms of drugs from their lives, including alcohol, cigarettes,
   illegal drugs and often other drugs such as aspirin. Most sXe'ers don't
   even "use" caffeine." [2]

   However, it would be stupid not to take medications for serious
   illnesses. How can you take control of your life if you're delirious
   or dead!

   On 25 Jan 1997 refuge <ebmgieda@refuge!microserve!com> wrote:
   "fucking take them! are you nuts?"

   On 27 Sep 1997 SuperCarol <supercarol@hotmail!com> wrote:
   "You are who you are. Straight Edge has always been about the choices
   you make, right? Well you don't have a choice to choose to have [a
   condition] or not. Therefore take your medicine and have SxE pride
   because you are doing what's best for your body. And I think a lot of
   "SxE" is about taking care of yourself...as long as you're not abusing
   your prescription, than it's all good."

   On 10 Nov 1998 Xed mitchellX Edwin.Mitchell@Colorado!EDU> wrote:
   "The first thing you must understand is that sXe, in its most basic
   essence, is a defiance of the self-destructive behaviors that
   mainstream society, the media, and often times our parents and most
   often our friends deem acceptable.  These behaviors are most often
   prerequisite for social acceptance in many circles ranging from the
   high-school beer party to the CEO's business party.  It is an
   acceptance of responsibility for your own actions and your own life
   to become sXe, and many times the lines drawn for that accptance vary
   from person to person, so in the end the decision whether to include
   medical drugs in ones sXe commitment is up to the individual.  However,
   it is my opinion that the idealism of that rejection of
   self-destructive behavior is what embodies sXe.  So, in my opinioin,
   to not take a medication that is beneficial, or crucial to your
   health doesn't really do anything for you except advance your ailment.
   It is also important to remember that a healthy straight-edger is a
   much more effective revolutionary than one who is sick or dying."

------------------------------

Subject:    3-9.    Is taking caffeine straight-edge?

   On 17 Jun 1997 ianX <ian-one@demon!co!uk> wrote:
   "really it's up to your own interpretation of straightedge, some drink
   coffee and tea others don't. It's all a matter of personal choice. I
   don't drink it as I just hate coffee's taste."

   On 15 Nov 1998 Neal M. Jones <[email protected]> wrote:
   "I do believe it is right for a person who calls himself sXe to
   drink or eat caffene in moderate amounts. I call myself sXe but
   still drink coffee on occation. The point is that i think that if
   a straightXedger uses a legal drug that won't ruin his life, like
   alchohol and tobacco do, it isn't a violation of the sXe principles.
   Unlike other legal drugs, caffiene isn't very harmful and isn't as
   addictive.  The same moral issue goes for perscription drugs.  Drugs
   you get from the doctor are perscribed so that they won't hurt you.
   It would be wrong to take someone else's perscription but since the
   drug suggested by your doctor is ohkay for you to take it doesn't
   conflict with your sXe beliefs.  I do believe that at the point when
   you do get addicted to caffiene you should stop but if someone just
   does it moderately it is allright.  That is different with beer and
   tobacco because people can easily become addicted, stoned or otherwise
   screwed-up by taking in just a little of these drugs.  I havn't heard
   of anyone getting there life messed up by coffee and if i ever do i
   will stop drinking it."

------------------------------

Subject:    3-10.   How much does pro-life feature in sXe?

   This is quite a heated topic as you can imagine.  I'll take the
   liberty to define some of the terms since there is a lot of different
   meanings being used - I'll take the obvious ones.  Pro-life is the
   belief that life (especially human) is always valuable and should be
   supported and defended.  It is not however anti-choice, just like
   pro-choice is not anti-life.  Pro-choice is the belief that people
   should be able to make life choices by themselves, and in particular
   whether they choose to have an abortion performed on their unborn
   child.

   Given the definitions above most who've got the straight-edge are
   pro-life and pro-choice.  That is, they will take responsibility for
   their actions (which is the reason for being straight) and will not
   take the easy option of aborting an unexpected child.  However, they
   will not presume to force the same ethic on others.

   Those who are hardline will also be anti-choice.

   On 04 Aug 1997 Mike Kornitsky <korndog@vcn!bc!ca> wrote:
   "Anti-abortion figures into sxe about as much as veganism does.  It
   is an extension of the making the personal life political.  The most
   effective place to make a change is your own body and the actions you
   take every day."

------------------------------

Subject:    3-11.   Don't most stop being straight-edge when they reach
                   drinking age?

   On 04 Aug 1997 Mike Kornitsky <korndog@vcn!bc!ca> wrote:
   "It probably wasn't the right choice for them in the first place if
   they loose the edge once they become legal.  They're not being honest
   to themselves of the motives behind calling themselves straight edge."

------------------------------

Subject:    3-12.   All my friends drink, does this mean I have to find
                   new friends?

   No! Be a good influence for them. You can be a better friend by
   being straight.

------------------------------

Subject:    3-13.   Do straight-edge kids have sex at all?

   In short yes. However, most sxe kids will wait until they are ready to
   take on the responsibility of a relationship that is serious enough
   for the commitment of marraige.

   On 14 Sep 1997 zach <[email protected]> wrote:
   "no casual sex. or permiscous sex, fucking around, no one nite stands,
   diseases are spread, abortions happen, date rape, so no screwing
   around, emotional baggage you dont need, so basicly you dont have sex
   until you meet someone your comfortable with and that you'll take on
   all the responsibilities or sex."

   On 15 Sep 1997 mattie t <[email protected]> wrote:
   "Sxe is to abstain from poisons and mainly be true to your self. Being
   true to yourself will help you from abstaining from sex. It has worked
   for me I was a virgin until 19."

   On 19 Sep 1997 Simon XXX <[email protected]> wrote:
   "if you're going to quote Ian, you should put it in some sort of context
   first. Ian always used to make a point of explaining that he used the
   word "fuck" very specifically, to refer to people using/abusing each
   other. He was far from celibate himself. Straight edge has nothing to
   do with celibacy."

------------------------------

Subject:    3-14.   I used to drink and do drugs, can I still be sXe?

   No problems about the past! It's all about the now. Otherwise noone
   could ever be SXE. But one thing that you should do before taking the
   edge is consider that it's for life so don't just play with it. It's
   not just a phase... Other sxers will accept you if you're true from
   now on.

------------------------------

Subject:    4.      About the scene

   On 19 Aug 1997 Terence David <SandraGail@webtv!net> wrote:
   "Just wanted to talk about the good old glory days when the HARDCORE
   scene was REAL and there was no kickboxing, baggy clothes or attitudes.
   Yeah Yeah, all you "new school" kids are probably sick of hearing about
   the past, but it is brought up so often because of how great it was (at
   least compared to now).  Everybody had something to say and used their
   energy positively and did something productive with it.
   Whether they started a band, did a zine or promoted a show, they were
   benefiting Hardcore and making "our" subculture a better one.  Nowadays
   it seems that H.C. is grasping onto the things that we tryed so hard to
   get away from.  All of the negative aspects of mainstream life seem to
   be filtering into our scene.  Shit talking, fashion, competition, money,
   greed and status (just to name a few of the more blatant ones).  Our
   scene is becoming a small scale version of this shitty world around us.
   As Ray of Today once said, it's time to "MAKE A CHANGE"!!  H.C.S.E. is
   somehting I hold very close to my heart.  It's more than music, fashion
   or the latest karate dance.  It's a way of life.  The past is the past
   and now is now.  But please, let's try to make our scene's future a
   better more positive one.  That means become more productive, more
   positive and leave the brass knuckles and atttitudes at home.  Better
   yet, throw em' away.  We're all in this together and unity is what it's
   all about."

------------------------------

Subject:    4-1.    Aren't you all just mummy's boys?

   While straight-edgers don't smoke, drink, or sleep around, we're not
   just mindlessly conforming to authority.

   "The difference between us and nerds is that we [abstain from drugs] as
   a way of rebelling against society, not because society tells us not
   to," said Sean O'Donnell, 18, a freshman at West Chester University.
   [9]

   Whatever the reason for their sobriety, many adults believe that the
   peer support Straight Edgers get is a good thing. A lot of them get
   ostracised and harassed because they're straight. [9]

------------------------------

Subject:    4-2.    Why do all you kids wear backpacks?

   To protect us from the knives! [From a Raid interview. Anyone know
   where?]

------------------------------

Subject:    4-3.    Why is straight-edge so narrow minded?

   In the mid to late 80's, straight-edge hardcore reached a zenith,
   especially in the greater Metropolitan area of New York City.  This
   atmosphere led to the creation of Gorilla Biscuits, Bold, Wide Awake
   and arguably the most prolific band of the era, Youth of Today. While
   the bands of this period did much to popularise straight-edge, they
   also contributed to its closeminded and antagonistic aspects. The
   attitude between straight-edge and the rest of the world often took on
   adversarial tones during this time, largely becoming "The positive
   youth crew versus people who drink, smoke and/or do drugs." Many people
   dislike straight-edge and its adherents because of such intolerant
   views. [4]

   In a 1995 interview with the Thicker fanzine, Ian MacKaye denounced the
   stringent attitude prevalent in the culture he is widely credited with
   founding. "The whole straight-edge thing for me was never about this
   kind of puritan lifestyle, where I was supposed to be leading the
   masses towards a better tomorrow," he said. [1]

   On 03 Jul 1997 Koontz Christopher Noel <iy17@jove!acs!unt!edu> wrote:
   "One can be a non-smoker, a teatotaler, and a vegetarian, and yet still
   be Adolf Hitler. -- Karl Barth on Der Fuehrer"

------------------------------

Subject:    4-4.    Why can't we have unity within hardcore/punk?

   On 24 Jul 1997 Ralf Sandner <spitbrother@swol!de> wrote:
   "i think straight edge only makes sense in the punk community. like my
   favourite t-shirt says: "if you are not punk you are not straight
   edge". so i hate what most of sXe is today: kids just being sXe with no
   bounds to or even hate towards the punk scene, kids listening to bad
   metal bands and acting like macho idiots instead of fellow punks having
   a sXe lifestyle"

   On 04 Jul 1997 INTEG <integ@hdk-berlin!de> wrote:
   "JUST ANOTHER WORD  (by SFA, 1989)
   When will you realize you can't change anything with just an "X" on
   your hand. When will you realize that unity is just another word if
   you don't follow through. These walls you build between us are the
   ones you claim to be breaking down.  I don't buy your superior
   attitude. When will you realize? You cast me off because I'm not like
   you. You think you're cool with your ways, you self-righteous child.
   This dilemma WE FACE we could face together if you would really open
   your minds.  When will you realize? - You probably never will."

