To put it simply, gatekeeping is an act when someone takes it upon themselves to decide who does or does not have access or rights to a community or identity ("You can't be a real Phoebe Bridgers fan, you just discovered her. Real fans follow her since at least Stranger in the Alps.") If this sounds ridiculous to you, don't worry. You're not alone.
There's a subreddit called r/GatesOpenComeOnIn and it describes itself as the polar opposite of gatekeeping. Created in 2018, this online community collects and shares pictures of wholesome acts of kindness when people had each other's backs. Whether it's encouraging everyone to share their Spotify Wrapped or simply allowing someone to feel tired, it doesn't take much to acknowledge another person's emotions, thoughts, experiences, values, and beliefs. Continue scrolling and check out how it's done.
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Wholesome Patriotism
As you can see from the pictures, empathy goes a long way. Developing it is crucial for establishing relationships and behaving compassionately. Since empathy involves experiencing another person’s point of view, rather than just one’s own, it enables prosocial or helping behaviors that come from within, rather than being forced.
Sadly, some surveys indicate that empathy is on the decline in the United States and elsewhere. But at least these findings motivate parents, schools, and communities to support programs that help people of all ages enhance and maintain their ability to walk in each other’s shoes.
Halloween For Everyone!
Come On In And Long As You’re Nice
If God created all creatures with his infinite wisdom, why would he hate something that HE created?
Empathy really is a superpower: it helps us cooperate with others, build friendships, make moral decisions, and intervene when we see others being bullied.
Humans usually begin to show signs of empathy in infancy and the trait develops steadily through childhood and adolescence.
That being said, most people are likely to feel greater empathy for someone like themselves and may feel less empathy for those outside their family, community, ethnicity, or race.
Everybody Say Thank You To Andy
Making Your Child Happy
Minding Your Own Business Is Free
Like other traits, empathy may have evolved with a selfish motive: using others as a "social antenna" to help detect danger. From an evolutionary point of view, creating a mental model of another person's intent is critical: the arrival of an interloper, for example, could be deadly, so developing sensitivity to the signals of others could be life-saving.
Babies display an understanding that people’s actions are guided by intentions and can act on that understanding before they turn 18 months old, including trying to comfort a parent. Advanced reasoning about other people’s thoughts develops around age 5-6.
Bikinis For Boys
Gates Open Slide On In!
Read Whatever You Want
Experts say that people high in narcissism, or who have a narcissistic personality disorder, can exhibit empathy and even compassion. However, that ability only goes so far, as ultimately they prioritize their own needs.
Some researchers believe narcissists can become more empathetic by developing greater self-compassion, which can increase their own feelings of security and self-worth and enable them to open up to hearing others.
Shout Out To The Solo Eaters
Do What Makes You Happy For You
Unexpected Pet
Someone I Went To School With Posted This About Giving Their Son A Unicorn-Themed Birthday Bash. Positive Parenting For The Win
My boy loves colour pink and red. As soon as he was able to show it to me, I have made him red birthday cake and bought red or pink clothes. He also liked to play with baby doll, toy washing machine and cooking gadgets and we allowed him to play what ever he wanted. That phase has now mostly passed, but red is still his favourite colour.
"Do a thought experiment," Mark Davis, a professor of psychology who has spent decades studying empathy, said. “Imagine if humans didn’t have the capacity for empathy. What would it mean if, in fact, we never gave a damn about what happened to other people? That’s an almost an inconceivable world."
"As awful a species as we can be — and we certainly have the capacity for terrible things — we’re also capable of some pretty wonderful things, noble things, self-sacrifice."
Family Is A Family Is A Family
A while ago someone asked me if I “have a family”. I said yes and was genuinely confused when she started asking me about kids.
Southern Hospitality
Never Too Late To Join A Movement
Interestingly, the word "empathy" is relatively new. It didn’t enter the English language until the early 1900s, derived from the German word einfühlung, according to Daniel Batson, a researcher of empathy and professor emeritus at Kansas University.
Felt Like This Might Belong Here
It's The Thought That Counts
Never Too Late For New Beginnings
While some people are more naturally empathetic than others, there are easy, evidenced-based exercises that anyone can do to increase their empathy.
First, talk to new people. Trying to imagine how someone else feels is often not enough. Luckily, the solution is simple: ask them. "For me, the core of empathy is curiosity," Jodi Halpern, a psychiatrist and bioethics professor at the University of California, Berkeley, who studies empathy, told The New York Times. "It's what is another person’s life actually like in its particulars?”
