Today we’re going to talk about gatekeeping.
We are staying clear of racism, sexism, homophobia, etc. That’s another topic for another day. I’m talking about the simpler, slightly less hateful kind of gatekeeping usually centered about pop culture opinions.
The big one I’m seeing online right now is “Beyonce can’t / shouldn’t release a country album”. Really? Why not? Why can’t Beyonce sing any kind of music she wants? Jessica Simpson released a country album. Darius (aka front man of Hootie and the Blowfish) has won awards for his country music. Bon Jovi released a country adjacent album. This isn’t anything new- Hell, back in the 60’s Ray Charles released a country album.
But it goes a lot further than just Beyonce’s new album. Gamers of all kinds can be some of the worst, but gatekeepers are everywhere. I’ve seen people claim if an album uses (insert name of instrument here) it’s not really country music. I’ve seen vegans get really upset when carnivores purchase and enjoy vegan foods. I’ve heard all KINDS of idiotic talk over what “real men” should or should not put into their coffee. I’ve had people (OK, men) quiz me on football when I say I’m a Dolphins fan.
There isn’t any reason for this. I am HAPPY when I find someone else who enjoys the same things I do. I am not going to question whether they know more or less than I do. Heck, I love learning more about things I love!
I assure that, no matter how hard you want to be, you are not in charge of whatever it is you think you are in charge of. If you don’t like a particular singer, don’t buy their albums. If you don’t like a specific video game, don’t play it. If you don’t like a particular food, don’t eat it. It’s really that simple. Really.