   On 07 Jul 1997 BattleMonkey <battlemonkey@rocketmail!com> wrote:
   "I grew up and hung out in Louisivlle, KY for years during the 1980s,
   and the shows there were incredibly diverse and non-specific. Beercore
   nuts would go see straight edge bands, and straight edge kids would 4-5.    Isn't straight-edge just a fad?
   4-6.    What is hardline straight-edge?
   4-7.    What is a poseur?
   4-8.    Is sXe a crutch for the weak?
   4-9.    What is a sellout?
   4-10.   Why do a lot of you people use the name of your band
           or 'zine as a surname?
   4-11.   Why don't sXe kids have a sense of humour?
   4-12.   What is DIY?
   4-13.   What is the relationship of sXe to skating and BMX?
   4-14.   Why is there so much violence in sXe?

   5.      About the people
   5-1.    What do you guys wear?
   5-2.    What's with the tattoos and stuff?
   5-3.    Who's who of apse?

------------------------------

Subject:    iii.    References

   [1]     Josh Krist <joshuak@vpico!com>, White Punks on Hope - What's
           punk rock without the beer and nihilism? Better, according to
           members of the Valley's "straight-edge" punk scene.,
           Phoenix New Times, 1996,
           <http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/1996/082296/music1.html>.

   [2]     Daniel Zander <XzanderX@bigfoot!com>, Straight Edge - The
           Discipline, Cyber Edge,
           <http://xxcyberxx.xxedgexx.com/sXe.html>.

   [3]     David Diekmann <david@crackedass!com>, Minor Threat: Lyrics,
           CrackedAss punk-ska-hardcore zine & records, 1997,
           <http://www.crackedass.com/minorthreat/lyrics.html>.

   [4]     Juergen Heerdegen <juergen@straight-edge!com>, More than you'd
           care to know about straight-edge, straight-edge.com
           Website, <http://www.straight-edge.com/definition.html>.

   [5]     Bruce Buckley, Earth Crisis - Desperate music for desperate
           times, Syracuse New Times, 1996,
           <http://www.rway.com/newtimes/111396/cover.htm>.

   [6]     <xjeffx@creighton!edu>, More Straight Edge For Your Money!!,
           <http://www.creighton.edu/~xjeffx/>.

   [7]     Ruth Horner <softie@rocketmail!com>, sXe Intro, Punks G Hybrid zine,
           <http://www.phreakco.com/punksg/columns/ruth/intro.htm>.

   [8]     Greg Patterson, The Straight Edge, Seattle Times, 1995,
           <http://studwww.rug.ac.be/~jdschepp/sxe/texts/seattle.htm>.

   [9]     Sean J. Mallison, The Straight Edge: Clean Living's New Look,
           NY Times,
           <http://studwww.rug.ac.be/~jdschepp/sxe/texts/nytimes.htm>.

   [10]    Hardline Creed, <http:/www.pitt.edu/~mpkst6/HL.html>.

   [11]    Laurie Mercer <laurie@musicwest!com>, What is Hardcore?,
           D.O.A.'s Hardcore homepage,
           <http://www.musicwest.com/DOA/doaishc.html>.

   [12]    Randy Thatcher <rht3@po!cwru!edu>, alt.punk.straight-edge
           Frequently Asked Questions, 1995,
           <http://k2.scl.cwru.edu/~rht3/faq>.

   [13]    Matt Williams, Outside Dremley Studios - an interview with
           Russ Rankin from Good Riddance, June '95,
           <http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Heights/4379/gr-info.html>.

   [14]    Michael Traub <traub@mistral!co!uk>, rec.food.veg FREQUENTLY
           ASKED QUESTIONS LIST (FAQ), Usenet rec.food.veg,
           <ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet/news.answers/vegetarian/faq>.

   [15]    Straight Edge Vegan Mailing List, Vegan Straight Edge Site,
           <http://www.vegan-straight-edge.org.uk/sxevegan.htm>.

   [16]    Jacques <[email protected]> and Nicolas
           <[email protected]>, x Straightedge Park x,
           <http://studwww.rug.ac.be/~jdschepp/sxe/main.htm>.

   [17]    "Earth Crisis going mainstream", Destroy Babylon, Issue 4,
           1996.

------------------------------

Subject:    iv.     Where to find this FAQ

   This FAQ is posted monthly to the Usenet newsgroups
   alt.punk.straight-edge, alt.music.hardcore,
   alt.lifestyle.substance-free, alt.skate-board, alt.answers, and
   news.answers where you should be able to find it. Most news server
   honours the expiration date for news.answers so this is probably the
   best place to look for it.

   The latest officially posted copy of this FAQ is archived at
   rtfm.mit.edu. You can retrieve it by anonymous FTP from:
   <ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet/news.answers/cultures/straight-edge-faq>

   If you don't want to use FTP you can get it via email by sending an
   email request to [email protected] with the following line in
   the body of the message. Note there should not be any spaces before the
   word send.

       send usenet/news.answers/cultures/straight-edge-faq

   A hypertext version is also maintained automatically at
   <http://www.faqs.org/faqs/cultures/straight-edge-faq/>.

------------------------------

Subject:    v.      About the maintainer

   I was always meant to be straight-edge
   I've never liked the taste of alcohol
   I've never liked the smell of smoke
   I've kept myself for my special girl

   I've always dressed to be different
   I've always liked my music radical
   I've never really had any friends
   Now I've been labelled straight-edge

------------------------------

Subject:    vi.     A word about SPAM

   Since I started to post this FAQ I've been inundated with junk emails
   from mindless shits that can't respect anyone's privacy.  As a result
   all email addresses are listed with exclaimation marks in place of
   the periods to save my friends from the curse of SPAM.

   On 02 Jul 1997 Rodger Whitlock <totototo@mail!pacificcoast!net> wrote:
   "What are Spammerz? They are parasitic, thieving, bottom-feeding,
   asocial would-be entreprenuers with Ayn-Randish hero complexes, who
   abuse UseNet by sending out massive numbers of newsgroup messages
   (and email) advertising porn sites, phone sex lines, psychic readings,
   make-money-fast schemes, multi-level marketing schemes, and other
   methods for separating you from your hard-earned money without
   providing anything of use in return.

   "Why Spam? There is a Monty Python skit featuring a song, the text of
   which is essentially "Spam" over and over - that's all you get - it's
   everywhere.

   "Welcome aboard."

------------------------------

Subject:    vii.    Questions in progress

   The following are some questions that people want answers to but haven't
   been finalised yet. Please mail me your ideas for questions and answers.

   Got any more questions?

------------------------------

Subject:    1.      About straight-edge

   Straight Edge is a more philosophical offshoot of the punk movement, a
   reaction to the hedonism and self-destruction that characterised punk.
   The basic tenet of the philosophy centres around the issue of
   self-control. The goal is to regain as much personal control over your
   own life as possible. sXe is the only youth counter-culture to actively
   discourage drug use, alcohol use, and casual sex. [2] [12]

   Straight edge is a lifestyle centred around personal development and
   well being, while encouraging fun and togetherness. sXe is not just
   about  being into contemporary punk music acts and being against drugs.
   It goes deeper than this. The movement wishes to attract people away
   from dependancy lifestyles centred around drug habits (legal or
   illegal) and unhealthy and exploitative eating and general living
   habits common in modern cultures. sXe is not dogmatic, there are no
   hard rules, these are for you to decide. Nobody should dictate like
   the police, or preach an ideology like the church or state. [15]

   The term itself is believed to have been coined by the band Minor
   Threat of the punk rock/hardcore scene in the early '80s.  Their singer
   Ian MacKaye eschewed the nihilistic tendencies of punk rock, promoting
   instead the simple (almost simplistic) philosophy of "don't drink/
   don't smoke/ don't fuck." [4]

       Out of Step (with the world)
       by Minor Threat, 1981 [3]

       (I) Don't smoke
       Don't drink
       Don't fuck
       At least I can fucking think

       I can't keep up
       Can't keep up
       Can't keep up
       Out of step with the world

   In the 12 years since the demise of Minor Threat, these simple beliefs
   have transformed the minds of scores of teens worldwide. Increasingly
   disenchanted with societal ills, young men and women adopt the
   straight-edge doctrine as a blueprint to better first themselves, and
   then the world in which they live. While the original definition of
   straight-edge only included the rejection of mind altering substances
   and promiscuous sex, modern interpretations include a vegetarian (or
   vegan) diet and an increasing involvement and awareness of
   environmental and political issues. [4]

   On 15 Sep 1997 Andy Dempz <adempz@umich!edu> wrote:
   "Well...  [Ian] might be credited with starting it, but he's made it
   abundantly clear he doesn't care for what's it turned into.  Read old
   Minor Threat interviews, i bet most Earth Crisis fans would be shocked to
   hear him say 'it doesn't mean never drink a beer...'  Besides, after
   watching every "hero" since then fall, from SSD to Youth of Today to
   today's flavor of the month, i think worrying about some stranger's
   lifestyle in regards to your own is a little silly.  I do this for me,
   no one else."

   On 17 Sep 1997 Andy Dempz <adempz@umich!edu> wrote:
   "I mean gees, just listen to what he mumbles in the middle of Out of
   Step, 'there's no set of rules, i'm just bringing up three things
   that are like so important to the whole world... whether they're
   fuckin, or whether they're playing golf.'  So maybe golf isn't sxe!"

   From a Minor Threat interview in Touch & Go zine:
   "Ian: Like Straight Edge, people have taken it to an extreme...as far
   as i'm concerned all we did was put out an idea... if people wanna
   hear it as preaching if that's what they want.  Straight edge to me
   is someone who is alert enough to benefit from what he or she is
   doing...

   "Lyle: the drug and alcohol is only one side of it anyway, it's alot
   more than that, there are other things that can sidetrack you...

   "Ian: That's what "don't Fuck" means... alot of people think that to
   be straight edge you can't drink, smoke, or have sex and that's
   silly... what the don't fuck thing is that the whole getting laid
   and getting head thing

   "Lyle: living for sex

   "Ian: following your penis around is fucking people up more than
   anything"

------------------------------

Subject:    1-1.    What is alt.punk.straight-edge?

   alt.punk.straight-edge is a news group on Usenet that provides a forum
   for discussions about the straight-edge lifestyle.  The sort of things
   that should be posted includes questions and news about straight-edge
   hardcore/punk bands, the straight-edge lifestyle, and the scene. The
   sort of posts that aren't welcome is SPAM, mindless insults (lets try
   to be creative :), and irrelevant cross-posted threads.

------------------------------

Subject:    1-2.    Where does the name straight-edge come from?

