You are not hardcore because you are covered in tattoos, wear gym shorts with lace up Vans, and listen to music with dissonant breakdowns in it. Hardcore is the single mom who has just overcome drug addiction, and is working three minimum wage jobs just to make ends meet. Hardcore is the firefighters and officers who gave their lives up trying to save yours in 9/11. Hardcore is a soldier who fights a war that means nothing, so that we can have the luxury of living like we do back home, only to return home and to be treated like shit by the system. Hardcore is loving someone unconditionally, when you know you won’t receive it back. Don’t tell me you’re hardcore because of your aesthetics and musical taste…