> I have a theory that every subculture attracts two types of adherents: people who are genuinely enthusiastic about it and love introducing their passion to new people, and those looking for a way to set themselves apart, who primarily want to gatekeep and condescend to those not "in the know".
Yes, definitely.
There are some who feel that their membership in the group is all they have and thus the more people in the group, the relatively less they are. Insecurity is the root of gatekeeping.
Yes, definitely.
There are some who feel that their membership in the group is all they have and thus the more people in the group, the relatively less they are. Insecurity is the root of gatekeeping.