   According to legend, the drummer for Minor Threat [Jeff Nelson], one of
   the first bands to preach the "stay punk, stay clean" ethos, ...was
   drawing a poster for a show using a wood ruler. He commented to his
   bandmates that the ruler's straight edge was a metaphor for their
   lifestyle. [1]

       Straight Edge
       by Minor Threat, 1981 [3]

       I'm a person just like you
       But I've got better things to do
       Than sit around and fuck my head
       Hang out with the living dead
       Snort white shit up my nose
       Pass out at the shows
       I don't even think about speed
       That's something I just don't need

       I've got the straight edge

       I'm a person just like you
       But I've got better things to do
       Than sit around and smoke dope
       'Cause I know I can cope
       Laugh at the thought of eating ludes
       Laugh at the thought of sniffing glue
       Always gonna keep in touch
       Never want to use a crutch

       I've got the straight edge

   On 30 Aug 1997 erik mohr <emandrew@mindspring!com> wote:
   "my understanding of the origin was that ian mc.. wanted to call minor
   threat "straight edge" and the rest of the guys wouldn't go for it. so
   he wrote a song cause he liked the name."

   On 09 Aug 1998 Larry Phillips <bigphil@solutions!mb!ca> wrote:
   "Ian Macaye didn't want to call the band "Straight Edge", he wanted to
   call it "Straight".  here is the exact quote from the interview with
   him in the sXe book on Revelation "I wanted just to name the band
   "Straight," because we were going to push this thing even more. We
   didn't end up using it for the name of the band, but I ended up writing
   a song about it, and it was basically a song which was, in my mind,
   championing the individual.""

------------------------------

Subject:    1-3.    What's with the Xs?

   A common practice at all-ages punk shows was to mark minors with an "X"
   on their hands so they couldn't buy alcohol. As the straight-edge
   philosophy grew popular, punkers who were older than 18 but didn't
   drink for ideological reasons started to mark themselves with the X in
   a show of solidarity. [1]

------------------------------

Subject:    1-4.    What is sXe?

   sXe is really just an acronym for straight-edge with the X thrown for
   good measure.

   If you have more stuff on the history and origin of the use of the
   term "sXe", share it.

------------------------------

Subject:    1-5.    Where can I find hardcore sex?

   Man! You're seriously in the wrong place. And maybe you should see
   somebody about that dyslexia.

------------------------------

Subject:    1-6.    Is straight-edge a religion?

   No. Although sXe embraces some of the moral values held by most major
   religions, sXe'ers don't necessarily believe in a God. There is no
   organised church or worship service. However, some sXe'ers are members
   of organised churches, temples or mosques where they feel that the sXe
   beliefs fit in. [2]

   Straight Edgers say their life choices stem from a desire to be true to
   themselves and not from any religious beliefs. [8]

------------------------------

Subject:    1-7.    Why do kids get into straight-edge?

   Some common reasons people decide to become sXe include: 1. wanting to
   control their own lives 2. seeing what damage drugs can do to others
   3. being raised in an alcoholic family 4. identifying with the sXe
   values and 5. being with people who have the same values. [2]

   Ruth Horner said "There's just such a TREMENDOUS social pressure to
   drink, do drugs, and so on. Society says 'just say no' but what does it
   matter, once you turn 21? Or at least become an adult. Then it's just
   an accepted form of 'recreation.' By then it has become an accepted
   'addiction' as well. Look at how prevalent alcohol and tobacco and
   negative sexuality are in the media, not just commercials. it's a big
   part of our culture, particularly youth culture. Where does it end you
   up?

   "That's right. Nowhere fast. I just don't understand. From what I have
   heard, hangovers suck. Watching your life fall apart sucks. It's just
   not fair o yourself, or anyone else around you that loves you to take
   such a risk and purposely deny yourself the privilege of being healthy.
   Health isn't a privilege, it's a given. It doesn't FEEL good to have
   hangovers.  It doesn't FEEL good to OD. It doesn't FEEL good to go
   through withdrawal and it most certainly doesn't FEEL good to have
   AIDS! So why don't today's youth learn from example? I did. A lot of
   others out there have too. But for some reason, the ignorant are still
   out there.

   "You just have to learn to stand strong against it all. Stay true to
   yourself. Find alternatives. Personally I find that I get a high from
   going to hows. Just the ROAR of the guitar, and the RUSH of the drums
   feeling he sweat drip from my face, being squashed by the others around
   me. I find THAT exciting!!

   "I don't think I'm any better than anyone else, I just think I'm being
   smart. And if you have a problem with that then tough." [7]

   On 07 Oct 1997 jeramie <[email protected]> wrote:
   "I speak for myself, but I think some of us find life to be more
   entertaining when you can walk and talk straight or look at a member
   of the opposite sex and not be obsessed with f@#$ing them. Being sXe
   is it's own reward. It isn't for everyone, but I know a lot of people
   who do more constructive things which their energy and time because
   they believe in sXe and are'nt tearing themselves apart with vices and
   addictions. You have to be brave enough to try it in order understand
   why it's a lifestyle choice and quest."

   On 09 Aug 1998 Larry Phillips <bigphil@solutions!mb!ca> wrote:
   "Another reason kids get into sxe is cause they think its the cool
   thing to do."

------------------------------

Subject:    1-8.    How do I join the straight-edge?

   You don't join straight-edge, you take on the straight-edge. You
   just get involved in the scene and start thinking for yourself.

   The idea is to closely examine your own life, identify what factors
   influence your thoughts and behaviours, assess what impact they are
   having on your life and rid yourself of those factors which you deem to
   have a negative impact on your life. [2] [12]

------------------------------

Subject:    1-9.    Why do you need a label to be poison free?

   On 30 Dec 1998 <SikanderXe@aol!com> wrote:
   "the label shows you're actually serious about what you're saying and
   that you're not making any exceptions (although there is lots of
   hypocrisy, but this is ideally speaking). It's also a commitment thing,
   something to believe in."

------------------------------

Subject:    2.      About the music

   Straight-edge grew out of the hardcore/punk scene and the music plays
   an important role. The music is fast, powerful, with angry and
   thoughtful lyrics. It forms a vital outlet for rage and sadness
   against abusive and/or dysfunctional political, societal and family
   structures.

------------------------------

Subject:    2-1     What is hardcore?

   On 15 Apr 1997 <lgumaer@ibm!net> wrote:
   "Hardcore is the style that began in the early 80s, often applied to
   bands such as Black Flag, Minor Threat, Sick of It All, Bad Brains,
   Rollins Band, Fugazi, etc.--sort of "2nd wave" punk bands.  They were
   sloppy punk bands that played with more intensity and heaviness than
   earlier ones like the Sex Pistols, The Clash, etc.  Today's hardcore
   bands are tighter and much heavier, and can be divided into two general
   types (usually called East Coast or West Coast, for where the band is,
   but it's not always consistent).  The first type are smoother, with
   heavy grooves that flow, with a vocalist that sings (or at least tries
   to) or shouts.  The second type is heavier, with tight, stop-and-go
   rhythms and harsh vocals that are a cross between shouts and low
   screams."

   On 10 Jun 1997 Chris97a <chris97a@aol!com> wrote:
   "Hardcore music by definition HAS to fit a mold, but hardcore lyrics by
   definition, are SUPPOSED TO BE THOUGHT PROVOKING!!!"

   On 26 Jun 1997 erik mohr <emandrew@mindspring!com> wrote:
   "... to me that's pretty much always been what hardcore was, highly
   politically charged punk. punk that screams an opinion."

   Nicolas 'Da Ringmaster' <[email protected]> wrote:
   "Alright, this is what hardcore means to me: Energy, Positive attitude,
   Rebellion, Independance, Separating from trends, Not following the
   masses, Hard-core = hard music" [16]

   From the D.O.A. website:
   "D.O.A. popularized the term hardcore as applied to punk rock music
   with the release of Hardcore '81, a pivotal record from the early
   west coast hardcore punk scene.

   "Hardcore was (and is) uncompromising punk attitude combined with
   social activism. Sort of "punk with a message", but not to be confused
   with "straight edge" or "PC" movements, later variations of hardcore.
   West coast hardcore was completely different from the "fashionable"
   punk rock of art school students and posers - in the early days of
   punk there was a huge difference between the English-style punks
   with their fashionably torn and safety-pinned look, and the hardcore
   'street' punk who just didn't give a fuck about their appearance.

   "It's an intelligent movement characterized by a deep anger at the
   status quo. It is not surprising that it began on the U.S.west coast,
   where radicalism and rebellion has deep roots...  schools don't tell
   you much about the labour riots of the 20's or other examples of
   North American civil disobedience... Uncompromising hardcore shocked
   the complacent hippie mentality, needless to say.

   "Hardcore will never die where individualistic thought can survive -
   which of course means it has been constantly oppressed by the vacuous
   media of North America. The current popularization of 'punk' is more
   concerned with style than substance, rather a new fashionable trend
   for the pop machine.

   "Hardcore survives in bands like Fugazi, NoMeansNo, The Ex, and
   D.O.A. - hopefully with the current popularity of punk rock more kids
   will discover that the world ain't exactly a great place, and work for
   positive change despite the many evil forces in this world. And that is
   the best definition of hardcore I can imagine." [11]

   There is quite a bit of disagreement over exactly when hardcore
   started but here are some people's thoughts:

   On 10 May 1997 Fitaurari <fitaurari@aol!com> wrote:
   "And by the way Bad Brains DID invent 'hardcore'!"

   On 10 May 1997 paul.kaczmarek <paul.kaczmarek@ukonline!co!uk> wrote:
   "The Germs (April 77) , Black Flag (June 77), he Misfits (first show -
   April 77), Chain Gang, The Pagans (mid-77), Canada's The Diodes (first
   lp June 77) and The Viletones (recorded Jan 1978) were already under
   the 'hardcore' banner in 1977.

   "There's also a solid argument for giving the first hardcore prize to
   Chrome, who recorded undoubted hardcore lps in 1976, or Crime, who did
   the same."

   On 10 May 1997 Rastapoodle <herblady@zippo!com> wrote:
   "Your knowledge of the dates of the emergence of the punk hardcore
   scene is very good.  I might add that by 1976, bands like Patti Smith,
   Richard Hell and the Voidoids, and many that were playing at CBGB's
   were called punk, and I think that the (mostly) West Coast bands that
   you cite were the hardcore 'babies' of those groups. (Boy, I'm sure
   they'd love that designation!) ;-)"

   On 10 Jul 1997 TSOL12 <tsol12@aol!aol> wrote:
   "without a doubt BLack Flag was the first HC band...anyone who says
   otherswise is a fool. People forget that early HC has its roots in punk
   everyone thinks that the newschool sound is what hardcore is
   about.....plus theres more to being a HC band than just the sound."

------------------------------

Subject:    2-2.    What's the difference between old school and new school
                   hardcore bands?

   The basic musical difference is that old school is punk and new school
   is metal.