We Are All Nerds Together
I can completely relate to this. I love it when I discover that a friend that I've known for years has an in depth knowledge on a subject I never suspected.
and I, on a day where I can remember, can talk your ear off about Michal Whitman, one of the greatest german tank aces of WWII
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“Everybody is a genius, but if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree it will spend its whole life thinking it’s stupid.” -Albert Einstein
OHHH SO THAT WAS THE INSPIRATION FOR THET TITLE OF TEH BOOK "fish in a tree"
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I know a lot about hermit crabs they are my favorite thing in the world :)
Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived. Love me some Henry VIII and his poor wives.
That's an interestimg topic for me too, not a pasion but an interest, I can read any article or watch anu tv show, movie or documentary about that. I think is an interest to try to understand the darkest side of human beings. Nothing to be ashamed for 😉
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Sad to hear about all the bigotry, intolerance and suppression related to bird-name hyphenation going on in the world of the Audubon Society. We will hold you in our prayers that military force doesn't get invoked.
It doesn't have to be something artistic or profitable, just somerhing you like deeply and keeps your mind/bofy occupied.
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Everyone should learn whatever he or she likes to learn, that's the most fun of all <3
Same here I love this so much. My boyfriend does this when it comes to cars and construction. He gets so excited when he fixes something and I feel so proud of him and happy because he smiles and his cheeks get all red and round and he talks fast and I think it's so adorable and I love it.
For me it's Harry Potter trivia, anything RuPauls Drag Race, Steven universe, and queer history. I am a very, very gay person
My brother has gone through so many animal phases... I'll be surprised if he doesn't know something about an animal. He's also taught me so many things about them too :)
It’s also a great learning experience from someone who really loves the subject so much they’ve made themselves experts. We should never stop being open to learning new things, or we run a huge risk of stagnating. And perishing. I actually pity anyone who isn’t interested in anything. What a limited and stultifyingly dull existence they must lead.
Yes! This is so awesome. My thing is The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings, and Silmarillion.
NEVER assume anyone hasn't had interresting things happen in their life. Did you ask?
I am learning about norse mythology. Fun fact: Thor was actually a redhead and so was Loki, and Loki was Odin's brother, not Thor's.
I dated a guy who was a computer nerd before there were many of them. His condo was spotless and almost bare, except for two banquet folding tables with six monitors and a workbench. He would fix peoples' computers, and was coding some of the first-ever websites. We got along, because I would bring a book and sit on the floor in the corner reading while he did what he had to do, and during which he didn't need interruption. We're still great friends, and he fixes my computer every couple of years.
Tell your Mom for me, "divorced, beheaded, died; divorced, beheaded, survived." She is of my tribe. She will know.
At one point in my life I swear I knew more about the history in Ireland than the Irish did. I'm american
Let some of those people post their knowledge here. Most of us know nothing about, say, jigsaw puzzles.
It tells me people are still curious and that is to me what keeps life flowing and learning.
Lol my friends know better than to get me talking about soap if they don't have the time to hear all 2 hours of my ranting, that's ~without~ any questions they might ask. The only problem they have with it is when I repeat myself a bunch because I've said so much I forgot I already went over something. They're the best :D
You my friend are gifted, first with the family and friends that have such wide varieties of curiosity and knowledge and second, with both the patience and curiosity yourself to listen to each and every one.
Unless ypu are an autistic person. In this case, your hobby will be seen as pathological.
My favorite party trick? Ask someone "what fascinates you?" Oh the things you'll learn!
lol ask me on botw lore and youll know all about the game if i keep talking (same with overwatch)
Amen. Whenever someone is talking about their interests to me I listen, not just because it matters to me, but because it matters to them. This is mainly because I know how it hurts to be ignored and passed over when talking about something I love.
This is so true! And it also means everyone is unique in their own perfect ways. I love this. I’m keeping it.
Your mom might really enjoy Six. It’s a musical about Henry’s wives.
Divorced, beheaded, died. Divorced, beheaded, survived. Anne of Cleves got the best deal.
Now I will not be able to sleep until I research what happened with the birder community guidelines, what to look for to determine if a jigsaw puzzles is good and how many forms there are in cubism.
Me? I'm pretty. But if you listen I will launch into graphic detail about frogs
There is a great podcast for this. It's called The Dork Forest, and the host, Jackie Kashian (very funny comedian), has guests come on and talk to her about their "dorkdom." It's almost always fascinating, and I learn a lot! (In fact, I don't make fun of my dad for watching golf on TV anymore, thanks to Rory Scovel.)
My brother and I could geek out over all things Hollywood. The information that we knew about even bit player actors was stupid. But we loved that s**t! He has passed away and miss having those conversations. No one else likes it when I talk about how Keith Carradine is Martha Plimpton's father. I wish I could remember this much information about something important, like, oh, math or chemistry.
For my brother its politics. Fml... i can't even watch tv wirhout him pointing out the hobbits are socialists (big facepalm)
I have a lotta stuff like this, and my mom will always let me talk about anything.
