Conversation Series - Reflections On Affirmation & Gatekeeping
Gatekeeping, defined as the practice of controlling access to social spaces, cultural practices, or identities based on arbitrary criteria, has profound implications for those of us raising and loving multi-hyphenate children. This term becomes a silent but influential force, shaping their perceptions of self and their place in the world. As parents and caregivers, grappling with the implications of gatekeeping is essential as we support our children in developing their plural identities. Familiarizing ourselves with this term is imperative, acknowledging the pervasive influence of gatekeepers—individuals or institutions—across spheres like media, culture, education, and society.
Gatekeepers significantly contribute to shaping narratives and societal categorizations, becoming architects of perception. The preservation of traditions is intricately tied to gatekeeping, determining which aspects of diverse heritages are passed down or excluded. The regulation of information and resources by gatekeepers influences opportunities for individuals, including our multi-hyphenate children. Decisions in education, for instance, can either celebrate diversity or perpetuate a singular narrative, impacting self-perception and societal views.
In navigating what might be uncharted terrain for some of us as parents and caregivers, we engage in a delicate dance with affirmative gatekeeping, consciously constructing protective bubbles for our multi-hyphenate children. These intentional spaces counteract potential invalidations, prioritizing authenticity as a guiding principle for our children to freely express their multi-faceted identities without fear. More than refuge, these environments celebrate the cultural richness within our children, acting as bridges connecting diverse elements of their heritage rooted in African, African American, Caribbean, South American, and European traditions that makeup our wider community. It provides a haven for them to confidently embrace the authenticity of their multi-hyphenate identities and come to understand that they are not a monolith. In short, we are intentional with our affirmative gatekeeping; it is a guiding force for us as caretakers and advocates for the authentic expression of multi-hyphenate identities in a world that may not always grasp the intricacies of such a lived experience.
For individuals of Afro-descent, this journey extends beyond cultural preservation; it will possibly include their identities being questioned, and having to reassert their identity over and over again. Our multi-hyphenate children, growing up at the crossroads of African/Diaspora and European cultures, face both acceptance and questioning of their belonging. Supporting them means consciously creating spaces of affirmation as Afro-Swiss/Afro-European individuals, where affirmative gatekeeping transforms from exclusion to inclusion, becoming a tool for socio-cultural sharing and identity validation. These intentional spaces serve as sanctuaries, fostering deeper connections to diverse roots and empowering our children to confidently navigate external influences.
Gatekeeping becomes a tool for self-discovery as conversations about race, culture, and belonging become more commonplace. In predominantly European spaces, asserting one's African heritage may evoke alienation. Conversely, within African/Diaspora spaces, affiliations with European heritage or outside established norms may elicit raised eyebrows. The intersectionality of identities sharpens focus as children navigate complexities, transcending predefined categories and celebrating multi-hyphenate richness. Being deemed "not white enough" or "not black enough" forms part of the Afro-European experience, emphasizing the importance of defining identity on one's terms.
In navigating gatekeeping, we also confront the delicate balance between preserving cultural heritage and embracing the evolving landscapes of identity. It involves a constant negotiation, a tightrope walk between authenticity and adaptation. The weight of not being "European enough" or "African enough" fluctuates, leaving our children in a perpetual limbo of cultural identity. The Afro-European experience becomes a dynamic intersection of cultures, defying categorization and contributing to a broader discourse on diversity and inclusion.
Running counter to affirmative gatekeeping are conversations about gatekeeping inadvertently "closing off" spaces to others; terms like "reverse racism" or "self-segregation" are raised, speaking to the need for innovative approaches beyond replicating existing tools. Still, we cannot disregard the historical power structures embedded within the gatekeeping framework, functioning still today and that on occasion our children will possibly benefit from or be subject to. Throughout history, structural and institutional gatekeeping has disproportionately impacted marginalized communities, perpetuating existing hierarchies. The echoes of historical power imbalances resonate deeply within the Afro-European context, shaping the lens through which our identities are perceived. Structural gatekeeping, manifested in discriminatory policies and ingrained biases, adds layers of complexity to the Afro-European experience, making the journey of self-discovery more nuanced in many ways.
Gatekeeping, with its many implications, serves as a focal point for navigating the complexities of raising multi-hyphenate children. It is a tool that can either exclude or include, perpetuate divisions or foster unity. As parents and caregivers, our role is pivotal in shaping affirmative gatekeeping practices, creating spaces that empower our children to embrace the richness of their multi-hyphenate identities. The journey involves understanding, confronting, and dismantling historically rooted, present day power structures, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable narrative. In this ongoing process of gatekeeping and identity development, we work towards empowering our children to define themselves on their terms, celebrating the intricate mosaic that is Afro-European identity.
How are you navigating gatekeeping within your family? What advice do you have? Share with us: hello@afroswissfamilies.com.
