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For a more balanced presentation we could draw from these sources as well...
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{{annual readership}}
“The performances are inspired, the costumes and scenery enchanting, and the show as a whole a delight to experience. And besides its professional excellence, the Spectacular exudes a wonderfully positive karma. These beautiful, gifted people are expressing something that’s both pure and good.”
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==Retracted LA Mag article==
“Boldly ambitious and enormously popular... a visually dazzling tour of 5,000 years of Chinese history and culture... carefully designed, richly costumed pieces – everything from colorful handkerchief dances, Imperial-style dances in high platform shoes, drum dances, folk dances... a heady blend of the ancient and modern, of traditional Chinese instruments and their Western counterparts, and contemporary experiences... a grand cavalcade of Chinese cultural scenes.”
{{ping|Llll5032}} Thank you adding the "better source noted" tag. But I think that content is more in line with ]: LA Mag retracted it because of a , and, as I said ], its featured image was defamatory in nature because Shen Yun performances are not pro-Trump at all and was also praised by Democratic legislators and celebrities like ] and ] . So I think the excessive quote from the retracted LA Mag article should be removed. ] (]) 17:28, 2 July 2023 (UTC)
San Francisco Chronicle


:I agree that the long quotation from LA Mag will need to be removed because of the retraction, unless secondary RS discuss the quoted matter from the LA Mag article in context. ] (]) 19:38, 2 July 2023 (UTC)
“An extravagantly beautiful production… Lavish production numbers, colorful sets, dazzling costumes, brilliant choreography, and booming Tang dynasty drums.”
:See ]. Please keep discussion centralized. - ] (]) 20:22, 2 July 2023 (UTC)
BroadwayWorld.com
:Do ] sources corroborate its claims? ] (]) 03:55, 25 July 2023 (UTC)


:The Sam Braslow piece is perfectly fine to use here. Braslow is a career journalist working for multiple publications. He is his own reliable source. Beyond that, his article about Shen Yun was cited by career journalist Chris Jennewein. Jennewein summarizes and quotes the Braslow piece. ] (]) 15:08, 24 October 2023 (UTC)
“A vivid, authentic portrait of Chinese arts… revels in long-standing myths and legends through extraordinary costumes and vigorous physicality designed to appeal to diverse audiences.”
::You could ask at RSN, but I will guess that editors there will agree with BSN, unless other RS said the retracting was wrong. Claims that clearly cite an unretracted RS are probably fine. ] (]) 02:33, 25 October 2023 (UTC)
Denver Post
:::I didn't follow this discussion when it was going on originally. I see that there is a whole paragraph dedicated to this topic in the article. If the publication retracted the report, it shouldn't be used. Full stop. LA Mag is a reliable source, and the retraction means that the reliable source no longer stands behind the article. The argument that Braslow is his own reliable source does not match wikipedia standards at all. It's surprising that this is even up for debate. A retraction means that the article is unreliable. —'''Zujine|]''' 12:46, 16 May 2024 (UTC)


:::: I just noticed this discussion. I also came across this article and thought it was inappropriate to use as a source.] (]) 03:28, 11 September 2024 (UTC)
“The Spectacular was a spectacle from its very first moment… an array of diverse and delightful dances… eye-pleasing formations, flowing arms, small, scampering steps and serene, seemingly divinely inspired faces… each and every Spectacular costume was just that, incorporating a brightly colored, beautiful range of fabrics as well as intricate headpieces… left its audience with the tranquil sensation of having witnessed something both enlightening and resplendent.”
ExploreDance


:::::I don't think anyone here is surprised that another ] has come by . ] (]) 03:41, 11 September 2024 (UTC)
“Mission accomplished! It was a tantalizing and fascinating evening that made me want to stay and see more. In a word, I was simply captivated… colorful and lively theatrical presentation... motion pictures and drums and elegant dance and singing that gave a glimpse of a culture and its history that was at times hypnotic in its presentation, sensual in its fluid movements, and inspirational in its theme… marvelous precision dragon dances, stunning sequences comprised of silken young girls in colorful outfits who were gifted with graceful movement, and flawless musical performances… simply astounding to watch and a pleasure to the ear.”
OperaOnline


