Tim Paciotti is a 19-year-old kid that likes to enjoy life, and stay true to his beliefs.
Straightedge
What does the term “straight edge” mean to the society today? Straight edge is a belief amongst the people not to drink, do drugs, or have promiscuous sex. It is a belief to those who rebel against our own kind to show we aren’t the same. So why does the rest of the community show hatred to us, and consider us a nuisance? To me, through everything the people have shown towards us, “straight edge” gives me a sense of personality, a second family, and something to look forward to in my life.
To many different cultures of the world, they see us, the “straight edge teens,” as the people who are missing out on a good life. However, I believe “straight edge” gives me a personality. For example, at a party I was offered some alcohol, and I refused and said I was “edge”. The man who offered me the drink made a comment of me not living my life and not having a good time. I didn’t need a beer to have a good time, nor did I need one to live my life to the fullest extent. I don’t need something that will harm my body to get a good “buzz”; my personality shows that. In addition, people assume us as a whole. Of course, we do have the same beliefs, but we some of us react differently. I don’t show anger on other just because they do what they do. This shows that my personality may not like those certain things for me, but don’t judge the people who do, do it; it’s their decision. Not only does “straight edge” give me a personality to look to, but also a second family to look forward to as well.
Too many of us, “straight edge” is more than just a word, or a saying, it’s a bond between many of us; that bond between us is like having a second family to look for in need of anything. For example, when many of us find another person that is “straight edge” it’s an automatic connection that we have with them; as well as someone first claiming “edge.” It shows us as well as them that they aren’t alone. Furthermore, if in need for anything, we can not only come to our real family, but our “straight edge” family. Yes, given the fact it may be weird, but since we’re all “edge,” there is a sense of trust, like we are with our immediate family. Our real family likewise with our “straight edge” family, we can come to them at anytime for anything and still feel whole as a family. As families grow in the future, “straight edge” gives me something to look forward to in the future.
Thinking about the future to some is a scary thing, but to me there is a light that still shines through it all. “Straight edge” isn’t just a commitment; it is a life, and one worth living for. For example, I was asked by a teacher in high school, “What do you see yourself doing in the future?” I replied, “Continuing my life style, working, and exposing to everyone what “straight edge” is, and does for you.” It gives me something to look forward to, since I fully believe in this. It’s something I still want to see when I’m eighty, and have grandkids. This is no joke, but something real and reachable. Never taking a sip of alcohol, smoking a single cigarette, or having promiscuous sex has shown me a better life, and a better future. In addition, a friend asked me, “If you did do drugs, what do you think you would be doing now?” I said to him, “I would probably not have a job, house to live in, friends, and probably any teeth.” Being “edge” fills me with joy knowing I don’t do anything harmful to myself; I have a better chance to actually see the future. And being able to see myself in the future makes me a happy kid.
Now that you know how a “straight edge teen” feels, does hatred still grow upon you? Even though being “straight edge” gives me a second family, future to look forward to, and a personality, it does a lot more for everyone. Sooner or later people will realize what we believe in, and know its better for everyone. So how do you feel about the term “straight edge” now?
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