And don't forget the joy when you stumble upon someone with the same interest as you! It's like talking to a mirror, but with real responses. And you can drill down to the tiniest details, that one or the other hasn't noticed yet. Refreshes the love. And it gives all your other friends a break from you boring them to death.
This is why I LOVE talking to random people on trains or planes or just waiting in line. You meet such interesting people. I met a woman at a birthday party for her daughter. Everyone was ignoring her, I didn't much like the people at the party, they were, for the most part rude and drunk So I went and sat down with her, we were outside and we were the only two not drinking hard liquor, so we were probably the only two sober people there. She made dolls, ohmygawd, that was so interesting. We talked for a long time, up until then the party had been a complete waste of my time. But then, sitting there and listening to her talk about her dolls was a window into another world that was so interesting. It was probably the best time I have ever had at a party.
I have a couple. Primary is Lord of the Rings, but I also love philosophy, theology, politics, and history, particularly the Roman Empire.
My sister loves to take pictures and one of her favorite subjects is me,so I let her take pictures of me all the time. My aunt loves all of the superhero movies and characters, especially Hulk. I color fuzz posters and my sister said that I do really good work and I have a good eye for color.
Good Guy Owner
I love this. In Germany it is forbidden by the law to look for food in supermarket dumpsters. As long as the food doesnt pose a safety hazard, the food should be donated (which some supermarkets do, but its only a few plus they have to pay tax for the food which they are donating, so not many do this).
Hi Milly
You can start conversations with strangers or invite a colleague or neighbor you don't know well to lunch. But the trick is to go beyond small talk – ask them how they're doing and what their daily life is like.
Put away your phone and other screens when you’re having conversations, even with the people you see every day, so you can fully listen and notice their facial expressions and gestures.
Also, follow people on social media with different backgrounds than you have (different race, religion, or political persuasion).
Stress Relief
Money Is Power, But Also Not
Better Late Than Never
Dude in my graduating class (back in 1997) was 84 years old at the time of his graduation. Learn like you'll live forever, it's never too late.
Oh Thank You
But don’t just stand in someone else's shoes, as the saying goes—take a walk in them. For example, consider attending someone else's church, mosque, synagogue, or other houses of worship for a few weeks while they attend yours, or visit a village in a developing country and volunteer.
If you don't have enough time for these activities, you can simply explore a new neighborhood, or strike up a conversation with a homeless person in your community.
If someone’s behavior is bothering you, think about why. Consider what it’s like to live their daily life.
Gay Pride Can Be Whatever You Want/Need It To Be
Friendly Encouragement
How Lovely
Showing Respect For One Another’s Professions
What a weird comment. Don't we all love the person that turns up at our doorstep with our eagerly awaited parcel??
Remember, you don't need to understand everything about someone to make them feel respected. Just don’t make assumptions about people based on what your life is like. The people on this list certainly haven't.
We’re all humans, and we all have a desire to connect with one another. Building our empathy, considering the perspectives of others, and opening ourselves to uncomfortable conversations can make that happen.
Witches vs. Patriarchy
Jesus Never Stutters
You Get To Decide How You Define Being "Grownup"
All Allies Welcome!
Taking Care Of Your Mental Health Is Important
We’re All In This Together
A lot of people do make it their business to decide what other people should earn, how and where they should live and why they shouldn't have universal healthcare. They're called Republicans.
Ok Zoomer
They Had Us In The First Half
I find it amazing that some Christians arrogantly think that their religion somehow “owns” marriage. People were getting together and pairing up in a variety of rituals 1000s of years before Christianity turned up.
I Love Sharing My Book Collection
Speak Everything
Learning Is Awesome
Read What You Love
You’re Doing Just Fine
This stupid meme also failed to recognise that to develop skills and side hustles we really benefit from the support of friends and family. Hanging out and chatting enables our brains to get things in to perspective, sort out what we've learnt so far, and subconsciously start to work on what is to come next.
Blake Knows What's Up
Gonna Remember Who Spoke To Me And Who Didn’t
Accept Everyone And Respect Their Decisions Y’all
Do Whatever Makes You Happy
Note: this post originally had 92 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.
I think these are great but I have some reservations about the ones that say things like "Welcome all" or "Love everyone no matter what" bc I think that we should still be careful and wary of people who have shown that they are untrustworthy and will make trouble. I do think that we should give people chances to improve and guide them in the right direction but we should do so before welcoming them into places like our homes. Sure, if you don’t know someone be civil to them no matter their ethnic origin, religion, gender, sexuality, etc. and don’t judge them based on these things, but if they show that they are not someone you want to be around because they do not return your kindness, then I don’t think you should “welcome” them.
Yeah. We must love everybody no matter the origin, sex, orientation etc. But we shouldt love people who does bad to others like rapists, bigots, murderers etc. Intolerance cannot be tolerated.
