sXe is a youth movement that avoids drugs, alcohol, and other harmful substances. It originated in the 1980s among hardcore punk music followers and emphasizes treating the body with care and respect. Some straight edges are vegans and shun casual sexuality. The movement is associated with the “X” symbol and is popular with people under the drinking age. Some people adopt a straight edge philosophy of life and become substance abuse counsellors or youth advocates.
sXe is short for “straight edge,” a term used to describe a youth movement that avoids using drugs, alcohol, and other substances deemed “poisons” by movement members. This movement arose among hardcore punk music followers in the 1980s, primarily in response to the hedonism associated with punk music during this period. While many straight edge are followers of punk and metal, you don’t have to be a fan of punk to follow sXe principles.
In straight edge culture, people believe they should treat their bodies with care and respect, avoiding substances that could cause harm. This includes drugs and alcohol, with some people also avoiding tobacco and caffeine. Some straight edges are vegans, believe animal products harm the body and spirit, and some even shun casual sexuality. Different people have different understandings of what it means to be sXe, and there are numerous communities for straight edgers who want to network with people who have similar interests.
Among youth movements, sXe is actually quite interesting. While associated with hardcore punk music, its core concepts are closer to those of religious youth movements than hardcore movements, and straight edge often have much in common with devout youth. Members of the movement have also been known to point out that it is one of the few youth movements that makes drug abstinence, casual sexuality, and other potentially harmful behaviors not only socially acceptable, but sometimes socially desirable.
The origins of the abbreviation “sXe” for straight edge appear to lie in the custom in nightclubs and other venues of marking minors with an X so that alcohol is not served. The “X” is also used as a symbol of the straight-edge lifestyle, as well as an “xXx” symbol. Some straight edge people identify with sXe tattoos to show their commitment to the lifestyle, and many also wear patches, pins and other symbols that connect them to the straight edge waist.
The sXe culture is especially popular with people under the drinking age, and some people drift away from their beliefs as they age. Others choose to adopt a straight edge philosophy of life, sometimes becoming substance abuse counselors or youth advocates in order to help people who may be struggling. Many resources for people interested in becoming sXe emphasize the idea that lifestyle is not something you join, but something you actively live.
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