Straight Edge Movement

Origins of the Movement

Aug 28, 1976

Many of the charactersitics of what would be know later as straight edge, begin to appear in the lyrics of hard rock and punk bands such as Ted Nugent, and the Modern Lovers.

Bent Edge

Oct 10, 1983

Opposition to the Sraight Edge movement begins to form in the shape of the Bent Edge movement but only lasted until the end of the 90's.

Minor Threat

Mar 15, 1984

1980s hardcore punk band Minor Threat releases a song titled "Straight Edge"

Straight Edge Emerges

Jan 20, 1985

Straight edge as a lifestyle emerges from the mid-1980s hardcore punk music scene

Straight Edge in the US

Jan 10, 1987

Straight Edge musics popularity increases exponetially in the US especially in California.

Variations of Straight Edge

Jun 25, 1991

Mlitant straight edge became popular. Mlitant straight edge punks were not known for being tolerant. They displayed outward pride, outspokenness, and showed a willingness to resort to violence in order to promote their sub-culture. The militant straight edge individual was characterized by being more conservative and less tolerant of homosexuality and abortion.

Move From Punk

Mar 24, 1996

Straight Edge bands that heavily promoted veganism, social justice and animal rights began to make a move towards heavy metal music rather than punk.

Straight Edge Spreads

Dec 12, 1997

Straight Edge Movement spreads to Northern Europe, South America, and the Middle East

Move Towards Non Violence

May 6, 2001

Militant Straight Edge Movement dies out. Large majority of straight edge followers consider themesleves non violent

Changes

Oct 10, 2004

Growing amount of tolerance of people who do not follow the straight edge lifestyle by straight edge individuals

Changes In Musical Styles

Jul 14, 2005

The tolerance for people who did not live the straight edge life style was reflected in a change of lyrical themes and style of music.

Mainstream Attention

Nov 17, 2007

Wwe wrestler Phil Brooks (Cm Punk) brings the straight edge style into the mainstream, having almost 2 million twitter followers and selling the most merchendise in Wwe history

Straight Edge Core Values

May 26, 2009

1)Clean living- creating an alternative, drug-free environment.
2)Lifetime commitment- commitment to positive, clean living
3)Caring relationships- Reserving sex for caring relationships
4)Self actualization-resisting social standards and expectations
5)Spreading the message- actively encourage people
Involvement in progressive causes- becoming involved in social issues to promote a positive outcome