WEEK3——Reading notes——SHAO TIANYI

 Wikipedia and the Politics of Visibility


1) Summary

In Wikipedia and the Politics of Visibility, the author (hypothetical or adaptable to real readings) examines how power dynamics and cultural assumptions influence what gets included—or excluded—on Wikipedia. While Wikipedia promotes itself as neutral and democratic, the book argues that its structure privileges certain topics, voices, and regions over others. Visibility, it suggests, is not just a matter of notability, but of access, language, and editorial bias.

2) Interesting Points

  1. Systemic Bias by Omission – Wikipedia’s coverage is skewed toward English-speaking, Western-centric topics. Many communities in the Global South remain underrepresented due to fewer editors and less access to reliable sources.

  2. The Notability Problem – Wikipedia’s notability guidelines tend to favor subjects already visible in mainstream media or academia, reinforcing existing hierarchies.

  3. Language Inequality – English Wikipedia dominates, both in content and influence. Articles on important local issues often exist only in non-English versions, limiting global access.

  4. Gatekeeping through Citation – The strict demand for "verifiable sources" often excludes oral histories, indigenous knowledge, or emerging topics that lack formal publication.

3) Discussion Questions

  • Who decides what deserves a Wikipedia page? How do notability and visibility reflect global power structures?

  • Can Wikipedia reform its guidelines to better represent marginalized voices, or would that compromise its standards?

  • Should oral and community-based knowledge be accepted as valid sources in certain contexts?

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