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Today's media bombards us with sex, drugs and alcohol on a daily basis.
Television, magazines, commercials make the lifestyle seem glamorous, while the rich, famous and beautiful make it even more seductive.
There seems to be no consequence in regard to the reckless use of drugs and alcohol as well as promiscuous sex.
For anyone not willing to compromise with these standards, there is the straight-edge philosophy.
The hardcore punk band Minor Threat and their front man Ian MacKaye started the philosophy back in 1980.
The group decided to write songs about the pressures of youth culture, and instead of glorifying drugs, alcohol and sex, they denounced them.
"It is a deterrent to make bad choices," SAC sophomore Sam Vaughan said.
Vaughan became a straight-edge member at one of the hardest points in his life.
As a senior in high school, Vaughan was being peer pressured by friends to use drugs and alcohol. When he refused, his friend stopped talking to him.
Vaughan admitted coping with the loss of his friend was difficult but after seeing a commercial about straight edge, it confirmed for him that gaining acceptance didn't mean doing the wrong thing.
"Straight edge is the biggest rebellion that has a positive influence," Vaughan said as he described straight edge as an "all-age movement to rise above society's standards."
The main points of the straight edge-philosophy are no alcohol, drugs and the practice of abstinence, anyone is free to join and there is no fee because practicing straight edge is a "conscious decision," Vaughan explained.
Some straight-edge members also practice vegetarianism, become vegan, as well as having an awareness of environmental and political issues but these are separate choices.
Vaughan credits straight edge with helping with decision-making and doesn't feel he has to follow others. He believes individuals make choices to benefit them, and drugs, alcohol and sex are "unnecessary parts of life that will not benefit him."
Vaughan made the choice since becoming a member of straight edge that he "doesn't need any substance to have a good time," and although sometimes friends tease him about his lifestyle he has reached a point in his life where it "doesn't faze him."
"I don't have to say everyone has to be straight edge, it is personal choice like drinking a beer is a personal choice," Vaughan said.
"It is about having a clear mind and conscience, it's not a religious thing."
Although there is no official site for the straight-edge philosophy, there are many sites available by using Google to learn more.
Vaughan believes music played a key role how straight edge came to be and many hardcore bands follow its message.
The 22-year-old student is actually a member of a local thrash band called No Return.
The four-member group conveys the straight-edge philosophy in their own way and this helps the band function together.
No Return will perform at 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Crossing on 1818 N. Main, along with Seether and Lion of Judah.
In a few months, the band will be releasing its first album.
For more details check out www.myspace.com/noreturnhc.
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