On Tuesday 23 August 2005 20:20, Haukur Þorgeirsson wrote:
It is an encyclopedia where such a hateful and absurd dogma as Nazi-ism has no place.
Go and VfD [[Nazism]], then. However absurd it may be, it is an historically important dogma which needs a careful, detailed and *neutral* treatment in a serious encyclopedia. Furthermore, WP:NPOV states:
"Wikipedia policy is that all articles should be written from a neutral point of view: without bias, representing all majority- and significant-minority views fairly."
The nazi point of view is, at least historically, a significant minority view. By our own "absolute and non negotiable" NPOV policy we should welcome articulate thoughtful nazis* as contributors to ensure this POV is represented fairly.
I think that this is a valid and important point.
Furthermore, it often takes people representing opposing points of view to actually achieve true neutrality. It can be a bit of a stormy journey, as editors (often subconsciously) tug the article back and forth between their own viewpoints, but as with a pendulum, eventually the point of neutrality can be found.
I would find it very difficult indeed to write on Nazism from a completely neutral viewpoint, and I certainly commend the efforts of those who have made the effort. Glancing at the article, it seems fine to me, but I am inclined to wonder how much of that is due to my own viewpoint blinding my senses.
Hard as it is to stomach, maybe these hypothetical "articulate and thoughtful Nazis" might actually be able to help improve the encyclopaedia. The question is, will it be worth it?
Jake