   On 12 Jun 1997 Peter <pma@xxedgexx!com> wrote:
   "it's actually really simple. new school is kinda like slayer, only
   the 'kids' pretend it has something to do with hardcore. i see it as
   cheap metal.  old school (THE ONLY SCHOOL!) on the other hand is
   precisely the other way around: fast and positive."

   On 01 Jul 1997 BattleMonkey <battlemonkey@rocketmail!com> wrote:
   "Actually, "old school" depends on how old you are. If YOT is old
   school, then you need to reach back a little further into the Teen
   Idles/Minor Threat days. And that wasn't always positive. The big
   difference for me is that new school is a lot more exclusionary, a
   lot less fun, and has bigger pants."

------------------------------

Subject:    2-3.    What is emo?

   On 1 May 1997 "DAVe B." <skapsr@ix!netcom!com> wrote:
   "emo is a type of music, which is derived from early 80's hardcore.  I
   don t know the whole story, but emo combines hardcore with more melodic
   and experimental music.  Fugazi is the easiest example of a band i can
   name that is considered to be "emo"  also bands like promise ring and
   texas is the reason play this vein of music."

   On 1 May 1997 Kevin Hirsch <hirschk@anet!net> wrote:
   "Emo is generally said to have started with DC bands like Embrace (Ian
   MacKaye's band after Minor Threat and before Fugazi) and Rites of
   Spring (Guy Picciotto's band also before Fugazi), but is in no way
   limited to them, around '85. The sound was basically a slower more
   emotional (hence the name "emo") post- version of hardcore. The vocals
   are usually sung in  "whiny" (for lack of a better word) sort of way.

   "Emotional in this context generally connotes "vulnerability" and/or
   "troubledness", which is different from the emotionality of the
   screaming and thrashing generally associated with hardcore. This open
   emphasis on "vulnerability" and/or "troubledness" represented a major
   break in the hardcore/punk scene at that time, for it prided itself on
   tough- and hardness, as it generally does today. Hence, the long
   running feud between hardcore (sXe) and emo kids.

   "As for emo today, as most other sub-genres, it has spawned many
   (sometimes extremely opposite and/or contradicting) hybrids that all
   stake claim to the label, rendering it somewhat useless. Here are some
   examples: there's political, scream-and-flail-on-the-floor, emo like
   Frail, Swing Kids, Impetus Inter, and a slew of San Diego based bands;
   there's the really slow, discordant, artsy emo like Cap'n Jazz, Joan
   d'Arc, Evergreen, etc.; then we have the more popular
   melody/pop-oriented bands like Texas is the Reason, Sensefield,
   Mineral, Promise Ring, Split Lip (now Chamberlain), etc.; and last but
   not least we have the slow, stop-and-go, melody-thrash alternating
   groups like Amber Inn, Still Life, and others I can't think of right
   now."

   On 31 Aug 1997 <PolarityHC@aol!com> write:
   "I believe that Al Flipside called Embrace "emo" and Ian was like "huh",
   but for some reason the name stuck."

   On 03 Oct 1997 <[email protected]> wrote:
   "i think the band verbal assult invented the word emo.  and embrace, as
   good as they were, weren't the first "emo" band.  dag nasty, 3, and
   7 seconds all had an emo sound before them."

   On 18 Nov 1997 .xmikex. <info@jameson!com> wrote:
   "EMO (E-mo) slang 1)A wimp 2)Anyone not tough enough to listen to your
   friend's band. 3)Anyone/thing that refuses to floorpunch and hit
   bystanders in a mosh pit (see mosh).

   "OK, for real, THIS is my understanding and how my friends and I use
   this helpful term every day:
   1) EMO is an abbreviation of EMOTIONAL.
   2) As such, it can (& I think originally was used to) describe a style
   of music.
   3) A lot of bands from the Washington DC area punk scene are considered
   "EMO" (Embrace being one of the 1st to have this label).
   4) The EMO "SOUND" of minimalist drums & guitars, quiet singing building
   up to a loud screaming racket. There can be a major jazz influence.
   5) Anyone can be emo now. Morrissey, the cure, fugazi, endpoint, you
   name it, they've been labeled "emo" (sinatra)

   "The people:
   Emo kids are considered wimps by most "tough guys". This may or may not
   be true. Classic "emo stories" are of kids crying at shows. (something
   I recently witnessed at a show...) I guess this public show of emotion
   is seen as weakness by most in the HC community. Whereas Emo music tends
   to wrestle the inner demons of personal defeat, loveloss, heartache etc.
   "Hardcore" tends to wrestle that big hairy smelly guy in the pit next to
   you. No, seriously, HC tends to deal with taking action to change things
   rather than ruminate on that might have been. I guess the main
   difference is that Emo tends to be backward looking, and HC tends to be
   forward looking. (Yesyesyes, I know there's MASSIVE crossover in musical
   styles and song subject matter- a lot of HC bands write "personal"
   lyrics and a lot of emo bands write songs with a social message).I
   dunno, I like some emo bands, but I prefer HC.

   "THE STYLE:
   Hair: often a bit crusty
   Glasses: Horn-rim ONLY (cat-eyes are also acceptable for the women)
   Facial Hair: Stubble
   Piercings: Optional
   Necklaces: Beads, etc. (mandatory)
   Shirt: Old t-shirts, dress shirts etc.
   Sweater: No!no!no! a sweaterVEST. (old)
   Jacket: Old, thrift shop gear as with all the above.
   Pants: Dress pants / corduroy. Floods are totally cool.
   Socks: White
   Shoes: Black dress shoes

   "The color palate? Browns, blacks, dark blues etc.

   "Think "Nick at Night". The look is retro with an edge. Drew Carey if
   he wore thrift store stuff.

   A brief list of "emo" bands I or my friends like:
   (i don't like all these bands. they will have an * by their name if I'm
   not a big fan)
   FUGAZI
   EMBRACE
   RITES OF SPRING
   JAWBOX
   BLUETIP
   FRODUS
   TEXAS IS THE REASON*
   PROMISE RING* (yeech)
   NONE LEFT STANDING
   MINERAL
   MAXIMILLIAN COLBY
   JAWBREAKER

   "Perhaps CRUCIAL YOUTH said it best in their glossary of terms when they
   described it:
   EMO-CORE: "Mature" music made by cigarette-puffing ex-straightedgers.
   Heavy on soul-searching, hard to mosh to."

------------------------------

Subject:    2-4.    Who was the first straight-edge band?

   The Teen Idles, an early 80's Washington, DC hardcore band, and
   something of a precursor to Minor Threat, can arguably be called the
   first straight-edge band. [4]

   On 20 May 1998 IBANEZ33 <IBANEZ33@aol!com> wrote:
   "The first sXe band was jud jud.

   "I dont know that much about them, but I do know they were the first
   straight edge band."

   On 09 Aug 1998 Larry Phillips <bigphil@solutions!mb!ca> wrote:
   "If that jud jud thing is a joke it's ok.  But jud jud just made some
   joke in victory megazine 2 that they were the first sxe band."

------------------------------

Subject:    2-5.    What is this windmill dance?

   On 13 Nov 1996 Daniel Wayne Zettwoch <dwzettwo@artsci!wustl!edu> wrote:
   "It's kinda like the Humpty-Hump, but a lot more violent.  Got it?"

   On 27 Aug 1997 Karl <RecoilRex@aol!com> wrote:
   "Okay, remember when you were 8 and you'd get into a fight? (or
   see other kids fighting) and you'd just swing your arms in a
   circle toward the person?

   "Well the whole windmill dance thingy is done like that (only
   swinging the arms backwards) while skipping left to right/ right to
   left.

   "Kind of hard to describe"

------------------------------

Subject:    2-6.    What is floorpunching?

   On 13 Nov 1996 Daniel Wayne Zettwoch <dwzettwo@artsci!wustl!edu> wrote:
   "It's done exactly like it sounds. Really punch that floor to make it
   realistic!!  Punch it hard!!"

------------------------------

Subject:    2-7.    What other dances are there?

   On 18 Oct 1997 XMARTINX <hexen@gmx!net> wrote"
   "a guide to violent dancing

   "stagediving, pile-ups, windmills, walls of death, slamdancing, its an
   excellent way to release pent-up frustrations or to shed thos extra
   pounds. This is the spirit of the youth, this is what hardcore is all
   about. The pit found its roots in punks slam and pogo (some say it was
   invented late 70�s on shows from the Germs, The weirdos, Black Flag ...)
   and progressed in trash- and death metal gigs. Since the walls between
   punk and metal have come down, the audience has changed lately, the size
   of the pit is growing. Early hc-gigs saw the craziness of a few
   violators but the latest shows were slamfest were over 50 kids really
   knocked their way through the audience. What makes me so proud about
   this scene is that it never comes to fights. In other places, when a pit
   starts, it often comes to fistfights and those who participate in the
   action want to dance the hardest. Lack of respect and comprehension is
   mostly the reason for this. Anyway, heres some names and explanation
   for pit-tricks, the editor is not responcible for any injuries at all
   ... ;-)

   "Some stagediving techniques:

   "arrow: hands behind the back, take a leap on stage and shoot yourself
   into the front rows.

   "Flip: flip your body headfirst and land on the crowd, you can flip
   over and over again while laying on the crowd too.

   "Feet-first: make sure you dont wear combat-boots for this. Run off
   the stage and jump as high as possible, then stretch both feet before
   you land with your gravity centered in your bottom.

   "Wuss-dive: get on stage and make gestures with your arms that people
   should move up front to catch you, then with lots of efforts, lay down
   safely, like you would drop dead.

   "Floor kiss (or pope -dive): take a huge leap and jump as high as you
   can, pointing your lips in a romantic way and land on your face.

   "Golden Rules:
   - Dont wear too many clothes. Just make sure your piercings, fresh
   tattoos, genitals and brest are well protected. Of course its great if
   you can rip some yuppies Nirvana T-Shirt to tiny pieces.
   - Only dance when theres a good mood. Dont make a complete idiot of
   yourself going off on emo or melodic gigs. Use the H-force for H-bands.
   - Dont take food/drinks with you. You dont wanna end up with fries in
   your ears smelling of Dr.Pepper after a good gig, do you ?
   - Dont fart in the pit !!
   - Dont kiss your partner up front (especially when you dont want the
   others tongue-piercing to be yours)

   "DANCING TRICKS

   "GORILLA (PICKING UP STYLE)
   Legs spread and hands grabbing the floor on the rythms of the beat
   (NY-Style is excellent to do this, Solid the perfect band)

   "BREADSLICER
   Crouch your arms and slam them open as wide and hard as possible, great
   on fast parts, even better in combination of shoving your feet in all
   directions.

