Opinions
The opinions on this page do not necessarily reflect the opinions of every member of Purge. That's why they're MY opinions. Feel free to write comments to me at izao409@yahoo.com
XisaiahX
Unity in the Hardcore Scene
Unity seems to be a reoccuring theme within the hardcore scene. Many bands preach unity and talk about how the scene should unite. My opinion is that those bands are thinking a little unrealistically. That may sound off the wall at first, but let's look at what "unity" means. Here are a few dictionary definitions of the word. Unity-- "a complex that is a union of related parts." "Constancy or continuity of purpose, action, etc." "The state of being one or united; oneness." Let's look at the first definition. It says, " a union of RELATED parts. Sure, withing the hardcore scene, it's members have the commong relation to hardcore. However, every person is different in their thoughts. Take christians and atheists for example. Two very legitimate but unrelated parts of hXc. Although they exist together in hardcore music, their ideas are very unrelated. The second definiton says, "constancy or continuity of purpose, actions, etc." In all actuality, there is no constancy of purpose in the hardcore scene. Every band has it's own ideas, and there is no single thing that ALL hardcore bands agree on and there is no single goal that ALL hardcore bands are trying to achieve. In order to be truley unified, every band in hardcore would have to think the same thoughts and work for the same goal. That is probably not going to happen, and I'm sure most peole wouldn't want it that way anyway. To sum it all up, I believe unity is a good thing, but it will never happen in hardcore. Hardcore is about standing up for what you believe in, and everyone has their own opinion. Because of differences, there will be no harmony in thought or singular goals to reach. In other words, there won't be true unity. However, there can be tolerance and respect. Tolerance of other peoples ideas (even if you don't agree) and respect for one's right to his own opinion. So let's not fool ourselves with talks of unity, but let's not destroy the scene with dissent. Be tolerant of those you do not agree with and respect their right not to agree. Who knows, you may learn something, but you may end up teaching as well.
Straightedge is not Violence
First, if you don't know what Straightedge is, here is a little background. SxE {straightedge} is a movement of people that abstain 100% from alcohol, drugs, tobacco, and for some, promiscuous sex. The purpose of SxE is keep your body pure and avoid the harmful of effects of alcohol, etc. SxE began and continues to thrive within the hardcore and punk music scene, with many bands championing the cause of SxE. As far as Purge goes, all members are SxE except for Pat. The reason for writing this article is that recently I watched an episode of 20/20 that focused on SxE. The segment was about how SxE kids were gang members, terrorists, and how they beat people up all of the time. Although it did show the positive side of SxE, I felt the segment was overly biased to the negative side of the story. Although 6 of the 7 kids interviewed said they were pacifists, all that was discussed was how some SxE kids were getting in fights with people who were smoking, drinking, etc. As far as that goes, SxE people who get in fights without being provoked, or going around looking for fights have no business claiming SxE. SxE is about EDUCATION and not VIOLENCE. Because of the violence, instead of reaching people, SxE scares people. Because of the violence, good SxE kids are have been labeled "gang members", and "terrorists". Because of the violence, SxE has been put on the list of "groups to watch" for the Salt Lake City Olympics 2002. All of those things are totally ridiculous. The image of SxE is being tarnished because of a small group of violent people. Finally, to all you hardliners out there who think violence is the answer: stop giving such a positive movement such a negative image.
Home
