Golden Gatekeeping

Experience isn't everything. Yet it absolutely matters.

Gatekeeping- simply put, are standards. Not always, but generally, the reasons being safekeeping due to the precious nature of what it protects. I often see and hear whining, both as whispers and loud proclamations about how unfair gatekeeping in the dance music scene is. As if seasoned folks have a bunch of silly guidelines for no apparent and no good reason. Creating unnecessary and negative unachievable barriers for a stampede of whippersnappers clamoring rabidly for whatever it is that they seek. But why might that  be? Your guesses are as good as mine. So here’s my takes:

“Those old fuddy duddies are stuck in the past and reliving their glory days. They’re pig-headed and not open to evolving.”

“Those old fogies are irrelevant- they’re just obtusely unaware.”

“All those knuckleheads will soon be out to pasture and they just don’t want any competition.”

I ask: Is gatekeeping the fine art and carefully honed craft of couture dissimilar to music and the dance music scene? I think not. And if you don't appreciate what Dior delivers- well, there’s the door. The immensely revered House of Aviance isn't a free for all for major reasons. That prestigious status is granted to those who have capability and vision to cuntily and consistently serve the let haves- and then some.

Imperative to preserving legacy and lineage is to propel forward its evolution and growth. The reasons for gatekeeping are a plenty. Numerous years of experience accompanies lessons learned and gained as seasons change. And those at the “helm” typically practice good housekeeping. Though, not always. Because bullshittery-tittery cannot be tolerated. Why?! Because it hinders and distracts energy and attention away from doing the damn things of such significant cultural value.

It’s joyful to witness a newbies’ journey as they attempt to cross the threshold and obtain notable achievements. Some of those who feel hindered as they venture towards their goals or are rejected may end up feeling bitter. It’s incredibly important to understand that what’s behind those gates- isn’t for everyone. There’s a gazillion and one ways to approach most things. And who knows- your way very well might be better for you and a host of others for a myriad of reasons. To each their own- forever and always. It’s beyond ludacris to pretend there’s only one way to skin a cat (though I strongly advise against hurting any animal).

Still want that illustrious entrée? Commonly appreciated virtues include open ears, a voracious curiosity, an understanding of history, an appetite for learning, respect, and an eagerness to contribute. And I don't mean fetching coffee. Consistently bringing your A-game, patience and novel ideas. Everyone, including myself, fucks up at times. What’s noticed by those observing, guiding and deciding is what- if any, actions you take to transcend mistakes. And that’s often what determines whether your face will be served some grace.

So seriously y’all. Enough with the bitching and complaining about gatekeeping. Still maintain that kvetching is your prerogative? It is. And you're gonna do what you're gonna do. Well- keep on keeping on. Just know that the chatter all becomes white noise at some point. It’s an ongoing and unevolved drone of desperation that’s persisted for decades and will continue on for eons. So get into it or don't. And again, your alternative approaches and ideas are completely valid in their own right. But knocking, dismissing, dissing and trolling what previous generations have created of meaningful and consequential cultural value is…well- wiggity wiggity wack.

And there’s something so sublimely beautiful that results from your lifelong quest. Which is that you’ll ultimately be amongst the seasoned at the helm who continue to evolve what the future looks like.