Is Gatekeeping Such A Bad Thing?
Okay so boom. I’m scrolling on TikTok and I see yet another girlie revealing a lesser known hack to the entirety of the internet. Girl why??!! It literally made me pause and go “is gatekeeping such a bad thing”?
I know historically gatekeeping has played a critical role in denying access to those of us deemed “unworthy” by people with overinflated perceptions of themselves. You know the ones who decide who's in and who's out of qualifying for specific roles, opportunities, and handouts. Now don’t get me wrong, these folks still exist and will continue to create obstacles and keep critical information hidden just out of reach from anyone they find threatening,
But
Outside of that context, is gatekeeping always a bad thing? In this blog post, we'll explore the concept of gatekeeping and delve into whether it is inherently detrimental or if there are instances where it serves a purpose. So, grab a snack and some wine and let’s get into it.
Understanding Gatekeeping
Gatekeeping in a nutshell refers to the act of limiting or controlling who gets access to what.It's like having a bouncer at the door of a club, checking IDs and making sure only the "right" people get in.
Why It Shouldn’t Happen
At The Inn Crowd, we don’t do mean girl culture baabaay. Gatekeeping can make people feel left out or create an atmosphere of superiority among those who are considered "insiders." We don’t play like that.
*blurb* looking for an inclusive community of supportive black women growing and glowing? The Inner Circle has a seat with your name on it pooh. Join
Discouraging Newcomers
Sometimes gatekeeping can scare off newbies. When there are strict rules or judgmental attitudes, it can be intimidating for people who are just starting to explore a community or interest.
Limiting Diversity and Perspective
Gatekeeping can unintentionally create an echo chamber where only a certain type of person or viewpoint is allowed. That means missing out on different voices and experiences that could be of value to the community
Okay So What Are The Pros?
Maintaining Quality and Integrity
In some cases, gatekeeping helps keep a community or identity on track. By setting standards, it ensures that those who participate have a certain level of knowledge or commitment. It's like making sure only those who really care about the subject get a seat at the table.
Preserving Culture and Traditions
Gatekeeping can play a role in preserving the essence of a community. By upholding certain standards, gatekeepers protect the authenticity and values that make the group special.
Fostering Expertise and Growth
When there are expectations to meet, it can push people to excel. Gatekeeping encourages individuals to strive for excellence, grow their knowledge, and contribute meaningfully to the community.
Okay, so maybe gatekeeping isn't all bad, but it definitely needs a makeover. Here are some ideas for redefining gatekeeping in a more inclusive and constructive way.
Education and Mentorship - Instead of shutting people out based on what they already know, focus on education and mentorship. Provide resources, guidance, and opportunities for newcomers to grow and meet the community's standards over time.
Embrace a Welcoming Attitude - Let's create a warm and supportive environment where everyone feels welcome. Collaboration, respect, and support should be the name of the game. No mean girls allowed!
Celebrate Diversity - Seek out and amplify diverse voices within the community. Different perspectives and backgrounds bring fresh ideas and make the community richer and more vibrant.
Should We Start Gatekeeping Again
Obviously there is no right or wrong answer here. What it all boils down to is the intentionality of the information being shared. Are there genuinely people trying to put others on? Of course, but more times than not, people on the internet are looking for their 5 seconds of virality and will expose anything to get it.
This is where the lack of gatekeeping is becoming an issue. Too many people lack discernment on what should and shouldn’t be exposed and it shows.
Conclusion
So, is gatekeeping really all bad? Well, it's complicated. While gatekeeping can have negative effects like exclusion and elitism, there are also instances where it can maintain quality, preserve culture, and foster growth. By redefining gatekeeping with inclusivity and constructive attitudes, we can share information across communities that welcome and support individuals while still staying true to their core values. Let's strive for inclusivity, celebrate diversity, and keep the gates open for those who genuinely want to contribute and learn by sharing information in more responsible ways.
What are your thoughts? Do you think oversharing has made things better or worse?
