Tessa, I believe I understand your points that there is an expected skill level and definition of talent if you want to be published or an acclaimed dancer, writer or artist.

You make an extremely robust argument, and I can acknowledge why we find entertainment in watching the delusional in shows such as America/ Britain/ South Africa etc.. Got Talent.

I was unaware of the term Dunning Kruger, but now I understand this is your point, as the show mentioned above highlights.

That said, I do comprehend but struggle with the term stupid. It is often relative and sometimes dictated by a person's environment. Perhaps misguided would better describe those lacking talent but so confident in believing they have.

With the term 'gatekeeper', I think we have to qualify and give context as you have done. There are instances, I believe, where there are people with talent but not afforded the same opportunity because of history, prejudice, maybe market forces etc...

Putting talent aside, many people suffer from imposter syndrome and never consider themselves creative. Many block their creative endeavours because of this. Which I think is tragic.

If we separate talent from the equation, and a person chooses to create or call themselves an artist, then that's up to them, and I honestly believe they are. They may never be published or their work exhibited, but the fact they are creating qualifies them to distinguish themselves from those who don't.

Tessa, thank you for the respectful conversation and for sharing impressive stories of your sister, niece and yourself. You are all clearly highly talented people.

Best wishes with your photography and writing class, and thank you for taking the time to answer my question.