Gatekeeping, Sports, and Geek Culture

I know the comparison between gaming/comic/anime/sci-fi/fantasy nerds and sports fans isn't new, people have been talking about this for a while: how people in both groups are overly enthusiastic in the way they dress up and obsess over minor details. But there's one similarity we don't talk about: both subcultures have elitist, gatekeeping assholes.

Yesterday I went into the heart of Boston to watch the Red Sox parade, and while I was waiting I met a woman who had taken the D line into the city. For those who don't know the MBTA, that's the train that goes from Newton into the city, stopping at "Fenway" (of course, the Kenmore stop is actually closer to the park). For many living in the metrowest area, parking at Riverside or Woodland station and taking the D line into the city is the cheapest and most convenient way to get into Boston, especially for Red Sox games. Naturally, it was packed yesterday. The woman I'd met recounted two men on the train who, when not chanting "LET'S GO RED SOX," loudly insisted that anyone who didn't know the stating lineup get off the train.

Douchey, I know. But I get where he's coming from. When people find themselves competing for resources, in this case space (not even seats, just space), it's natural to convince themselves that only a select few actually deserve those resources. In this case, these men believed that there just wasn't room on the train for casual fans.

Look, if someone wants to wake up early on a Saturday, drive around Newton to find parking because the huge lots at the green line stops are already full, and take a packed train into the city with a bunch of assholes, that's enough dedication, and they deserve to be there. Just like if someone wants to drop money on a badge or ticket to a convention and pay the expense to get to the convention, they deserve to take up space at that convention. If someone's been waiting in line longer than you to get into that panel, there's a good chance they care about that topic, and have just as much right to a seat in there as you - maybe more. No one should have to justify their right to take up space.