In this episode of The Autistic Culture Podcast:
Hosts, Dr. Angela Lauria and Matt Lowry, LPP, discusses how Wikipedia depends heavily on autistic editors and volunteers. However Wikimedia is ran by allistics who have a pattern of exploiting the autistic labor force they depend on without proper compensation or appreciation.
Wikipedia's systematic approach to organizing information fits right in with Autistic culture! We love sharing facts around special interests and often have skills in categorizing and referencing data.
Autistic data hunger and justice sensitivity often combine to help autistic editors to be inclusive of different cultural perspectives and knowledge. However, tensions arise around what constitutes neutrality and "facts" when editing hot-button topics. For example, what constitutes a “neutral” entry about the Confederate flag?
“A lot of arguments among neurotypicals happen because they they want to know who is right but a lot of arguments between autistics happen because they want to know what is right.”
—Matt
Unfortunately, the inner workings of Wikipedia show a pattern of ableism from both the neurotypical employees and the “A-Spectrumers” at the company who perform neuronormativity and express internalized ableism through their bullying of autistics and use of functioning labels.
A former autistic Wikimedia employee, "Jane," faced harassment, discrimination and bullying after disclosing her autism diagnosis. She filed an EEOC complaint but dropped it due to burnout.
Jane shared how Wikimedia's neurotypical management frequently demeans and mocks autistic editors and labor behind the scenes, even as they exploit and fundraise off that free labor.
The podcast urges supporting local Wikipedia chapter groups which are often run by autistics instead of donating to Wikimedia's central fundraising, and encourages privileged autistics to become high-edit count editors to change the culture from within.
“Don't give money to the Wikimedia Foundation. Do use your privilege—if you have power and extra bandwidth—and…get your editor count up so you get a vote to change things from the inside. Don't do that if it's going to be detrimental to your mental health—take care of that first.” —Angela
The episode explores the complex interplay of Wikipedia providing an autism-friendly platform for special interests while also perpetuating ableism in its management and fundraising practices around this uncompensated autistic workforce.
How has ableism affected you in the work place? Tell us in the comments and use #AutisticCultureCatch to share your answer on your social media and connect with other listeners!
Show notes and resources:
Wikipedia’s definition of ableism
How to become a Wikipedia editor
Thread: Autism Spectrum Wrongly Described In Wikipedia
Thread: Wikipedia likes us!
Wikipedia:High-functioning autism and Asperger's editors
Article: Wikipedia accused of bullying former autistic employee with claims of a toxic work culture
Article: Alex St John’s Ideas About Game Development Are Terrifying
Other episodes to check out if you liked this one:
Episode 04: Industrial Light & Magic is Autistic
Episode 35: Sex is Autistic (Alfred Kinsey episode)
Episode 38: Productivity is Autistic
Check us out on Instagram
Find us on Apple podcasts and Spotify
Learn more about Matt at Matt Lowry, LPP
Matt’s social media: Autistic Connections Facebook Group
Learn more about Angela at AngelaLauria.com and Difference Press
Angela’s social media: Twitter and TikTok
TACP’s Autism-affirming TeePublic merch shop
*Note: Transcription technology is still new on this platform. We are aware of the gaps and errors in the transcript and are dedicated to editing it for accuracy as soon as the new technology allows. We appreciate your patience as we work to expand accessibility as quickly as we are able.
**TACP recognizes that ABA for autism is harmful to Autistic mental health. We reject the use of ABA therapy and pathologizing language like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and associated functioning labels and the harmful monolith: Autism Speaks. To learn more, please listen to: Episode 20: Sesame Street is Autistic and Episode 24: The Trouble with Temple Grandin.
Episode 61: Wikipedia is Autistic