Poor Wikipedia just can’t catch a break these days. Right on the heels of the Fuzzy Zoeller defamation debacle, the “conservative right” is now attacking the web’s gentle giant for being “anti-American,” “anti-capitalist,” and, “six times more liberal than the American public.”

Conservapedia, a Wikipedia-styled informational site is claiming that, “twice as many Americans identify themselves as ‘conservative’…but on Wikipedia…three times as many editors identify themselves as ‘liberal,’ compared with, ‘conservative’.”

“That suggests that Wikipedia is six times more liberal than the American public.” Well, who are we to argue with that stunning display of logic and reasoning?

Andy Schlafly, attorney and founder of Conservapedia, developed the site as a conservative alternative to the liberal propoganda that permeates the smutty pages of Wikipedia. With homeschooling families as his target group, Schlafly believes that it will eventually become a strong resource to all U.S. teachers.

Schafly was frustrated that a user-moderated resource was subject to change; he says, “I’ve tried editing Wikipedia, and found that the biased editors who dominate it censor or change facts to suit their views.”

Following in the footsteps of their religious predecessors, the team at Conservapedia have created 6 Commandments that must be strictly followed by those interested in editing Conservapedia; some of which are:

1. Everything you post must be true and verifiable

5. As much as is possible, American spelling of words must be used

6. Do not post personal opinion

Some might find the article entitled, “Examples of Bias in Wikipedia,” to be particularly delightful; it should be noted that proper “American” spelling (because “American” is the most spoken language in the world, after all) was used, and absolutely everything included was “factual and verifiable.”

Overlooking the extensive research findings regarding the conservative and liberal persuasions of Americans, one interesting nugget reads, “There is a strong anti-American and anti-capitalism bias on Wikipeda.”

It is good to know that verifiable fact did not slip past the good people of Conservapedia; imagine how outraged the overwhelmingly capitalistic American public would feel if they knew Wikipedia was an incognito supporter of socialism!

From an unbiased standpoint, it would appear that Conservapedia is subjecting themselves to legitimate criticism if their site is simply a strongly religious and conservative take on information.

Furthermore, how is the liberal bias of Wikipedia going to be objectively defeated by Conservapedia if no contradictory viewpoints are presented?

Nevertheless, this could be considered a beneficial resource to the conservative Christian community if they feel the best way to nurture and instruct their children is to shelter them initially from criticism and confrontation. This theory could only sour if they ever leave the home. Ever.

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Entry was posted on Monday, March 5th, 2007 at 11:10 am under Internet, Web2.0.

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