   "WINDMILL (single or double)
   Rotate your arms 360 degrees forward or backward, make sure your fingers
   are locked safely in a fist, for the sake of yourself and buddie-slammers.

   "DOUBLE TROUBLE
   One dancer rides the others back or neck against onslaughts of attack by
   human battering rams. Invented by the skins but lately done by our
   BXL-friends.

   "SUCK-CORE SWEEPER
   Stand back to back with a fella and grab his arms from behind. Lift him
   up and whirl like a madman into the front rows. This move is complete
   if you release the human projectile to knock down some victims.

   "WALL OF DEATH
   Arms locked tight in an iron chain, a line of burly dudes mows down any
   unexspecting pedestrian standing in its path. When doing this, make sure
   you have the beefiest guys with you.

   "FRIGOBAZAR HIP-HOP
   Jump up and down like a moron to ridicolous hiphop-beats. When you see
   geeks doing this, go for a double windmill or a wall of death to clear
   them of the floor so they can hide safely in the back drinking
   Kriek-Beer"

   On 18 Oct 1997 XJeremyX wrote:
   "My favorites:

   "The Menace: If you saw the movie "Don't be a menace to south central
   while drinking your juice in the hood" (the grandma did it while she
   was break dancing in church) you should be familiar with this one. You
   stand on one foot, grab your other ankle and kick your leg forward while
   still holding it. Fun to do to the slow dance parts.

   "The helicopter: spread your arms out and swing them around like your a
   helicopter.Wheeeeeee!

   "The Sledgehammer: Clasp your hands and Swing them like you've got a
   sledgehammer. Fun to do to the intro of those fast old school songs
   just before you point and scream "GO!"

   "Kick'n'go: Hold your arm out, fully extended, with your hand held in
   a palm. Swing your arm and strike your palm with your fist. now when
   you bring your fist back to hit your palm again, kick. repeat.

   "Seisure: My favorite. Do what you want, but shake like a maniac and
   run around. Do this when the singer passes you the mike."

------------------------------

Subject:    3.      About the commitment

------------------------------

Subject:    3-1.    Why are there so many rules?

   Straight-edge isn't about rules. It's a philosophy about being in
   control of your own actions and making decisions for yourself. As a
   result you'll choose not to smoke, drink, sleep around, eat meat but
   these choices may be different to different people. The hallmarks of
   straight-edge remain hardcore/punk music and don't smoke, don't drink,
   don't fuck.

   On 22 Mar 1997 sibber <sibber@worldnet!att!net> wrote:
   "to call what i, you,and that everyone else lives by as ''rules'' is
   kind of i don't know the right word but when I hear rules its normally
   something i want to do but can't. i see it as commitments that i
   proudly live by."

------------------------------

Subject:    3-2.    If I slip from the 'edge does that mean I can't be
                   straight-edge anymore?

   Noone is perfect, so just get back on the 'edge.

   On 12 Jul 1997 <Shmee5@aol!com> wrote:
   "It's my belief that either you are or you never were. I'm not saying
   that I don't believe in second chances - but when it comes to slipping
   from the edge...well, just don't slip and there's no nead to worry.  I
   just feel that if you aren't ready to commit then you shouldn't call
   yourself SxE."

   On 14 Sep 1997 ianX <[email protected]> wrote:
   "it's easy to go off track when shit happens. No-one has to be perfect
   as no-one can be."

   On 01 Dec 1997 <[email protected]> wrote:
   "there is no slipping up in sXe. this can be heard in the lyrics of
   many bands...sXe is, by the modern definition a commitment for life.
   if you slip up you sell out, and if you sell out then you can't call
   yourself straightedge anymore. that's basically it. there's no turning
   back."

------------------------------

Subject:    3-3.   Can I be straight-edge and a Christian?

   The typical punk view is that all organised religion is a crutch that
   keeps people down.  However there are many who don't agree that is has
   to be, nor should be like that.

   xjeffx said "I don't believe in a god or in organised religion,
   Christianity especially. Believing in something which we don't know
   definitively exists, is absurd to me. Religion (Christianity) is
   oppression of the people. ...In the words of Karl Marx "Religion is the
   opium of the people." What is meant by this is that people rely on
   religion like a drug. When things get bad, they take a little, like
   when they get fired, they would pray and feel better. Then something
   else happens and they go take a little more. Eventually they are
   "addicted" or in other words "faithful" to religion and god, like a
   drug, which is their way of escape from reality." [6]

   Christians would respond that they agree that this sux and that it is
   some bad elements within Christianity that give the whole scene a bad
   name. True Christianity is about truth and not blind faith so your
   belief has to be backed up by historical fact and reason.  Its sort of
   like the hardcore scene - there are all these kids who haven't got a
   clue but just smoke, drink and fuck themselves into oblivion. These kids
   give HC a bad name. Then there are the few kids who are straight-edge,
   who take life seriously and do something positive.  Even within sXe
   there are the militant and hardline elements that distort the rest of
   the movement.

   On 18 Jun 1997 X calculus X <bwrenn@cslab!vt!edu> wrote:
   "The guy who only turns to God when he is down is not a true Christian.
   He thinks of God more or less as his imaginary friend. Being Christian
   involves understanding who Jesus is and how following his teachings
   will enable you to work towards bettering your own life.  This is not a
   crutch at all.  This has some degree of parallelism to sXe in that it
   involves follwing priciples and beleifs."

------------------------------

Subject:    3-4.    If I'm straight-edge can I take holy communion?

   Firstly why doesn't you Church provide grape juice as an option to
   wine? How do they cater for ex-alcoholics? Ask! Secondly the amount of
   wine is so small that it really shouldn't be an issue. The point of the
   exercise is symbolic.  You can think for yourself so make your own mind
   up on the issue.

------------------------------

Subject:    3-5.    Can I be straight-edge and gay?

   Straight-edge has nothing to do with your sexuality. Its casual sex
   that's an issue.

------------------------------

Subject:    3-6.    Is straight-edge about politics?

   Although sXe is not inherently political, politics are a logical
   extension of an sXe lifestyle. Once you have regained control over your
   life, the desire to help others and to make a positive contribution to
   your culture, society, community by addressing issues of social justice
   is a very natural thing to do. Many sXe'ers join organisations like
   Greenpeace, Amnesty International, and SADD (Students Against Drunk
   Drivers). They also encourage friends to give up drugs, alcohol, and
   smoking. [2] [12]

   On Mon, 24 Mar 1997 <katoh9tale@aol!com> wrote:
   "My impression of people who are talking about straight-edge these days
   is similar to the impression of current dead-heads sitting around
   talking about how much they wished that they had been around at
   woodstock shouting the "fish cheer" with Country Joe and the Fish.

   "It is an incredible misunderstanding of the music and surrounding
   culture that lead to it's creation.

   "The straight-edge in spawned in DC and Boston back in the days of
   Minor Threat and SSD was not some kind of ideological system.  It was a
   knee-jerk reaction to an overwhelming number of fans who were minors
   and the incredible numbers of clubs who refused to allow them in the
   doors. Even the "X" in sXe is nothing more than a throwback to club
   alcohol policies."

   Asked where he stands politically, Russ Rankin from Good Riddance said:
   "I would say I'm very much to the left on everything. Everything except
   drug legalization.  I don't think drugs should ever be legalized.

   "Why not? Because I'm straight edge and closed minded." [13]

------------------------------

Subject:    3-7.    Do I have to be vegan/vegetarian to be straight-edge?

   On 23 Jul 1997 Andy Dempz <adempz@umich!edu> wrote:
   "vegetarianism is not part of sxe, only a natural progression."

   Veganism has little to do with sXe pure life ideals. People generally
   aren't addicted to animal products. But it seems logical to look at
   everything you put into your body once you start examining external
   factors, and so many sXe folk logically choose to adopt a vegan life.
   [2]

   The following definitions are from the rec.food.veg FREQUENTLY ASKED
   QUESTIONS LIST (FAQ):
   The term 'Vegetarian' was coined in 1847. It was first formally used
   on September 30th of that year by Joseph Brotherton and others, at
   Northwood Villa in Kent, England. The occasion being the innaugural
   meeting of the Vegetarian Society of the United Kingdom.

   The word was derived from the Latin 'vegetus', meaning whole, sound,
   fresh, lively; (it should not be confused with 'vegetable-arian' - a
   mythical human whom some imagine subsisting entirely on vegetables
   but no nuts, fruits, grains etc!)

   The original definition of 'vegetarian' was "with or without eggs or
   dairy products" and that definition is still used by the Vegetarian
   Society today.

   A vegan excludes animal flesh (meat, poultry, fish and seafood),
   animal products (eggs and dairy), and usually excludes honey and the
   wearing and use of animal products (leather, silk, wool, lanolin,
   gelatin...). The major vegan societies all disallow honey, but some
   "vegans" still use it. Some "vegans" also refuse to eat yeast
   products.

   The word was invented by the UK Vegan society in the 1940's. They
   pronounced it "vee-gn". [14]

------------------------------

Subject:    3-8.    Can I take medications if I'm straight-edge?

   Some kids say you shouldn't take any drugs. "Straight Edger's exclude
   all forms of drugs from their lives, including alcohol, cigarettes,
   illegal drugs and often other drugs such as aspirin. Most sXe'ers don't
   even "use" caffeine." [2]

   However, it would be stupid not to take medications for serious
   illnesses. How can you take control of your life if you're delirious
   or dead!

   On 25 Jan 1997 refuge <ebmgieda@refuge!microserve!com> wrote:
   "fucking take them! are you nuts?"

   On 27 Sep 1997 SuperCarol <supercarol@hotmail!com> wrote:
   "You are who you are. Straight Edge has always been about the choices
   you make, right? Well you don't have a choice to choose to have [a
   condition] or not. Therefore take your medicine and have SxE pride
   because you are doing what's best for your body. And I think a lot of
   "SxE" is about taking care of yourself...as long as you're not abusing
   your prescription, than it's all good."

------------------------------

Subject:    3-9.    Is taking caffeine straight-edge?

   On 17 Jun 1997 ianX <ian-one@demon!co!uk> wrote:
   "really it's up to your own interpretation of straightedge, some drink
   coffee and tea others don't. It's all a matter of personal choice. I
   don't drink it as I just hate coffee's taste."

------------------------------

Subject:    3-10.   How much does pro-life feature in sXe?

   This is quite a heated topic as you can imagine.  I'll take the
   liberty to define some of the terms since there is a lot of different
   meanings being used - I'll take the obvious ones.  Pro-life is the
   belief that life (especially human) is always valuable and should be
   supported and defended.  It is not however anti-choice, just like
   pro-choice is not anti-life.  Pro-choice is the belief that people
   should be able to make life choices by themselves, and in particular
   whether they choose to have an abortion performed on their unborn
   child.

