Straight Edge and the Internet

By Jack Kerwin | December 9, 2020 |

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In the 1970s, punk-rock music emerged in rejection of the clean-cut ideals put forth in mainstream rock and roll. Bands including The Sex Pistols, The Ramones and The Clash challenged the superficial aspects of 70s popular rock music, stripping back the overproduced, commercialized nature of mainstream rock and showcasing their raw, unpolished and abrasive sound.

As punk rock took hold, themes of drug abuse, promiscous sex, and a general lack of trust in the establishment became prevelant. Many bands embraced a nihilistic attitude, depicting life as meaningless and unimportant (Kuhn, 2010). Punk rock quickly spread beyond its sonic characteristics to influence a widespread culture of profanity, anger, and rebellion.

Towards the end of the 70s, some began to question the drug infused, culture of excess that was pervasive in many punk subcultures at the time. Among the dissenters was a young teenager named Ian MacKaye who grew up in Washington DC.

In 1981, MacKaye’s hardcore band Minor Threat released a 46 second song titled “Straight Edge” on their self-titled debut 7”. “Straight Edge” contains lyrics such as “I’m a person just like you, but I’ve got better things to do, then sit around and smoke dope, ‘cause I know that I can cope,” displaying MacKaye’s animosity towards those who use substances. Another Minor Threat song “Out of Step” further solidified these ideals with lyrics such as  “don’t smoke, don’t drink, don’t fuck, at least I can fucking think.” Unexpectedly, MacKaye spurred a cult-like movement within punk culture.

Straight edge became established as an ideology centered around rebellion in the form of militant self-control (Haenfler, 2006). Followers generally abstain from using all forms of drugs and alcohol. Some take this idea to the extreme extent by withholding from promiscuous sex and following a vegetarian diet. Some refrain from using any prescription medication and even consuming caffeine (Rettman, 2017). As no single person has complete authority over what qualifies as straight edge, the value system is interpreted differently across various communities.

Though originating in DC, this ideology quickly spread to Boston. Bands such as SSD and Negative FX formed “the Boston crew,” solidifying straight edge ideals in the Boston hardcore scene. While the movement began as being centered around a positive notion of personal growth, some followers used the ideology to justify acts of violence against those who partake in substance use. This militant intolerance was particularly rampant in the Boston scene, and some even defined “Boston straight edge” as its own separate subgenre (Rettman, 2017). Furthermore, Boston was credited as “the birthplace of straight edge enforcers” (Blush, 2010). Though straight edge ideology was invented in DC, the Boston community took it to another level. Boston Crew associate Hank Pierce said, “The Boston scene is closed off and people are hesitant to welcome you in. You need to prove yourself” (Blush, 2010).

As I began conducting fieldwork on the Boston straight edge community, I became particularly interested in the previously mentioned regional discrepancies that existed between different straight edge scenes. In an attempt to gain a first hand account on the matter, I reached out to legendary SSD songwriter and guitarist Al Barile. To my surprise, Al was willing to talk, though he was reluctant to be recorded. Regardless, we ended up chatting on the phone for a few hours.

Al further confirmed this idea that each city had different scenes that were largely separate from one another. While other hardcore punk bands like Black Flag were constantly on the road, playing hundreds of shows each year in different cities, SSD didn’t take this approach. Al explained that he wanted each show to feel special, and he felt that if the band played too much, it would lose its novelty. At this time, Al was a student at Northeastern, while also working at GE Aircraft Engines, leaving little time to hit the road. So, naturally, SSD primarily performed in Boston.

Al emphasized the importance of spaces like Gallery East and Media Workshop in facilitating the first straight edge shows in Boston. These were unconventional gallery spaces that could be rented for an affordable price. Al would frequently reserve a night at Gallery East, find a PA to borrow, and set up the entire show on his own. He would then promote the show by passing out flyers around the city such as this flyer pictured here. These first shows at Gallery East and Media Workshop were fundamental in solidifying a tight knit scene in Boston. It’s possible that without these two specific show spaces and Al’s relentless work ethic, Boston wouldn’t have been such an important player in the early 80s straight edge scene.

I  spoke with another Boston straight edge musician named Nick Owen. Nick is currently a student at Emmanuel College and he is also a member of the show booking collective at The Democracy Center in Harvard Square. The Democracy Center (aka The DC) is an all-ages sober space that is an affordable option for hosting live music, community events, meetings, and more.  Nick explained the importance of having a space where people who “would rather go to a show that’s not connected to a bar or where people aren’t drinking” are able to congregate (Personal Interview, 29 October 2020). Additionally, Nick expressed that at The Democracy Center, there is “never any more than a $50 room fee, and most shows benefit some charity organization” (Personal Communication, 29 October 2020).  These factors are significant because they create opportunities for people who might typically be disregarded by traditional concert spaces. By constructing an especially accessible environment, spaces like The Democracy Center give people who identify as straight edge, or more broadly reject mainstream social culture, a place to congregate and support one another.

Photo of The Democracy Center. Taken by Jack Kerwin on 11/1/2020

Portrait of Nick Owen taken by himself on 11/9/2020

While speaking with Nick allowed me to gain a modern perspective on the Boston straight edge community, I was largely surprised by the similarities between this conversation and my discussion with Al Barile. When talking to both of them, there seemed to be a particular focus on the live performance spaces that helped to establish a community of people with overlapping ideologies. As I attempted to further immerse myself in straight edge communities, I realized that performance spaces are the primary location that allows these like-minded people to meet and socialize in Boston.

