Unified Straightedgers Research Paper

Ian MacKaye was interviewed by Wood to identify where the X symbol first appeared. In California, Mackaye said it was used there first as a mark to draw attention to young people who could not legally drink, but still wanted to enjoy the live punk bands performing shows in bars. Soon after this origination in the West, Mackaye said the X traveled to Washington D.C. and was originally used for the same purpose. After spreading to multiple United States scenes and throughout Canada, the straightedge culture adopted this symbol based on their value to refrain from alcohol use. As a result, the symbol unified straightedgers as a distinct subculture.