Both are self-proclaimed. I’ve always been drug-free, and declared straight edge (no drinking, no smoking, no drugs) back in 2006, and I feel the message of the Dark Carnival (not in a religious sense, moreso in a moral way). However, I’ve caught flack from the straight edge community because they generally don’t like Juggalos, believing all of us smoke and whatnot. Why does it matter? For those who sign up for it, Psychopathic Records has an e-mail they send out on Fridays called the Hatchet Herald. In it, there’s a section called “Axe The Question”, where fam can send in their questions to artists and those at the label to answer. This week’s edition contained this:

      I was wondering for the juggalos that are sober, would you bag on them for not smoking and shit? Cuz there’s lots of lo’s out there that say shit like “you can’t be a juggalo if ya don’t even smoke weed”. So what’s your take on that? MMFWCL.

Filthy

     The greatest thing about being a Juggalo or Juggalette is that you can do whatever the fuck you want. This includes NOT DOING whatever the fuck you want. We know there are ‘Los and ‘Lettes out there who enjoy some herbage, drinking, and all of that. But you don’t HAVE to do those things to call yourself a Juggalo or a Juggalette. Whether you celebrate 4:20 everyday on the dot or claim straight edge, that’s up to you. Either way, you’re still family.

- A Psychopathic Records Ninja

This made my day when I read it. Many Juggalos have been surprised I don’t smoke or anything, but NONE of them have given me shit for it. The fact that someone from the source themselves said this gives even more meaning to me. I don’t understand why people can be close-minded about others. I am Straight Edge. I am a Juggalo. Who are you to judge me?