The Straight Edge movement, while best known for rejecting drugs and alcohol, also represented a complete rejection of a culture of self-destruction. This ideology was not born solely through the lyrics and lifestyle that we as a community hold near and dear to our hearts; handmade fliers, independent record labels, and shows thrown together in sweaty basements or dusty warehouses played an equal part in creating the modern Straight Edge community that we know and love. A true do-it-yourself attitude has been and forever will be a staple of the Straight Edge community. In today’s world where authenticity is bought and sold for convenience's sake, it is more important now than ever before to reclaim our DIY roots as a community.
What is "True DIY"?
What does DIY really mean? When artists take their art into their own hands and create without waiting for permission to create, distribute, or conceptualize their art, the do-it-yourself ethos is etched even further into the Straight Edge community. Community-driven alternatives to mainstream commercialization of music like DIY venues, record labels, zines, or other forms of distribution are simultaneously the past, present, and the way forward. When art is in the hands of the artist, the music is accessible and authentic, and the community around them is able to participate in the art in various forms. DIY is not about doing it for yourself, it’s about doing it for the community around you too!
DIY ethics go hand in hand with Straight Edge values! When you reclaim your autonomy and choose to stay sober, you can also choose to create your own world of art too! Avoiding the corporatization of art and the erosion of values takes true integrity. Community spaces like house shows, basement venues, and free shows reinforce Straight Edge and DIY roots, as well as introduce them to the next generation of Straight Edge youth. The accountability created through small and direct scenes means tighter-knit communities that reinforce values and encourage personal growth.
Why does it matter?
Why does this all still matter in today’s society that focuses on commercialization and overconsumption? Digital platforms now make distributing your own art easier than ever, but have the drawback of being easier to fake, and even easier to commodify. The Straight Edge risks losing its teeth if it is boiled down to a hashtag or aesthetic in the manner that social media inevitably leads to. A real do-it-yourself ethic is built on investing in people, not likes or followers.
All of this being said, what is left for us as a community to do? The only thing left for us to do is to carry this torch forward into the present! Lead by example, don’t preach. Mentor those new to the scene and the community, and be an example of the Straight Edge values. Rather than relying on the over-commercialization of art, support small presses, zines, and independent record labels! Host or help host inclusive, sober, and accessible events that uplift the community as a whole! Straight Edge and DIY will always go hand in hand. Doing things yourself is not an aesthetic or nostalgia, it is a deliberate choice and action, just like the Straight Edge.
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