“Straight edge” is a subculture, a lifestyle, a movement, and, for some, an identity. The term itself came from a Minor Threat song (Straight Edge) from the early 1980s, which described the self-indulgent and nihilistic ways of the punk community at the time. No drinking, no drugs, no smoking, no casual sex - these are the primary tenets of the straight edge subculture. In general, it's centered around abstinence as a means of rebellion. Most would agree that to be considered straight edge, you must abstain from consuming alcohol and drugs, smoking cigarettes, and engaging in sex outside of caring relationships, but many 'edge' individuals choose to abstain from other substances as well. Some avoid caffeine and medicinal drugs and even more choose to be vegetarian or vegan.
My older sister, Valentina, practices the straight edge lifestyle. Having grown up in Chile and in the Latin American culture, it is very unusual for her to have taken up this kind of lifestyle. Besides living straight edge, my sister is also the lead singer of a Punk-Rock band named Nosebleed. She has been a part of this band for several years now and has toured the United States with them. She writes the lyrics to all of the songs, which deal with several different topics such as: pain, love, anger, and rebellion. Valentina also practices “shibari,” the art of japanese rope bondage. Shibari is an ancient art form which is becoming ever more popular. Shibari is a learned skill that can be used for mental stimulation and relaxation, both by the roper (usually called a rigger) and the person being trussed up. Shibari style rigging creates geometric patterns and shapes with rope that contrast beautifully with the human body’s natural curves. The ropes and their texture provide contrast to smooth skin and curves. In Shibari, the model is the canvas, the rope is the paint and brush, and the rigger is the rope artist.
I have chosen to contrast the life of my sister by showing her on stage, as the lead singer of her band, with the quieter and more private events of her personal life. On stage, she is constantly in demand and control. She gets wildly lost in the music and in the enthusiasm of the crowd. In other moments of her life, she is calm and quiet. An observer and participant in subcultural activities that are intriguing to the viewer and a form of relaxation and stress relief to her.