That conflation doesn't exist very strongly in the article at all imo. The piece was about signals. Using the language and mimicking the dress of those acting

That conflation doesn't exist very strongly in the article at all imo. The piece was about signals. Using the language and mimicking the dress of those acting as gatekeepers to send in-group signals that open doors/ease engagements. "Hey, I'm one of you, treat me better."