Shouldn't Gatekeep Someone Else's Anime

It's wild how often I encounter the phrase "NO GATEKEEPING?" in online anime spaces, usually after someone has just been gatekept! I totally agree with the sentiment that we shouldn't be gatekeeping someone else's anime experience. I mean, who benefits from telling someone their favorite show isn't 'real' anime or that they're not a 'true fan' because they haven't watched *x* number of obscure titles? I remember seeing a post once where someone proudly showed off their ONE PIECE TATTOO, only to be met with a "WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT ONE PIECE IS NORMAL WEEB RESPONSE." It just blew my mind! Here's someone expressing genuine love for a series, and instead of celebration, they get criticism. That's the exact opposite of what a vibrant community should be about. My personal philosophy aligns with what I've seen: we should "RESPECT EVERYONE'S OPINIONS AND THEIR PASSIONS AS WELL." It's not about what I personally like or dislike, but about allowing others to enjoy what brings them joy. Another common scenario I've observed involves older fans criticizing newer, popular titles. You hear things like, "LISTEN THIS SHOW ISN'T FOR EVERYONE" when talking about popular shonen, or the "GENSHIN IMPACT JUSTLAZY EXPECTED WEEB RESPONSE" when discussing gaming-adjacent anime. It's like some people feel the need to prove their superior taste by tearing down what others love. But honestly, as someone who's been around anime for a while, I've learned that diversity in taste is what keeps the community fresh and exciting. If everyone watched the same things, how boring would that be? I especially feel this when I see new fans exploring popular series. Maybe they just started watching One Piece, or they're really into Demon Slayer (Slayer's expected weeb response, haha!). Instead of saying, "YOU SHOULD HAVE BEEN A FAN SINCE 1999," we should be saying, "Welcome! What do you love about it?" Even if it's a show I've "NEVER PERSONALLY" gotten into, I can still acknowledge its quality and the passion it ignites in others. The goal is to "SUPPORT THEM" in their fandom journey, not shut them down. Ultimately, gatekeeping only serves to shrink our community and make it unwelcoming. It's time we put an end to the "WHAT IN THE ACTUAL ACTUAL YO THAT'S MESSED" kind of negativity and foster an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their passions. Let's celebrate our shared love for anime, in all its forms, and make sure that every fan, new or old, feels included and valued. Because a community that respects every type of fan is truly the strongest.