This article is all about the psychology behind gatekeeping in the underground skateboarding culture. We'll take a closer look at why some people feel the need to act as gatekeepers and what impact it has on the community.
Gatekeeping, which prevents others from accessing or enjoying something you like, has been an issue within the skateboarding community for many years.
Whether in competitions, on forums like SLAP, or in the comments section of social media, individuals always feel the need to dictate what it means to be a "real" skateboarder and who is allowed to participate in the skateboarding scene.
They may assert that outsiders, those who have never stepped on a skateboard or anyone who doesn't fit their narrow definition of a skateboarder, should not be part of the community.
However, we are also told that skateboarding is like a family and that the community is more welcoming than others. So, what is the reality behind this apparent contradiction?
Even the late legend Jake Phelps wants ‘f**king clowns’ like Justin Bieber and Rihanna to stop wearing their Thrasher merch.
“We don’t send boxes to Justin Bieber or Rihanna or those fucking clowns,” Thrasher editor Jake Phelps told Hypebeast about the development. “The pavement is where the real sh*t is. Blood and scabs, does it get realer than that?”
Poser
Back in the 80s, if someone called you a "poser," it was a major insult in the skating scene. It meant that you were just an outsider looking in, not cool enough to be a real part of the subculture.
If you're wearing skateboarding apparel from head to toe but don't even skate, skaters will tell that you are a poser. This includes wearing skate shoe brands, skate shirts, and just pretending to be a skateboarder by your clothing choices.
Selling Out
Duane Peters is a legendary skate punk who never compromised his values for fame or money. He was known for openly criticizing those who he felt were not truly dedicated to the underground skateboarding culture.
Despite his controversial views, Peters was respected and admired by the Master of Disaster devotees, and his legacy still inspires skateboarders all over the world today even from homelessness.
Mongo
Skateboarders generally avoid pushing mongo as they believe it appears awkward and uncool. Skateboarding is all about looking smooth and stylish, and pushing mongo is the opposite of that. It lacks the fluidity of regular skateboarding, so it isn't considered cool. However, pushing switch mongo is acceptable since pro skateboarders in the 90s used to do that to indicate that they were going to perform a switch stance, which is difficult to execute.
Mall Grab
When someone carries a skateboard by its trucks instead of carrying it like a normal skater, it's called "mall grabbing". This can make core skateboarders think that the person is a newbie and doesn't understand the culture and rules. These mall grabbers are always in the mall just to pose and think they are the sh*t.
Skateboarders Are The Most Insecure, According to Tim Gavin
Former professional skateboarder Tim Gavin once said that skateboarders are some of the most insecure people in the skating. Skateboarding culture has its own rules, styles, and expectations making skaters feel uncertain about fitting in, being accepted by their peers, or meeting perceived standards of coolness and authenticity. Plus, skaters often face criticism from the same skaters. All this scrutiny can contribute to feelings of insecurity about one's skills, choices, or as a skateboarder.