“Poser!" Snobbery, Identity, and Gatekeeping

This chapter expresses that snobbery-at least in the cases like Insane Clown Posse (ICP) where it seems morally objectionable-is best understood through its motivational profile. It explains existing accounts and demonstrates that cases like ICP do not fit them. The chapter explores the relationships between gatekeeping and accusations of poserhood. It provides grounds for the conception of “gatekeeping snobbery”. The chapter shows that many cases of transphobic “feminism” turn out to be instances of gender snobbery. Social blueprints are broadly shared “clusters of beliefs, concepts, attitudes, and so forth that give rise to concrete practices”. Identity-protective gatekeeping focused on the value of group membership protects that value for the individual. The chapter also briefly addresses a looming objection: overgeneration. It also expresses that gatekeeping snobbery is an important, overlooked form of snobbery.