So I was reading some of the comments here and I noticed some of you are confused as to why someone would label themselves straight edge. Why does it need a name? Just seems like a cry for attention or a superiority complex? Well the reason I and many others identify with the term straightedge is because of the sense of community. Straight edge and drug free are actually quite different. Straight edge is derivative of the hardcore punk scene, and that's where straight edge still mostly lies. Straight edge is kinda like a safe haven for the few of us speckled in the hardcore scene that chose to stay drug free. We still wanted to have fun, let loose, and get heavy, just without any added substances. The reasons as to why someone would do that varies to personal backgrounds like growing up around drug use or previously being a user themselves and wanting to turn things around. So straight edge is the community, the friends with like minded ideals. Kinda like how we identify as gamers just because we want to be around our own kind, it has nothing to do with superiority and thinking we're better. Actually I advise that if you do find someone that claims to be straight edge, and they're being dicks, acting better than you, talking shit about your life choices... Well do me a huge favor and punch that dude in the face because he's misrepresenting "edge" and he needs to get his ass kicked for being a jackass. So in conclusion. Straight edge is a community of individuals that partake in the hardcore community and want to chill with people like themselves, and someone might feel the need to identify as edge because it's kinda like a signal "hey, I like this music too and I don't do drugs as well, let's be friends!" And for anyone curious. The only in stone rule of being edge is, after you claim it, to stop doing body and mind altering substances. (Not including coffee or medical drugs) although some do take it that far, and also yes that means you could technically be straight edge and smoke weed as long as it's medical and being used for REAL medical purposes. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. I've been explaining this my entire life and I truly enjoy debunking the myths and stigma around straight edge. Also, if you do drugs, that's awesome dude. As long as you're happy and it's not hurting others. Don't let anyone tell you shit. You're your own person, just do you man!