   Given the definitions above most who've got the straight-edge are
   pro-life and pro-choice.  That is, they will take responsibility for
   their actions (which is the reason for being straight) and will not
   take the easy option of aborting an unexpected child.  However, they
   will not presume to force the same ethic on others.

   Those who are hardline will also be anti-choice.

   On 04 Aug 1997 Mike Kornitsky <korndog@vcn!bc!ca> wrote:
   "Anti-abortion figures into sxe about as much as veganism does.  It
   is an extension of the making the personal life political.  The most
   effective place to make a change is your own body and the actions you
   take every day."

------------------------------

Subject:    3-11.   Don't most stop being straight-edge when they reach
                   drinking age?

   On 04 Aug 1997 Mike Kornitsky <korndog@vcn!bc!ca> wrote:
   "It probably wasn't the right choice for them in the first place if
   they loose the edge once they become legal.  They're not being honest
   to themselves of the motives behind calling themselves straight edge."

------------------------------

Subject:    3-12.   All my friends drink, does this mean I have to find
                   new friends?

   No! Be a good influence for them. You can be a better friend by
   being straight.

------------------------------

Subject:    3-13.   Do straight-edge kids have sex at all?

   In short yes. However, most sxe kids will wait until they are ready to
   take on the responsibility of a relationship that is serious enough
   for the commitment of marraige.

   On 14 Sep 1997 zach <[email protected]> wrote:
   "no casual sex. or permiscous sex, fucking around, no one nite stands,
   diseases are spread, abortions happen, date rape, so no screwing
   around, emotional baggage you dont need, so basicly you dont have sex
   until you meet someone your comfortable with and that you'll take on
   all the responsibilities or sex."

   On 15 Sep 1997 mattie t <[email protected]> wrote:
   "Sxe is to abstain from poisons and mainly be true to your self. Being
   true to yourself will help you from abstaining from sex. It has worked
   for me I was a virgin until 19."

   On 19 Sep 1997 Simon XXX <[email protected]> wrote:
   "if you're going to quote Ian, you should put it in some sort of context
   first. Ian always used to make a point of explaining that he used the
   word "fuck" very specifically, to refer to people using/abusing each
   other. He was far from celibate himself. Straight edge has nothing to
   do with celibacy."

------------------------------

Subject:    4.      About the scene

   On 19 Aug 1997 Terence David <SandraGail@webtv!net> wrote:
   "Just wanted to talk about the good old glory days when the HARDCORE
   scene was REAL and there was no kickboxing, baggy clothes or attitudes.
   Yeah Yeah, all you "new school" kids are probably sick of hearing about
   the past, but it is brought up so often because of how great it was (at
   least compared to now).  Everybody had something to say and used their
   energy positively and did something productive with it.
   Whether they started a band, did a zine or promoted a show, they were
   benefiting Hardcore and making "our" subculture a better one.  Nowadays
   it seems that H.C. is grasping onto the things that we tryed so hard to
   get away from.  All of the negative aspects of mainstream life seem to
   be filtering into our scene.  Shit talking, fashion, competition, money,
   greed and status (just to name a few of the more blatant ones).  Our
   scene is becoming a small scale version of this shitty world around us.
   As Ray of Today once said, it's time to "MAKE A CHANGE"!!  H.C.S.E. is
   somehting I hold very close to my heart.  It's more than music, fashion
   or the latest karate dance.  It's a way of life.  The past is the past
   and now is now.  But please, let's try to make our scene's future a
   better more positive one.  That means become more productive, more
   positive and leave the brass knuckles and atttitudes at home.  Better
   yet, throw em' away.  We're all in this together and unity is what it's
   all about."

   On 23 Nov 1998 ToddX <ToddX@unbounded!com> wrote:
   "First off I am going to make one thing clear:  the X in my name was
   there before  I became sXe.  I have read a number of the responses and
   have seen and heard things for the last ten years now on what's wrong
   with being sXe.  For anyone that honestly has a problem with someone
   that chooses to live their life free of addicition, exploitation,
   bigotry and hatred, in addition to promiscuous sexual relations there is
   nothing that any one can say to you that will make you like the movement
   (if I may allowed to be so bold as to call such a moddled gathering of
   varying definitions of what sXe is) or for that matter anyone in it.
   Too often people associate sXe with sports wear, hardcore, short hair,
   and violence.  These are not what sXe is about just the same as spikes,
   piercing, colored hair, and drunkedness is not punk.  They are things
   that people do.  Assigning uninforms to the various scenes is relatively
   easy and many that belong to these scenes are as easily identifiable as
   the culture the are seeking to subvert.  If you look at the individual
   that is sXe ask them what their beliefs are and why.  Challenge them on
   real issues that affect society not fashion sense and personal conduct
   (unless that conduct is beating people up).  I will leave you with this
   from my observations of sXe (it should be noted that facisim is not sXe)
   and punk is that their sense of justice is the same.  animal friendly,
   gay positive, pro-feminist, anti-racist, anti-facist,
   anti-commodification, and pro-life."

------------------------------

Subject:    4-1.    Aren't you all just mummy's boys?

   While straight-edgers don't smoke, drink, or sleep around, we're not
   just mindlessly conforming to authority.

   "The difference between us and nerds is that we [abstain from drugs] as
   a way of rebelling against society, not because society tells us not
   to," said Sean O'Donnell, 18, a freshman at West Chester University.
   [9]

   Whatever the reason for their sobriety, many adults believe that the
   peer support Straight Edgers get is a good thing. A lot of them get
   ostracised and harassed because they're straight. [9]

------------------------------

Subject:    4-2.    Why do all you kids wear backpacks?

   To protect us from the knives! [From a Raid interview. Anyone know
   where?]

------------------------------

Subject:    4-3.    Why is straight-edge so narrow minded?

   In the mid to late 80's, straight-edge hardcore reached a zenith,
   especially in the greater Metropolitan area of New York City.  This
   atmosphere led to the creation of Gorilla Biscuits, Bold, Wide Awake
   and arguably the most prolific band of the era, Youth of Today. While
   the bands of this period did much to popularise straight-edge, they
   also contributed to its closeminded and antagonistic aspects. The
   attitude between straight-edge and the rest of the world often took on
   adversarial tones during this time, largely becoming "The positive
   youth crew versus people who drink, smoke and/or do drugs." Many people
   dislike straight-edge and its adherents because of such intolerant
   views. [4]

   In a 1995 interview with the Thicker fanzine, Ian MacKaye denounced the
   stringent attitude prevalent in the culture he is widely credited with
   founding. "The whole straight-edge thing for me was never about this
   kind of puritan lifestyle, where I was supposed to be leading the
   masses towards a better tomorrow," he said. [1]

   On 03 Jul 1997 Koontz Christopher Noel <iy17@jove!acs!unt!edu> wrote:
   "One can be a non-smoker, a teatotaler, and a vegetarian, and yet still

   go see devil metal bands. Usually, everyone got along and had fun
   because at the time, it was all there was. Maybe it's different now
   that things are so much bigger and glitzier, or maybe Louisville has
   just always been a lucky city."

   On 30 Oct 1997 Mikesolation wrote:
   "I've been going to shows since '83, and hardcore has changed its face
   a hundred times since then. I like "new school" just as much as I like
   "old school" and I dont think that there is much difference in its
   attitude. Sure it was faster angrier punk back in the early 80's, and
   then there came a metal influence, and hardcore became too metal to be
   punk, but too punk to be metal. But its attitude has always remained.
   It's easy to live in the past, and say it was so much better then, and
   in some ways it was. But I wouldnt have traded the last few years for
   anytime back in the 80's. I have great friends, and talk to kids all
   over the country. I just lost one of my closest friends, and I cherish
   the time I had with him, because he, to me, personified what hardcore
   is about. He had also been going to shows for a long time, and loved it
   all; punk, hardcore, metal, whatever. You don't have to take sides, old
   or new, you just have to appreciate what you got.

   "Milwaukee Mike
   SEB LIVES"

------------------------------

Subject:    4-5.    Isn't straight-edge just a fad?

   Asked if he thought many kids stay straight-edge as they grow up or
   stray away from it, Karl Buechner of Earth Crisis said "There's
   definitely a high turnover rate, but there's a true core of people who
   always stay, and that's what matters.

   "Things are so technical and strict now for us, that a person who's
   going through a phase will not be drawn to straight-edge. If anything,
   they're repelled by it. Straight-edge is a lifetime commitment, and
   people realize that." [5]

------------------------------

Subject:    4-6.    What is hardline straight-edge?

   On 9 Jun 1997 Andy Dempz <adempz@umich!edu> wrote:
   "Hardline is a very specific political eco-defense movement that
   believes they have the one truth of natural living, including
   abstinence from drugs, veganism, and pro-life beliefs.  They also claim
   to believe in direct action, but it remains to be seen if they'll do
   anything."

   From the Hardline Creed:
   "The time has come for an ideology and for a movement, that is both
   physically and morally strong enough, to do battle against the forces
   of evil that are destroying the earth (and all life upon it). ...

   "That ideology, that movement, is Hardline. A belief system, and a way
   of life that lives by one ethos - that all innocent life is sacred, and
   must have the right to live out it's natural state of existance in
   peace, without interference. ... Any action that does interfere with
   such rights shall not be considered a "right" in itself, and therefore
   shall not be tolerated. Those who hurt or destroy life around them, or
   create a situation in which that life or the quality of it is
   threatened shall from then on no longer be considered innocent life,
   and in turn will no longer have rights.

   "Adherents to the hardline will abide by these proncilpes in daily
   life. They shall live at one with the laws of nature, and shall not
   forsake them for the desire of pleasure - from deviant sexual acts
   and/or abortion, to drug use of any kind (and all other cases where
   one harms all life around them under the pretext that they are just
   harming themselves). And, in following with the belief that one shall
   not infringe on an innocent's life - no animal product shall be
   consumed (be it flesh, milk or egg). Along with this purity of
   everyday life, the true hardliner must strive to liberate the rest of
   the world from it's chains - saving lives in some cases, and in others,
   dealing out justice to those guilty of destoying it." [10]

   On 25 May 1997 Xcabal423X <xcabal423x@aol!com> wrote:
   "sXe has nothing to do with hardline."

------------------------------

Subject:    4-7.    What is a poseur?

   According to my dictionary a poseur is "a person who poses for effect
   or behaves affectedly". It is someone who superficially wants to be
   part of a scene. So an example is someone who wears their Xs but still
   drinks beer.

------------------------------

Subject:    4-8.    Is sXe a crutch for the weak?

