2021-04-16, 22:34
A term that I've seen used around recently is "gatekeeping" and I'd like to reach out for some perspective as to what it is and what context it should be used.
Of course, many of us remember the days when grilling went off the rails with some folks and therians were essentially shamed or spoken down to for not rendering a textbook example of how their animal attributes matched that of their 'type. To me, this would probably be the most accurate and prominent example of gatekeeping in our community but more recently it seems to be flung around in a different context.
Most of the more recent use of the term seems to be aimed at stifling logical and intellectual discussion of topics such as the differences between therians, otherkin, fictionkin, ect. Mind you that talking about observable differences between groups of people is not offensive, invalidating or derogatory to anyone, it is simply discussing what one observes.
So... I am minded that more recent usage of the word is an attempt to chalk up mindful observations to a very vague, oversimplified term with a negative connotation because a given individual does not wish to face observations about themselves or their group that others have made.
What do you all think? What is "gatekeeping" to you and what is the proper usage for it?
Lyc
Of course, many of us remember the days when grilling went off the rails with some folks and therians were essentially shamed or spoken down to for not rendering a textbook example of how their animal attributes matched that of their 'type. To me, this would probably be the most accurate and prominent example of gatekeeping in our community but more recently it seems to be flung around in a different context.
Most of the more recent use of the term seems to be aimed at stifling logical and intellectual discussion of topics such as the differences between therians, otherkin, fictionkin, ect. Mind you that talking about observable differences between groups of people is not offensive, invalidating or derogatory to anyone, it is simply discussing what one observes.
So... I am minded that more recent usage of the word is an attempt to chalk up mindful observations to a very vague, oversimplified term with a negative connotation because a given individual does not wish to face observations about themselves or their group that others have made.
What do you all think? What is "gatekeeping" to you and what is the proper usage for it?
Lyc