Tattoos and Piercings

Jeremy McKinnon of A Day To Remember

Many times when I see Edgies, a good majority of them are fairly tattooed and pierced. The tattoos typically cover the full length of one or both arms ("full sleeve") and the piercings are usually gauges (those piercings that make large holes in the earlobes). What has always puzzled me is the fact that these forms of expression can be equivalent to body mutilation. This may seem like an extreme comparison, however, when we think of Edgies' desire for the "pure body", it seems like anything of this nature could stand in the way of that. Then again the tattoos and piercings would not affect an edgie's sobriety or "clear mind", so in those regards it would be perfectly fine.

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.