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As an advocate for a more inclusive Wikipedia (i.e., inclusionist), I believe that the current notability guidelines, which determine whether a topic merits its own article, are overly restrictive and ultimately counterproductive to the project's goals. The criteria for notability often serve as a gatekeeping mechanism, excluding many deserving topics and voices from being represented. This exclusive stance not only limits the diversity of content on Wikipedia but also undermines the project's potential to serve as a comprehensive repository of human knowledge.
The principle of notability is (rightly) intended to ensure that Wikipedia does not become cluttered with trivial or unverifiable information. Ironically, however, by rigidly enforcing notability standards, Wikipedia can become a soapbox. The application of these guidelines often veers towards an exclusionary approach, as observed in numerous toxic AfD discussions, where contributors debate the fate of articles based on subjective interpretations of notability, especially in less established local-language projects. These discussions frequently devolve into arguments that reflect personal biases rather than objective assessments of a topic's significance. Instead of fostering an inclusive environment, the current notability criteria can perpetuate systemic biases and exclude marginalized voices, especially those of less established editors, thereby narrowing the scope of content and perspectives represented on the site. This process not only discourages contributors but also limits the scope of information available to users, thus compromising Wikipedia's mission of providing free and accessible knowledge.
The Wikipedia guideline aptly states:
"There is no practical limit to the number of topics Wikipedia can cover, or the total amount of content."
This highlights the inherent flexibility and expansive potential of digital platforms like Wikipedia. Unlike traditional paper encyclopedias constrained by physical space, Wikipedia has the capacity to encompass an infinite array of topics. Embracing this potential requires a shift away from the rigid enforcement of notability criteria towards a more inclusive approach that values diverse contributions.
By adopting a more inclusive stance, Wikipedia can better fulfill its mission as a comprehensive and democratic knowledge repository. This would involve revisiting and potentially relaxing the notability guidelines to allow for a broader range of topics and perspectives. Encouraging a culture of inclusion would not only enrich the content but also create a more welcoming environment for contributors from diverse backgrounds, especially as Wikipedia has been losing contributors for years. This, in turn, would enhance the quality and breadth of information available to users, making Wikipedia a more robust and representative resource and stay true to its ethos as the free encyclopedia.
| incl | This user is an inclusionist. |