User:Crownjewel82/Whitewashing cabal

Note: This is mostly a really long note to myself to help me with my own issues.

Whitewashing cabal is an unofficial classification of Wikipedians who prefer to see the world in one color. They are generally opposed to any classification by race, ethnicity, gender, religion or sexuality usually to the point of fanaticism. The term whitewashing does not share any meaning implied or otherwise with any European ethnic group or any racist ideology. Rather it is meant to convey only a shared belief in universal oneness.

Cabalist Ideologies

Whitewashing cabalists are not universally adopting of one ideology.

Solution to Discrimination

Some wikipedians act out of a desire to minimize discrimination by opposing any categorization by race, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, etc. These individuals are often under the impression that by refusing to acknowledge differences they will be able to promote harmony between all aspects of humanity. Often attempts to create categories that use race, gender or sexuality will be met with challenges that suggest attempts to "ghettoize" or isolate articles from the mainstream wikipedia community.

Fairness to majority groups

Groups that find themselves largely in the majority or in dominant social positions may often feel that any attention paid to a minority group is unfair to the majority group. While many who do not share this view may feel it is simply a result of feelings of entitlement or to promote bias, it is often a result of feelings of unfair association with individuals responsible for discriminatory practices. A cabalist subscribing to this ideology will often attempt to point out that there is no corresponding categorization made for a majority group from the same region.

Differences between cabalists and bigots

Whitewashing cabalists are typically not promoters of discrimination. Rather they are individuals striving for equity and fairness on Wikipedida. A bigot will make their opinions very clear. A clear way to idenitify a bigot is the use of pejoratives and other negative language to refer to a minority group.

Dealing with Cabalists

1. Don't be a dick - Seriously, just be really polite. Even if you feel it's to the point of being condensending. Addressing someone's behaviour is already uncivil you don't need to make it worse. Never directly accuse anyone of being a racist or of attempting to whitewash. Remember to address the content.
2. Check your eye for logs - Before you attempt to address whitewashing, make sure you're familar with wikipedia policies such as WP:NPOV and any other policies relating to the subject matter at hand.
3. Get Help - Find like minded individuals (see Wikiprojects) who are well versed in policy and are most importantly well behaved and get them involved in the conversation. It's preferable to take this step before you go to more formal dispute resolution so that your buddy is involved in the process. You never know. Your buddy might end up telling you that you're way off the map and you need to cool off.
4. Check your blood pressure - If stress is getting to you, remember it's just the internet. You can always hit the off switch. Let someone else pick up the torch and go see a movie or something.
5. Let them talk - Get the other person to explain their opinions. Try to work towards a consensus. Rembember, there's always more than one way to do something.