Have you ever felt like crypto was your ticket out of the traditional world's cliques and barriers? That's exactly the vibe a recent tweet from @hmalviya9 captures, and it's got the community buzzing. Posted on August 19, 2025, this reflection on crypto's evolution hits hard, especially when you think about the wild world of meme tokens.

Let's break it down. The tweet reads:

Crypto was meant to set us free from labels - the labels that once made us feel like outsiders, no matter how talented we were.

The gatekeepers of those labels always kept the doors shut to newcomers. For a while, crypto broke those walls.

It gave us freedom.

But somewhere along the way, we built new walls, new groups, new inner circles.

We began guarding opportunities the same way others once did.

We knew it felt wrong, yet we carried on without shame.

You can check out the original post here.

At its core, this message reminds us of crypto's original promise: a decentralized space where anyone with an idea or some talent could thrive without needing permission from the old guard. Think about it—blockchain tech, the backbone of crypto, is all about removing middlemen and empowering individuals. No more begging banks or VCs for a shot; just code, community, and consensus.

But as @hmalviya9 points out, we've slipped into the same traps. In the meme token scene, this is super evident. Meme coins started as fun, accessible ways for everyday folks to jump into crypto. Remember Dogecoin? It was a joke that turned into a movement, proving that viral ideas could create real value without fancy whitepapers or elite backing. These tokens democratized wealth creation, letting artists, devs, and meme lords from anywhere build something huge.

Fast forward to today, and things look different. Insider groups on Discord, private Telegram channels, and exclusive NFT drops have become the norm. Early adopters and influencers guard alpha—insider info on upcoming launches or pumps—like it's their personal treasure. Newcomers, no matter how sharp, often hit walls: "You weren't here from the start," or "Join our paid group for the real scoops." It's gatekeeping 2.0, and it contradicts the open ethos that made meme tokens explode in the first place.

Why does this matter for meme token fans and blockchain builders? Well, if we're not careful, these new barriers could stifle innovation. Meme tokens thrive on fresh ideas and broad participation—think viral marketing, community-driven pumps, and creative storytelling. When opportunities get hoarded, we lose that magic. Plus, it alienates potential talent from diverse backgrounds, which is ironic in a space that's supposed to be global and inclusive.

The replies to the tweet echo this sentiment. One user, @gusik4ever, nailed it: "this hits way too real. the revolution became the club, and we forgot why we started :(" Others point out that gatekeeping exists in every market, but that doesn't make it right here in crypto, where we're building the future.

So, what's the fix? Start by embracing openness again. Share knowledge freely—write guides, host AMAs, or create public resources on platforms like Meme Insider. In meme token projects, prioritize transparent launches and community governance. Tools like decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) can help ensure decisions aren't locked behind closed doors.

Crypto, including the meme token niche, still has the power to break labels and walls. But it takes all of us to keep it that way. Next time you spot an opportunity, ask yourself: Am I opening doors or building new ones? Let's reclaim that freedom and make sure the next wave of builders feels welcome.

What do you think—have you experienced gatekeeping in meme communities? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!