   On 04 Aug 1997 Mike Kornitsky <korndog@vcn!bc!ca> wrote:
   "You have to question what the weakness is.  Do straight edgers not
   drink caffeine because they've got weak bladders?  Don't touch alcohol
   because they have poor metabolisms?  Don't smoke because they have
   poor lung capacity?  What are the advantages to using drugs that one's
   level of consciousness?  More often that not, drugs are used to
   facilitate social interactions by altering normal behavior and mood.
   If somebody needs an outside agent to interact, that sounds like more
   of a crutch."

------------------------------

Subject:    4-9.    What is a sellout?

   "Well, to clear things up a little, selling out means compromising
   one's beliefs or principles for money or self agin. If Earth Crisis
   went mainstream (with the same message) to help others not themselves,
   then what about that would be selling out? ... Don't compromise style,
   originality or the message. Just get those things out to the people
   who are in need of it the most, those who have yet to hear it." [17]

   On 16 Feb 1998 Jimmy VA wrote:
   "Following "the edge" isn't for everybody, and sometimes it takes an
   attempt to live by the edge to figure that out. Don't pass judgement
   on someone just because they want to smoke or drink or whatever. In
   the words of Stretch Armstrong, "If you turned your back on someone
   just because they 'broke the edge', then tell me, who sold out who?"."

------------------------------

Subject:    4-10.   Why do a lot of you people use the name of your band
           or 'zine as a surname?

   On 27 Dec 1997 spitbrother <spitbrother@swol!de> wrote:
   "Well this is kinda punk tradition, which has its roots back in the
   days when most punks met on the streets and were called after the
   places they came from, funny events that happened to them or activities
   they were involved... also "back in the days" (haha excuse me but i am
   turning 33 soon) punk was not accepted as it is today und you always
   had to watch your back (and front...), be aware of cops, nazis and
   jocks, so most punks chose a "warname" under which they were known in
   the scene..."

------------------------------

Subject:    4-11.   Why don't sXe kids have a sense of humour?

   On 28 Aug 1998 Stew <stew-e@usa!net> wrote:
   "Well, that is very stero-typical, because I got a good humor and I
   am a hardliner sXe.  Anyway, I am guessing it is because we have to
   take our life seriously.  after all, becoming sXe is a serious choice.
   And you really cant be serious and have a good humor at the same time
   (or can you?)"

   On 30 Dec 1998 <SikanderXe@aol!com> wrote:
   "you must not know a lot of sXe kids if u think that."

   On 09 Feb 1999 jonathan haggerty <3692@hermitage!durham!sch!uk> wrote:
   "All straight edge'ers do not drink any alcohol, or drugs. They think
   that the negatives weigh more strongly than the positives. And ...
   you can see an straightedge person which is obviously  not drinking,
   together with his friends, who are. Because this person isn't drinking
   he reacts differently to jokes made by drunk people."

   "the myth that sxe kids have no sense of humour is rubbish. humour
   is not generated by alcohol and sxe kids can have just as much fun
   as non sxe-ers. I am sxe and all of my favourite films are comedies...
   who comes up with these weird rumours?"

------------------------------

Subject:    4-12.   What is DIY?

   On 28 Aug 1998 Stew <stew-e@usa!net> wrote:
   "do-it-yourself.  I guess Sxe kids depend on themselves to get things
   done because they have to take action themeselves in order for
   something to happen.  After all, scenes dont happen unless we all help
   out.  we cant rely on others, because if we did, then maybe we would
   not be straightede."

------------------------------

Subject:    4-13.   What is the relationship of sXe to skating and BMX?

   On 28 Aug 1998 Stew <stew-e@usa!net> wrote:
   "We skate because we need a thrill in our life to stay sXe (if sXe
   isnt enough by itslef).  Skating gets your mind off of things and
   lets you have a thrill in your life.  It can get your mind off
   violence, drugs, and all that shit."

   On 30 Dec 1998 <SikanderXe@aol!com> wrote:
   "Skating has always been related to punk rock; hardcore is a part
   of punk rock, sXe came from hardcore, so there's lots of skater kids
   who listen to hardcore and got into sXe."

------------------------------

Subject:    4-14.   Why is there so much violence in sXe?

   On 28 Aug 1998 Stew <stew-e@usa!net> wrote:
   "I am a passive sXe.  I believe that fighting is more sissy than
   talking it out, because when you compromise, you have to give
   something up.  Figthing is just plain selfish because you dont want
   to be proven wrong.  I never want to fight anyone.  That is why I
   always carry a gravity knife with me, so If someone fucks with me,
   than I can wipe them out quickly (although i hope I will never have
   to!)  The hardcore dancing can be violent sometimes, and that may
   have something to do with it.  Also, since we take things so
   seriously, then we dont want to fuck around, and we get to business."

   On 30 Dec 1998 <SikanderXe@aol!com> wrote:
   "because kids are dumb....actually, that's mostly the kids who are
   sXe so they can hate more people. Don't use the actions of some
   foolish examples to judge the whole group. I could say "why is there
   so much violence in christianity (or islam, or the USA, or any other
   group for that matter)"

------------------------------

Subject:    5.      About the people

   This section tries to present a human face to the straight-edge. Here
   you'll meet some of the kids who are part of the straight-edge
   community on the Internet.

------------------------------

Subject:    5-1.    What do you guys wear?

   On 12 Jul 1998 Jeff Cristiani <jef82@stlnet!com> wrote:
   "Don't listen to what anyone here is telling you.  Dress for yourself,
   and don't judge others by what they are wearing, unless they are
   wearing the clothing of exploitation (and even then, don't judge them,
   just know that they are ignorant to other people's suffering)"

   On 14 Aug 1998 Chad McMann <[email protected]> wrote:
   "Why all the corporate crap? Sure, some of it's unavoidable, but Nike
   Windbreakers and shoes?  Champion sweat shirts? Yeah, support the
   corporate sweat shops and union busters! that's really helping the
   world...I'm not going to mention what I wear, because the only
   important thing is the x's on my hands...To any newcomers reading
   this, please don't take these answers as rules. It doesn't matter
   what you wear, and there's no reason in the world to go out of your
   way to find certain corporate shit."

   I'm currently wearing a stussy sweat shirt under a birdhouse
   skateboards t-shirt with "I love cigarette smoke in my face", a pair
   of XL Fuct jeans, a pair of black Etnies, and my trusty Billabong
   snowboarding backpack. Under my NY baseball cap I sport a marine
   haircut.

   On 28 Jul 1997 Beverly <ihames@unlinfo!unl!edu> wrote:
   "Well, I don't exactly wear the typical sXe dress. I mean I got my
   little neckalce with the XXX on it, got the beads god knows where.
   It really doesn't matter that much. I guess I am kind of into the
   mod/glamour/riot/rude grrl style. I don't know, that is what people
   tell me i guess. It just depends, like when I skate I got the etnies
   or whatever. The shorts, but hen of course, I guess we might be
   different, cause well, I am a girl. But umm, if you wanna know I
   just go fer the pants, like nice ones, polyester, whatever, just
   rolled up, or the right length kind of 50's style, the whole little
   Gidgit beach scene. Got my shirts, they fit. I don't know, just
   like to have a lot of style. Got short hair, bleached blonde. I don't
   know, like this is helping anything. I hate shorts, they suck. OH
   yeah, and about that leisure suit, try the Salvation Army or
   Goodwill, they have tons of them lying around, of if you want a bit
   nicer one, I'd try a vintage shop, just don't let them rip you off."

   On 28 July 1997 X GLEN CONFRONT X <gconfront@aol!com> wrote:
   "I usually just wear some baggy shorts, t-shirt, and low top vans.
   Whatever suits you is cool."

   On 27 July 1997 xDeltaT.A.C.x <deltatac@juno!com> wrote:
   "It doesn't matter how you dress in the HC scene. As long as your
   loyal to HC then I respect you. If you must know, I myself wear
   baggy ass pants with HC band shirts or sXe shirts. Basketball
   jerseys are the best for me. I skate, so I wear DC skate shoes
   (torn up) and skateboarding shirts.  That's me. Oh, and I have a
   shaved head because I got sick of my long ass skater hair. I've
   seen alot of HC kids wear just about anything. So choose what you
   like but be loyal."

   On 27 July 1997 Porcell <SchismHQ@aol!com> wrote:
   "Shirt: any old HC band shirt in good condition. It isn't cool to
   wear new shirts, you know. Look for these bands Project X (my
   old band), Youth Of Today tour 88' shirt, Judge Schism logo, Bold
   shirt with Crippled Youth logo on back, Chain Of Strength "true
   till death" design, NFAA "NO" design, Wide Awake 7" design, and
   anything from 80-83. Thrasher shirts are rad, too.

   "Shorts (for the summer): This is crucial! They have to have cargo
   pockets, and usually tan is the best. But nothing beats a
   good pair of camo shorts. But don't be a dirtbag and cut pants,
   buy them as shorts. Make sure you wear a belt, too.

   "Pants (for the winter): Another crucial item! I hardly ever wear
   pants, but when it comes time, it has to be either tight-ish (not
   too tight, though) blue jeans, a little rolled at the bottom, camo
   pants, or cargo pants(tan, of course). As always, you want a belt
   with them. Don't cut the bottoms either!

   "Shoes: Alright, you have some choices here. Air Jordan's are
   probably the best because you can do the highest kicks and dives
   with them. Yo, check out Matt Pinkus on the Judge lp, you think
   that's possible with any shoe? Other hightops work good too, but
   make sure it's Nike! I like Chuck Taylor's too. For those of you
   who prefer lowtops, it's either youth crew Nikes (check out Al SSD
   on "get it away"), or Vans low tops (black, blue, checkered, or
   two-tone). I have seen some with the New Balances, and they are
   pretty comfortable.

   "Jacket: Man, this is important! Either Stussy or Nike windbreaker,
   or a Varsity Jacket.

   "..Don't forget the hair! Crew cut, Alex Pain, or shaved, it has to
   be neat! Gel is optional. If you have an X Swatch lying around, put
   it on!"

   On 28 July Schism Ray <youthcrewjams@schism!com> wrote:
   "the MOST CRUCIAL item of them all - the motherfucking CHAMPION
   HOODED SWEATSHIRT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! just make sure it's
   the pull over one, not the zip-up one! and remember, only Champion
   is acceptable!!! also, for that extra special youth crew look, you
   can wear white long johns under your camo shorts when the cold
   weather sets in. if you are in a band (especially the guitarist/bassist)
   you also have to wear wristbands - you know, the athletic ones. that
   should solve all of your dress problems!!!"

   On 03 Dec 1997 Sikander <SikanderXe@aol!com> wrote:
   "I guess I wear skateboarder clothes, just t-shirts and jeans or cargo
   pants. when it's cold either a sweatshirt or a windbreaker. nothing
   special. as long as it's vegan."

