Writing (and Righting) History on Wikipedia
A few weeks ago I was inspired to start editing the Joel Chandler Harris Wikipedia page when I read an article based on erroneous facts about Harris quite obviously culled from Wikipedia, everyone’s favorite encyclopedic punching bag.
Wren’s Nest Blog Original Gangstas might recall this is not our first encounter with the Joel Chandler Harris Wikipedia page. Way back in 2007, one ambitious editor included some, uh, fan fiction –
Harris’ page hasn’t been vandalized again, but it has remained far from complete. The criticism and praise of Harris were irrelevant, and the actual information on his life was minimal.
So, I decided to edit and expand the Joel Chandler Harris Wikipedia page as judiciously as possible, drawing from diverse, respected sources.
For a long time I felt uncomfortable editing Wikipedia on a topic where I have such an inherent, genetic bias. But, I realized a few things once I started editing:
- Editing Wikipedia is a lot of fun.
- No matter how many times we link to the New Georgia Encyclopedia article and no matter how questionable the source, folks are going to use the Wikipedia page.
- Short of a Disney release of Song of the South and my subsequent interview on Oprah, this is probably the broadest way for us to execute our mission effectively.
- My work is only the start!
Please take a look at the article and let me know what you think. If you’re feeling limber, I encourage you to help edit the article where you see fit.
I’m not quite done — particularly with the journalism section — but it’s a start at least.
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Amber Suitt
Program Director
Lain Shakespeare
Executive Director
13 Comments to Writing (and Righting) History on Wikipedia
Good job! I thought a few years ago I read and heard that JCH was being recognized as preserving the stories of the African Americans and the tide against him was turning. Didn’t last?
Yes and no, Janet.
You’re exactly right in that he is quite often recognized as preserving African-American folklore. And while more and more people are learning about Harris (as opposed to sweeping him under the rug), not everyone is convinced just yet.
I think I’ll add some more detail about this in the “Legacy” section.
I liked your response to the person who wrote the article Lain. I also noticed that he didn’t respond (at least in the comments section) and after you posted the comments for that article were closed. Way to stick up for family and the truth!
Wait… so JCH isn’t all about Humpers? This changes everything.
Ataboy, Lain-couldn’t think of a better person to write this.
There’s probably a better way to write this:
“Toni Morrison wrote a novel called Tar Baby based on the folktale recorded by Harris. In interviews, she said she learned the story from her family and owed no debt to Harris.”
And here’s a question-
What did JCH think of Dickens-or did he?
Keep up the good work!
Good question, David. I’ll see if I can find any Dickens connection or opinions. And yeah, there’s definitely a better way to write that. I’m glad I didn’t write it the first time! I’ll edit that too.
And Kirk, I hate to be the one to break it to you, but “Humpers” plays but a very minor part of the history of Joel Chandler Harris.
And thanks, Deb! I exchanged a few emails with the author after my comment.
Well, what did he say? Did he back down at all???
He didn’t really back down. I’d sent my comment to his editors, and he replied to that. Here’s the gist:
“If someone of the celebrity of a Joel Chandler Harris had spoken out publicly against the Jim Crow regime, I am quite certain that histories of the period would note this.
It is good to know that they were privately concerned about the horrible injustices suffered by Black people–and that they liked Black people, a claim likewise made by all white segregationists–but what matters in human history is the public stance.”
I replied with an email citing a few (of many) instances where Harris publicly decried Jim Crow laws, demanded equality, denounced lynching, etc. I haven’t heard anything back.
Oh man — I love Wiki edits.
I hold a variety of skateboarding world records on wikipedia, Lisa that works at AtlantaPlanIt holds a world ice boat championship record (and is quoted regarding their possible inclusion in the next olympics).
Good job lain. Way to make those bloggers and journalists dig deeper when criticizing JCH in the future!
The Wikipedia article about Harris receives about 120 page views per day:
http://stats.grok.se/en/200908/Joel_Chandler_Harris
Wikipedia is indeed fun, but proceed with caution. There are a number of reasons, especially, why one shouldn’t donate money to the Foundation that operates Wikipedia:
http://www.mywikibiz.com/Top_10_Reasons_Not_to_Donate_to_Wikipedia
Don’t berate me TOO hard about this, Lain. I’m a friend of Christine Tibbetts Morrison, sister-in-law of your cousin. I get a “one free venting against Wikipedia” per day.
Haha, no need to apologize, Gregory!
I was reluctant to spend time on updating Wikipedia for a long while, but recently I’ve just found that — whether I like it or not — it’s one of the most common sources of information. My job would be a lot easier if folks would just read the New Georgia Encyclopedia article.
Interesting links though, for sure.