Minor Threat and the Rise of Straight Edge

This episode unpacks how Minor Threat’s 1981 single sparked the straight‑edge ethos in Washington, D.C., examining the band’s formation, recording practices, DIY infrastructure, and the broader hardcore scene that carried the message overseas. We trace the song’s lyrics, its distribution through fanzines and mail order, the evolution of X symbolism, and how the movement split into veganism, anti‑violence activism, and political debate. The story shows how a handful of musicians created an enduring cultural current without relying on mainstream promotion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices