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| Jeremy McKinnon of A Day To Remember |
The scale of how many Edgies partake in getting tattooed or pierced is also intriguing. When considering the fact that the Straight Edge lifestyle is derived from Punk Rock it almost becomes surprising that not all of the Edgies are covered in "body art". This obvious explanation did not satisfy my curiosity, so upon research I found that it creates Straight Edge identity. Usually tattoos and piercings are a way to show off one's individuality, but in regards to the Straight Edge subculture, it is a way of showing you belong.
It is in my own opinion that Edgies' lifestyle choices are really personal, and subscribing to any group that would have you alter yourself in such an extreme way outwardly seems like you are changing for the wrong reasons. It is great that there is a defined culture for this lifestyle, because then its members have each other to look to for support. It just seems like they are conforming too much. Tattoos and piercings have individuality within themselves, but with Straight Edge they become more uniform-like. Essentially I believe it's okay to be Straight Edge and have tattoos/piercings, but you sacrifice your individuality when you get tattooed/pierced because you are Straight Edge.
I think that this can also be compared to what people do when they are in gangs. They look like each other by wearing certain things and tattooing certain markings on their bodies. This identifies them to the gang and allows them to belong. The tattoos and piercings that you are talking about in this piece reminds me a lot of what people do in different cultures and societies to fit in and become apart of something.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, Edgie’s lifestyle is indeed a choice, but it is not a choice in which they are changing for the wrong reasons. I believe no matter what “group” or lifestyle you aspire to partake in, it is just a way to express yourself in your beliefs and values. Another thing to consider is how certain people judge the “Edgie lifestyle”. i also agree with you in how people try to “fit in” and I believe they should not have to tattoo their entire body, but it is the same thing when it comes to maybe people considered “preps” who spend thousands of dollars on designer clothes to fit in. But maybe the real issue is insecurity and peer pressure.
ReplyDeleteI really think that tattoos and piercings are just a form of self expression. It all depends on who you are as a person. I personally have 5 ear piercings in total, but no tattoos, but I wouldn't consider myself edgy. But I do remember when I got one of my ear piercings and showed my mom and she called it "trashy", and i never understood why she cared so much. I got my cartilage pierced because I wanted to, not so I could fit in. But maybe trying to fit in is a factor, but if you find some way of expressing yourself that really says who you are and also makes you happy then I don't think it is right for anyone to judge you. Their forms of expression might be different than yours of mine, but why does that make it wrong or inappropriate? I suppose it all depends on your values and opinions of what is right.
ReplyDeleteWhen I read this post, I thought it was kind of ironic. When I think of someone who stays sober, I don't picture someone with a lot of tattoos and piercings. I think the rock culture has shaped my perception, because a lot of rockers have tattoos and piercings and are the opposite of Edgy. I respect the way that Edgies live, but i don't see why they need tattoos and piercings to fit in and identify themselves.
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