The history and gatekeeping of alternative culture and how it’s harmful

Hello!! It’s Kai and I’m back after not being here for a hot second but alas, I am back with more fashion topics I am passionate about!!! This blog will be dedicated to the increasing popularity of the alternative fashion and community, the gate keeping that came with it, and why it’s harmful to the community, without further ado, let’s dive in!!!

The start of alternative culture

Before we begin, we first need to learn some of the history of alternative culture, how it came to be, and what is the meaning of it.

Alternative culture goes all the way back to 1960’s where the first punk rock bands came to life and this style was called “Proto-punk” which is bands that we ahead of their time when it came to punk and a great example of this would be The Sonics as they debuted in 1964 and the gritty, fast and hard paced style was truly out of left field for many. Many debate about which bands are proto-punk or not but that’s not what we’re discussing today.

This genera of punk music inspired many which led to the 1970’s movement in punk and led to the foundation of the alternative culture. Punk culture began in England and in the 70’s spread all over the world where people would vent their frustrations as a working class. Punk served as a catalyst for the change of culture in music and society as many people began to feel empowered by the punk movement and those who were minorities finally had their voice and were being heard. Punk brought about a change within society and culture in both fashion and society, one of these being DIY. 

As this movement began to grow so did people’s want for different styles and different values, this is what led to the expansion of the alternative genre and fashion. Many people decided to express themselves differently through fashion, or music to express themselves and to make a statement of not being what others want which all leads us to present day

Today alternative culture is much the same but gaining popularity and even becoming mainstream at times. This leads us into the next section, the gate keeping of alternative culture.

Gatekeeping alternative fashion/culture

In present day its been shown how alternative culture and fashion is trendy and “in” as the world we live in became fast paced and one where if you dare to stand out it’s a risky move but can be rewarding. 

 We can’t talk about alternative culture without mentioning the big 2020 and how it impacted the alternative community and  space. In 2020 when the pandemic hit, everyone was trying to find solidarity and community as it was an isolating period for many which led to being alternative being trendy. Alternative spaces became popular as it was a way to vent frustrations, explore styles, and feel welcomed within a space in an isolating time which made alternative culture popular and in style.

As the pandemic was lifted many people went back to how they were leaving the alternative space behind and went back to making fun of alternative community, the same community that was once so welcoming to the people that are making now fun of them. I believe this is when the major gatekeeping issue became prevalent (this isn’t to say that gatekeeping the community wasn’t already a problem and wasn’t always around, the issue has been around for as long as the community started but it was here where I believe the gatekeeping got worse)

Many alternative people began to gatekeeping the community in an attempt to protect the community and to avoid toxicity in their space but this backfired as many alternative people began fighting within themselves to protect the community and space which leads me to the next section of this blog.

Why gatekeeping is causing more harm than good

The community isn’t what it once was due to gatekeeping and it’s critical to understand this. A once empowering community has turned sour as many people forget the history of alternative culture as they are caught up in their own ideals to the point that it has become detrimental to the community. Alternative isn’t what it used to be as people bring eachother down tabs no longer empower eachother and those who need it. 

Many of the alternative values have been lost due to the toxicity and the want to protect the space but that is exactly what is bringing the community down. 

I’m not trying to say that gatekeeping is the only factor as to why the community is worsening, I’m trying to say that it’s a factor and a big one at that. 

Closing thoughts

I believe the alternative community can be how it once was if we let up on the gatekeeping and be more welcoming and accepting to eachother, obviously in this day and age it’s nearly impossible to do that as it’s the internet and it’s filled with toxicity, but that shouldn’t stop us from uplifting others and giving back to the community we love. 

That’s it for this blog, thank you guys for reading and criticism is much welcomed, let me know if I got something wrong and comment your thoughts, I’ll do my best to reply and that’s all for to today!!

-Signing off, Kai, XOXO!