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I think this series has the right attitude of positivism. I always argue for being critical with anything, but being careing for other beings and, ultimately, yourself, always is a good idea. To put this to BP: upvote early, downvote only if you really think something is wrong.
I love how people like these are around. I bet someone was having a horrid day and was scrolling through these and saw something they related to, and it made their day. Thank you for putting this and it, for sure, made my day a whole lot better. 💕
Lets make a petition to get more posts like this one. I think a lot of Pandas would sign it
I have never wanted to hug so many people all at once in my life. Darned ninjas cutting onions *wipes tearse*
This made me feel better. Things are hard right now. <3 to everyone, wherever and whoever you are.
I loved this a lot. Not only did it help me see the world in a better way, it made me feel better. Better that I can stand up for people and not look dumb. That I can stand up for others and not care :)
Most definitely agree with #32, respect the work/job. My late father used to tell anyone who was job hunting, or foolish enough to put him down for his jobs, "There's honor in any job well done, that's honest work. If you don't have a job, get one. Otherwise, keep your mouth shut and let me get back to my job!" (he was a professional baker for a large company for about 16 years, then a school janitor for three years, then a "troubleshooter" and maintenance man for the school system for another 30 years, among other jobs he'd had as a very young man). I had many jobs in my 52 years of working, some I absolutely hated, some I loved, but all of them honorable work, and I learned something from every one of them. NEVER make fun of anyone's job---especially if you aren't working yourself, but very much need to do so!
Number 11 bible says make a joyful noise unto the lord. It never says you have to be on key.
Well that made me cry ( happy cry...there's hope for humanity yet by gosh)x
Thank you. This is the best collection of panda posts I’ve read in a while. Restores my faith in humanity.
I loved this post - I wanted to upvote everyone and give all these people hugs!
Also go out to get some vitamin D, watch some trees and remember to drink water <3
Because it’s the internet and you’re being skeptical, which is okay, but probably not true. Some people just want to be nice. That’s not too hard to believe is it?
Load More Replies... I think these are great but I have some reservations about the ones that say things like "Welcome all" or "Love everyone no matter what" bc I think that we should still be careful and wary of people who have shown that they are untrustworthy and will make trouble. I do think that we should give people chances to improve and guide them in the right direction but we should do so before welcoming them into places like our homes. Sure, if you don’t know someone be civil to them no matter their ethnic origin, religion, gender, sexuality, etc. and don’t judge them based on these things, but if they show that they are not someone you want to be around because they do not return your kindness, then I don’t think you should “welcome” them.
Yeah. We must love everybody no matter the origin, sex, orientation etc. But we shouldt love people who does bad to others like rapists, bigots, murderers etc. Intolerance cannot be tolerated.
Load More Replies... I think this series has the right attitude of positivism. I always argue for being critical with anything, but being careing for other beings and, ultimately, yourself, always is a good idea. To put this to BP: upvote early, downvote only if you really think something is wrong.
I love how people like these are around. I bet someone was having a horrid day and was scrolling through these and saw something they related to, and it made their day. Thank you for putting this and it, for sure, made my day a whole lot better. 💕
Lets make a petition to get more posts like this one. I think a lot of Pandas would sign it
I have never wanted to hug so many people all at once in my life. Darned ninjas cutting onions *wipes tearse*
This made me feel better. Things are hard right now. <3 to everyone, wherever and whoever you are.
I loved this a lot. Not only did it help me see the world in a better way, it made me feel better. Better that I can stand up for people and not look dumb. That I can stand up for others and not care :)
Most definitely agree with #32, respect the work/job. My late father used to tell anyone who was job hunting, or foolish enough to put him down for his jobs, "There's honor in any job well done, that's honest work. If you don't have a job, get one. Otherwise, keep your mouth shut and let me get back to my job!" (he was a professional baker for a large company for about 16 years, then a school janitor for three years, then a "troubleshooter" and maintenance man for the school system for another 30 years, among other jobs he'd had as a very young man). I had many jobs in my 52 years of working, some I absolutely hated, some I loved, but all of them honorable work, and I learned something from every one of them. NEVER make fun of anyone's job---especially if you aren't working yourself, but very much need to do so!
Number 11 bible says make a joyful noise unto the lord. It never says you have to be on key.
Well that made me cry ( happy cry...there's hope for humanity yet by gosh)x
Thank you. This is the best collection of panda posts I’ve read in a while. Restores my faith in humanity.
I loved this post - I wanted to upvote everyone and give all these people hugs!
Also go out to get some vitamin D, watch some trees and remember to drink water <3
Because it’s the internet and you’re being skeptical, which is okay, but probably not true. Some people just want to be nice. That’s not too hard to believe is it?
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