I just need to ask... if you don't smoke, don't do drugs but you have a drink once in a blue moon you are not considered straight edge? I just don't get why some variables are acceptable but some aren't. I went through this forum discussion and there were people mentioning how caffeine is a big no-no to some straight-edgers, but not to others and the same with sugar. I just don't get how someone can feel they have the moral authority to declare someone straight-edge or non straight-edge because they do or do not appeal to that person's particular ethical and moral standing.
Can anyone clarify the rules? Because it really seems like it is subjective, just like veganism, where there are militant vegans who shun other vegans because they might slip up, or they don't use vegan hair dye because of the price. I just don't understand why everyone tries so hard to make others feel inadequate or like they don't belong because they aren't meeting certain requirements that constitute a 'perfect' vegan or straight-edge-er. Shouldn't we instead be applauding the efforts of these people, rather than nit-picking? I think it's great that someone can go without alcohol, drugs and smoking, but it makes me feel rather inadequate that these people may judge me because I might have a sip of beer once every 6 months. I suppose it is the same predetermined ideals that people have when they find out you are vegan. They assume that you are or feel superior to them, and quite honestly that is the feeling I get from some straight-edge people on this forum; that you are better than me because you can abstain from things that I don't even really care about. If I have a sip of beer I don't care whether it's bad for me or not, I just want to try it because it's a new flavour or whatever, it doesn't mean I hate my body or I want to be impure.
Straight Edge is subjective, very much like Veganism.
I'm straight edge, but not because someone has labelled me so, more because I chose to "claim edge"
I've lived my life similar to yours for around 5 or 6 years prior to becoming straight edge. I used to drink maybe once a year, or taste someones drink if I felt like it. It was not until I was ready to commit completely to a drug and alcohol free lifestyle that i chose to call myself straight edge.
To me straight edge is a life long commitment, it's not something you drop in and out of. Also I still drink coffee, but i do not drink alcohol or take drugs, or am not involved in promiscuous sex. So I guess as you say above straight edge is up to personal interpretation.
Also in response to a previous comment by someone that straight edge music is rubbish:
Straight Edge became a movement really in the 70's and 80's and since then has been associated with the hardcore and punk scene. So I guess if you don't enjoy hardcore or punk music then you won't enjoy most straight edge bands. But to say all straight edge music is shitty when you don't particularly like any form of hardcore or punk is a bit strong. It's like someone who doesn't like classical saying that Tchaikovsky was rubbish.
