Week 9 - Review about the article “Wikipedia in Culture” (Park Chaebin 박채빈)


1. Summarize in your own words the materials that you read

The article “Wikipedia in Culture” explores how Wikipedia has become deeply embedded in pop culture and public consciousness. It’s often referenced or parodied in TV shows, music, and internet memes. Wikipedia also shows up unexpectedly, from being featured in comedy routines to being mimicked in art and literature. Ultimately, the article presents Wikipedia as a website and a cultural icon shaped by and shaping the digital age.





2. Mention any new, interesting, or unusual items that you learned through the lecture


I realised that it was honored with a real-world statue made me reflect on how powerful and influential it’s become. Also, I found the idea of someone composing a hymn for Wikipedia both amusing and strangely touching. It made me appreciate that Wikipedia isn’t just a tool we use, but something people form emotional and cultural attachments to.





3. Identify at least one question, concern, or discussion angle that is either problematic in some respect or could have been elaborated more


One concern is the issue of systemic bias in Wikipedia editing. In particular, I believe the article could have more critically examined how Wikipedia’s structure tends to privilege individuals who are tech-savvy, fluent in English, or part of dominant social groups. Moreover, Wikipedia’s influence has expanded beyond simply providing knowledge—it now permeates art and culture as well. Based on this, I would like to raise the following questions



1) When the production and representation of knowledge are shaped by particular groups, how can we recognize and correct those biases?


2) As Wikipedia appears in art and culture, what kinds of social messages is it conveying beyond being a mere informational platform?


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