Straight On or Straight Off?
By Mickey

[Originally published: Issue #1, circa 1987]

I don’t do drugs. I don’t drink. I don’t smoke.

So why am I so critical of the Straight Edge Movement?

I really agree with the positive attitude and respecting your body, but I just can’t see myself shaving my head and drawing “X”s on my hands. I think it’s a personal thing, a choice someone has made for themselves, not something that should be paraded around, announcing to the world how you live.

I also understand, though, that S.E.’s need to band together for support, to help destroy the temptation sprouting from peer pressure. But I find that these cliques look down upon those who do drugs or drink, which I think is unfair, because people should respect other people’s choices. Really, I don’t think any less of someone who puts foreign substances in their body. Use is much different than abuse. I question the will-power and maturity of those who abuse.

Being straight could definitely help these people get their heads straight, and help them make the right decisions that will allow them to take control of their lives. But changing your outward appearance and your opinion of others isn’t too cool to me.