Straight edge is frequently labeled as an extreme form of rebellion against mainstream culture. Drinking and drugs are extremely prevalent in American culture, and for some, they are inseparable from many aspects of regular social life. As a result, practicing straight edge can often be a rather solitary or withdrawn experience. When Ian MacKaye discussed meeting Al Barile for the first time, he expressed this sentiment saying, “We were all isolated, so we were always looking for kids in other cities to share this with. I was psyched to be in touch with him” (Rettman, 2017). This isolated aspect of straight edge makes spaces such as Gallery East and Media Workshop in the 80s, and The Democracy Center today, crucial in continuing to foster a strong straight edge community.

As COVID-19 has caused The Democracy Center and other music venues to temporarily shut down, many straight edge people have been stripped of the local camaraderie tied to their identity. In an attempt to find meaningful connections, some have turned to online forums such as Reddit and Facebook groups to interact with a community of like minded people. My fieldwork included spending a considerable amount of time being active in these forums in an attempt to understand how folks were interacting online, how this differed from in-person interactions, and how these people found community without the regional aspect of straight edge informing their identity.

One of the most fascinating aspects of these online straight edge forums is the way in which the Internet collapses the regional boundaries that typically structure in-person communities. For example, in the early 80s, it is likely that a straight edge person from Boston would be a part of their local community. Beyond that, they might not know people from other cities who are also straight edge. One particular thread I came across exemplified this exact idea. A member of the r/straightedge forum on Reddit posted asking “How Many of us Left??” (Appendix A). At this time, the post has received 36 comments with a wide range of answers. Some responded expressing that they have many straight edge friends, while others stated that they didn’t know anybody who is straight edge aside from themselves. While some wrote that they were 50 years old, other commenters were just 18 years old. I think this particular situation is special, because without the internet, it is likely that many of these commenters would not have the opportunity to be a part of any sort of straight edge community. However, because of this forum, many members are able to find solace by connecting with people from all over the world and of a variety of ages, showing them that they are not alone.

Though the nature of the internet allows people to connect by removing any sort of physical boundaries, it simultaneously creates a degree of separation that may allow for vulnerable expression that users wouldn’t otherwise feel comfortable sharing in person. For example, one sixteen year old user posted a thread titled “I’m done with addiction,” and went on to share an extremely personal account of his struggle with drugs, alcohol, and self harm. After struggling with these substances since 12 years old, he decided he was going to become straight edge.

Additionally, the user writes, “Any words of advice or support would be appreciated,” expressing his desire to find some sort of support from other users on the platform. While imagining this person struggling at such a young age is obviously heart wrenching, I think that this thread shows the value in the anonymity inherent when posting something online. In physical straight edge communities, I think it is probable that this user would not have felt comfortable sharing such an intimate story, due to fear of judgement or rejection. However, because he is able to mediate this interaction through the internet, he is able to share something that would otherwise likely be internalized. This post received nine comments from supportive Reddit users who shared their own similar experiences. One woman commented saying “For me the most helpful thing has been to find sober friends, even Internet friends if you can’t find any in your town.” While this post may not result in the user finding any “real world” companionship that he might be able to achieve in a physical straight edge community, I think that this thread effectively exemplifies one of the many unique affordances that exist as a result of online straight edge communities.

Straight edge is frequently characterized as the ultimate form of rebellion. In a culture where drinking and using drugs is frequently normalized and often encouraged, it takes a particularly strong-willed person to reject using these substances, and live a life of sobriety. While straight edge is fundamentally based on a sense of individuality, I think that many adherents are simultaneously searching for a community or identity larger than themselves. This is why many followers draw big black X’s on their hands, shave their heads bald, or make other stylistic choices to showcase their identity in a way that will help them connect with others who share it. While prioritizing individually, these people are able to connect with one another and find support through their community.

Although the roots of early straight edge communities were inherently regionalized and distinct from one another, the internet blurs these boundaries more than ever. Those who identify as straight edge are now able to connect with people from all over the world, and find support from a dispersed community of similar people. Despite the unique opportunities made possible by physical interactions within communities, I believe that online communities are absolutely an indispensable aspect of straight edge communities throughout the world.

Acknowledgments:

I’d like to thank Al Barile, Nick Owen, Olivia West, and Joe Kerwin for allowing me to interview you all throughout the semester. Your insights were incredibly valuable, and it was amazing to learn more about you all throughout this process. Furthermore, I’d like to thank Professor Inglese for guiding me through the entire project. I appreciate your enthusiasm and constant positive attitude, despite the difficult circumstances that we faced this semester.

Endnotes:

STEWART, FRANCIS. PUNK ROCK IS MY RELIGION: Straight Edge Punk and 'Religious' Identity. ROUTLEDGE, 2019.

Blush, Steven, and George Petros. American Hardcore: A Tribal History. Port Townsend, WA: Feral House, 2010.

Kuhn, Gabriel (ed.). 2010. Sober Living for the Revolution. Oakland, CA: PM Press. Collection of articles and interviews with straight edgers, scholars, and activists from around the world on the political potentials of straight edge.

HAENFLER, ROSS. "STRAIGHT EDGE CORE VALUES." In Straight Edge: Clean-Living Youth, Hardcore Punk, and Social Change, 32-57. NEW BRUNSWICK, NEW JERSEY; LONDON: Rutgers University Press, 2006.

Rettman, Tony. “Straight Edge: A Clear-Headed Hardcore Punk History.” Red Bull Music Academy Daily, 9 Nov. 2017, daily.redbullmusicacademy.com/2017/11/straight-edge-hardcore-punk-history-excerpt.

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