Straight-Edgers Reject Sex, Drugs and Alcohol
Sex,etc. (usa, spring 1996) - by katie parla

Cigarettes and sex, alcohol and drugs. They permeate our society--on television, in the movies, in magazines, on clothing. Using illegal substances, I feel, has become a socially acceptable way to pass time.

Why then, do I, and so many other teens, choose to lead a "straight-edge" lifestyle--one in which we abstain from drinking, smoking, using drugs and having sex?

The reason is simple. We believe that these things divert our attention from what is really important--the future of our society.

The state of the world is growing worse each day. The most effective way to focus on improving our future is to build ourselves into clear-minded, motivated people. Being a straight-edger has empowered me to do what I know is right in order to make a difference, even if it means going against the majority.

Dreams & Goals

I am no longer afraid to let my voice be heard. I know that I can make a difference, as long as I do not allow drugs to interfere with my goals.

In a society in which researchers estimate that 70 percent of teenagers are having sex before they graduate from high school, it is very difficult to remain clean and pure and to uphold straight-edge ideals.

However, I have managed to resist the temptations because I know that I am not alone. Many popular hard-core bands, including 108, Strife, Youth of Today and Shelter, promote and are part of the straight-edge movement.

More and more teenagers are also committing to this purer lifestyle. Take Donia Salem, a junior at West Windsor-Plainsboro High School, who says that "using drugs and engaging in illicit sex are a complete waste of time and energy. They only lead to self-destruction. Since I have adopted the straight-edge lifestyle, I have become more confident about myself and my endeavors. Now, when I know what I want, I'm not afraid to fight for it."