Ian MacKaye was the singer for early 1980s hardcore band Minor Threat. After that band broke up in 1983, he went on to front the bands Fugazi, Embrace, and The Evens. Minor Threat played one of the biggest parts in shaping the genre of hardcore in its early stages in the late 1970s and early 80s. Their influence can be seen on other bands' album covers, band names, and t-shirts, but their biggest societal contribution is the straight edge movement.

While Ian MacKaye isn't directly associated with the field of Critical/Cultural Studies or even the NCA, he can still be considered a prominent figure in the field because of his role in establishing an entire subculture of people. MacKaye, Minor Threat and hardcore as a genre are all committed to "fostering social justice and promoting social change", as stated in the Critical/Cultural Studies division mission statement.