   On 17 Nov 1998 xrichx <XDicMilesX@aol!com> wrote:
   "I wear overalls sometimes, gap wide-leg jeans often, camo pants
   sometimes,running shoes or synthetic-leather work shoes and I love
   wearing my xturning pointx t-shirt and some days I wear a sweater-vest
   over my shit and I like my izod windbreaker and alot of times I just
   wear checkered bell-bottoms w/ zip-up beatle boots and a shirt that
   zips up the front"

------------------------------

Subject:    5-2.    What's with the tattoos and stuff?

   Many straight-edgers tattoo slogans of their beliefs on their bodies.
   This signifies the commitment they have made to those ideals, which
   like the tattoos are a lifetime commitment.

   Tattoos and piercing are part of the punk/hardcore subculture so its
   going to be found in straight-edge also.

   However, when you're planning to get a tattoo you need to think not
   only about what its going to say but also how its going to look.
   Remember its going to be with you for a long time so its worth the
   effort to make sure you'll like it in ten years time.  For more
   information see the rec.arts.bodyarts Usenet news group, the Tattoo
   FAQ, and the Piercing FAQ. Both are available via anonymous FTP at
   <ftp://rtfm.mit.edu:/pub/news-answers/bodyart/>.

   On 15 Apr 1997 Justin <I.Horus@ix!netcom!com> wrote:
   "A body modification will not change your mindset, make you act any
   different, or effect you in any negative way, so I don't see
   any contridiction with a sXe life style.  I think there would be a
   lot less straight edges in this world if a tattoo or body
   piercing disqualified you from said lifestyle."

   On 9 Jan 1997 refuge <ebmgieda@refuge!microserve!com> wrote:
   "i think the best one i've ever seen was in a show in upstate new
   york...this guy took off his shirt for his friend, and instantly a
   crowd gathered...he had a full-back piece that looks like it took weeks
   to do. it said "straightedge" in old english letters about 3-4" per
   character on his upper back, then the rest of his back was covered with
   the most intricate, detailed tree i've ever seen. it was beautiful.
   tattoos fucking rule!"

   On 9 Jan 1997 <xvincex@westcomputer!be> wrote:
   "got one... the youth of today fist on my left leg."

   On 9 Jan 1997 Ryan <ryanph@mindspring!com> wrote:
   "Personally, I don't think injecting ink into your skin is very sXe."

   On 9 Jan 1997 refuge <ebmgieda@refuge!microserve!com> wrote:
   "i have three collegate/strife/youthcrew X's on my leg. i dig them.
   my brother, brian got the phattest fucking straightedge tattoo...
   my mom took him out to get it (he's only 16)...man, it's these
   three story-book font looking black (about 2 inches big) x's with
   all these green vines wrapping around them, connecting them
   together. the tattoo is the best... he only payed 90 bucks for it
   and the work is esquisite, much unlike my own...i need touch up
   work, but i love them...i'm planning on another one soon.
   totally addictive."

   On 9 Jan 1997 Bhaskar Sinha <bsinha@ucdavis!edu> wrote:
   "the last line is quite ironic..."

   On 9 Jan 1997 X Natalia X <xscoutx@erols!com> wrote:
   "I like Teresa Brat's tattoo-it's a dragon with "poison free xxx"
   in oriental-type letters. It's bootiful. I don't have any though-
   I'm just gonna stick with my EF! fist and monkeywrenches..."

   On 10 Jan 1997 XConradx <xconradx@aol!com> wrote:
   "my brother took me to get my sXe tattoo in the summer. it's 3 x's with
   "straight-edge" written below it. on my upper thigh(so my parents don't
   see it, i'm only 16) it's nothing special artwise but it means a lot to
   me.  oh boy do i plan to get more!"

   On 10 Jan 1997 eirix <eiriksv@notam!uio!no> wrote:
   "My friend has two carrots in a cross with an x in the middle (vegan
   edge..) it rocks"

   On 10 Jan 1997 elvis <sarah.and.gerry@bc!sympatico!ca> wrote:
   "I have a band of creepy trees arond my leg which form letters...
   V.E.G.A.N. I'm a REAL rock and roller."

   On 10 Jan 1997 XstraightedgeboyX <ian-one@demon!net> wrote:
   "I like tattoo's as well, I have a Crass logo on my arm not sXe
   I know but cool all the same. Tattoo do fucking rule!! I want
   another but don't know what to get any ideas??"

   On 03 Jul 1997 Leaf <nospambern@cyberg8t!com> wrote:
   "Gods... don't you love a good Mystery?  This second tat of mine...
   this snake.. has affected me in really profound ways.  I keep wanting
   to share it, explain it, put words to it... but of course, the
   essence of Mystery is not being able to put words to the experience.

   "This tattoo has changed me.  Not changed, exactly.  Clarified me, made
   me *more* me.  It changes my appearance in such a way that my outside
   is more in harmony with what's inside of me.

   "The experience is so profound, that I've been joyfully telling my
   friends and family "tattoos are cheaper, faster, and prettier, than
   therapy" <grin>."

   XjeffX has "X straight edge X" tattooed across his back and comments:
   "What does my tatoo mean to me. Well, in short, my tatoo symbolizes
   my life long commitment to being Straight Edge. The symbols we mark
   our bodies with are not adolescents just "having fun" but rather
   marking ourselves as pure individuals. We don't go out and get dumb
   butterfly tatoo's just because they look cool. Our symbols stand for
   what we feel and what we will feel for the rest of our lives. No
   other commitment comes close to the dedication involved with Straight
   Edge. I'm proud to be Straight Edge. Not many have the dedication it
   takes to be clean their whole lives. And this is not just some fad
   that kids go through. Maybe for the kids who just want to stay clean
   until they are 21, this is just a fad, but for the TRUE Straight
   Edgers, this commitment is lifelong. Just like tattoos." [6]

   On 18 Dec 1997 AWAP <[email protected]> wrote:
   "A friend of mine, a tattoo artist who will remain nameless, got one
   of the COOLEST sXe tattoos I've ever seen. After he got out of
   the sXe crowd and started smoking pot, he had SELLOUT tattooed
   inside his lip."

   On 17 Nov 1998 Dominic Henning <[email protected]> wrote:
   "Ive got one straight sdge tattoo on the small of my back.  Its about
   a year old.  Its three bold X's going form black to red to yellow all
   shaded.  Then theres a schrol that reads "true til death"  I love it.
   It is in a place not that many people can see cos it's for me and me
   only.  Just like straight edge.  If other people see it, it;s ok, and
   i'm proud, but its mainly for me.  I resently got two japanese kanji
   symbols right above it.  They could be interpreted as sXe tattoos cos
   they stand for "true, really sinsere, and proud"  I love tattoos  and
   i think sXe is like a tattoo in your mindset, so why not get it
   inscribed on you for life."

------------------------------

Subject:    5-3.    Who's who of apse?

   elliott

   On 09 Jul 1997 elliott <elliot13@postoffice!ptd!net> wrote:
   "My full name is jason elliott, I was born on Nov 24 1974, and live
   in Dallas (The Wilkes Berre/Scranton) area of PA. I publish zines
   (right now it's called Hellcat) but I have a hard time sticking to one
   name. I've been involved in hardcore/punk rock since 1989, but I'm not
   one of those people who sit and talk about how cool it was "back in
   the day" or whatever. I think punk rock needs more activism and a
   better sense of humor...on Irc my nick is Lucky_13."

   Elvis

   On 10 Jul 1997 "Elvis..." <dench@coastnet!com> wrote:
   "Um...Self proclaimed vegan warrior."

   On 11 Jul 1997 "Elvis..." <dench@coastnet!com> wrote:
   "xgerryedgex lives in a secluded heritage house in Victoria BC where
   he spends his time playing dumbass computer games (mostly real-time
   strategy) when he's not working. He is the friendliest vegan on the
   west coast, and he is full to the brim with integrity.
   He does sing in a band as of July 1st and he is hoping that it will
   be called MonkyBoy. He hopes...
   He does a zine and distro under the name of xburn it cleanx and hopes
   to start a label in the near future.
   He is married to a beautiful woman that he calls dench, and together
   they have three cats...which are all the family they need.
   He loves to talk about religion and spirituality and their place in
   a modern HC society, as well as all things pertaining to sexuality.
   Try him out...he loves it.
   His all time favourite band is Trial, who are second only to Bane and
   sometimes Earthmover...depending on the day.
   He will do shows for touring bands solely because he likes bands and
   most of the sounds they can make.
   Do not be fooled into believing he is a HC kid only, because
   xgerryedgex has vast musical tastes ranging from Elvis to the
   Replacements...

   "All in all xgerryedgex is a damn good guy. Visit his web page at
   <http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/2879/index.html> or email him at
   <xgerryedgex@geocities!com>."

   spitbrother

   On 24 Jul 1997 Ralf Sandner <RalfSandner@swol!de> wrote:
   "uuh. emm, real name is Ralf, age is 32, got involved with Punk at 14
   in 1979, putting up gigs in Stuttgart/Germany since 1989, writing for
   PLOT fanzine, constantly playing in bands since 1980...
   like punk of course ;-)
   hate the bad apects of punk today: major label sellouts, sXe jocks,
   gang bullshit in hardcore, the heroin revival in the crust scene...
   racism, fascism, sexism, homophobia becoming tolerated in parts of
   the scene(s).
   the scene here is pretty much divided... i, among some other older
   guys, am the only one who visits mostly all kind of shows (as long
   as they are not by major label acts) which can qualify as "punk"...
   so on every show i see faces who will never come to shows of the
   other clique... you have 77 style gigs, hardline sXe, moderate sXe,
   emo, "new york" hardcore, crust and hardly never the crowds mix...
   on the other hand you have the kids who watch mtv and they just go
   to every "punk" band on a major, without finding out that there is
   another scene...

   check http://www.diy-punk.org/spitbrother/ for some more info about me"

   Sikander

   On 03 Dec 1997 Sikander <SikanderXe@aol!com> wrote:
   "ok. my name is sikander, I'm vegan sXe. I listen to all kinds of
   hardcore, but I like old school the best. my favorite bands right
   now are ten yard fight, ensign, and youth of today. I'm from michigan
   where the hardcore scene is kinda crappy, but in the summer lots of
   good bands stop by here. I also skateboard, which I've been doing for
   4 years.  I've got a homepage but it sucks right now, all there is
   right now is hardcore reviews, I will be working on it during winter
   break though., so here's the URL: http://www.msu.edu/~khansika."


   Lars

   Hi. I'm the kid who looks after this FAQ for ya. I live Sydney,
   Australia with my lovely wife, our very cute son and two kittens.
   I'm an eclectic mix of old school and new school. I like my Xs big.

------------------------------

       Lars Norved
       Technology Research & Development                       '\ /\ /`
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