:::::: Why don't you stop attacking me and actually participate in the discussion? Most editors on this section agree that the long quote is inappropriate and so is the source. I don't see anything wrong with having removed the content. I am new and not very familiar with all of the wikipedia rules, but this seems obviously out of place for a page about some dance company.] (]) 04:14, 11 September 2024 (UTC)
“Indisputably a spectacle… The women, meanwhile, make for a beautiful and haunting ensemble. They are as delicate as they are quick, and their skills include a nimble mastery of traditional talents, such as the classic fan dance... Some of the most jaw-dropping moments came from the thunderous intensity of a solo pianist named Yan Li.”
:::::::You know very well that this article isn't about "some dance company" but rather a propaganda arm of the ]. And considering your attempt at "Shen Yun's performances have been described as promoting ] doctrines and negative views of ] and ]"] () and your first edit was on this very page a few days ago (), now would be a good time for you to internalize ]. ] (]) 04:53, 11 September 2024 (UTC)
Chicago Tribune
:::::::: I don't know what you're talking about. Compared to other dance company articles I have read, this one is obviously poorly written. I don't care about what content goes in this page as long as it doesn't read like a tabloid. Why don't you just focus on contributing to the discussion, instead of continuing with your personal attacks? Why do you think that this LA mag article is a reliable source? ] (]) 05:25, 11 September 2024 (UTC)
:::::::::As a "new" editor "not very familiar with all of the wikipedia rules" (apart from WP:BLPREMOVE apparently in your 11th edit) who "just noticed this discussion" out of the 6.8 million articles, have you thought about maybe editing in other topic areas to gain experience? ] (]) 15:24, 11 September 2024 (UTC)
::::::::::I've been doing that since I joined. I've mainly contributed to ballet dancer biographies. Anyways, acccording to ] a few paragraphs above, there is a centralized discussion about this quote and article in ] that also applies to this page. If you think the content should stay, why don't you and ] participate there and make your voices heard?.] (]) 09:31, 15 September 2024 (UTC)
:::::::::::Those discussions are more than a year old, this has been a settled matter for a while. Their voices were heard and folks agreed. ] (]) 11:10, 15 September 2024 (UTC)
::::::::::::I am talking about the section "Braslow piece in Los Angeles Magazine" on that page. Is that the one you're referring to? If so, it looks like the discussion is from 2023, but it isn't clear to me what was agreed on? It seems ], ], ], and ] agreed that the article shouldn't be used as a source, but ] and ] disagreed? Does that mean that the 4-2 split was consensus to not use it? Can you clarify? ] (]) 01:21, 16 September 2024 (UTC)
:::::::::::::On Misplaced Pages, it's never just counting heads to settle disputes. It's about who makes the most compelling argument with regard to policy or practice. Part of the problem with removing the LA Mag piece is that career journalist Chris Jennewein observed Braslow's position and wrote about it. Braslow's research and conclusion stands as its own valid source. ] (]) 05:04, 16 September 2024 (UTC)
::::::::::::::Hi Bink, supposedly by Chris Jennewein was only describing the defamation lawsuit against Braslow's piece, and it doesn't defend or add credibility to Braslow in anyway.
::::::::::::::If Braslow's "conclusion stands as its own valid source", then it'd be a self-published source— also a poor source because it's been retracted by its once-publisher and contains glaring factual errors (e.g. it says that Epoch Times was founded by Li, but it's actually founded by John Tang ) Since the quote we're using from this source mostly disparages a living person, per ], we should {{tq|Remove immediately any contentious material about a living person that is poorly sourced relies on self-published sources}}. ] (]) 13:06, 17 September 2024 (UTC)
:::::::::::::::Obviously John Tang served as the agent for Li, founding ET as the voice of Falun Gong. Nobody seriously doubts that. Regarding self-published material, a career journalist is considered an expert source, and quite usable. Your characterization is false, that Braslow "mostly disparages a living person". He makes highly critical observations about Falun Gong. Nothing he wrote is surprising or far-fetched. It was the result of careful research. ] (]) 13:46, 17 September 2024 (UTC)
{{Outdent|:::::::::::::::}} Well, the fact is that no RS says Li founded ET or that John Tang served as an agent of Li—the latter is ].
Regardless of how we characterize Braslow's quote or his qualifications, per ], we should {{tq|'''Never''' use self-published sources as independent sources about other living people, even if the author is an expert, well-known professional researcher, or writer.}} So all content Braslow wrote about Li should be removed. ] (]) 02:55, 19 September 2024 (UTC)
::ET is the voice of Li. The founding of it occurred under Li's direction. Braslow is not wrong in spirit, despite Tang's name on the masthead. You're splitting hairs. ] (]) 04:10, 19 September 2024 (UTC)
::: I read a bit more about consensus. It seems like if there is consensus to remove (which isn't entirely clear to me yet and is why I asked) the content that references the braslow article should be removed. But also if there is no consensus, according to ] then the content should also be removed as it says: "Living people. In discussions related to living people, a lack of consensus often results in the removal of the contentious matter, regardless of whether the proposal was to add, modify, or remove it". It looks to me like several editors have disagreed with keeping the braslow article as a source and stated their reasons several times, so I don't see how anybody can claim that there is consensus on keeping it. I would suggest we can start by removing these poorly sourced claims, to meet policy, and then continue the discussion and if consensus is reached to keep the source then we can bring it back up. I'm happy to wait several days before removing the content in case anybody wants to chime in. Also, to add to my comment, ], ] is making a good point: as editors we can't make assumptions about some topic without a source. I don't think it's "splitting hairs". Edit: Woops, looks like I missed the "often results" in the wording up there, and assumed "must be removed". Ok so, where do we go from here? There's obviously disagreement on keeping this up, and one side of the argument (which includes me) thinks poorly sourced material shouldn't be kept. Is there some third party we can contact to resolve this apparent lack of consensus if you're not satisfied with what you've heard so far ]? Edit2: Added an RFC here: https://en.wikipedia.org/Wikipedia:Reliable_sources/Noticeboard#RFC_Retracted_LA_Magazine_Article since discussion has been ongoing for a year and I don't see a clear consensus, I thought it would be helpful! ] (]) 03:38, 23 September 2024 (UTC)
::::This isn't a ] topic. We're discussing a propaganda arm of a new religious movement here. Court cases are notable and the matter itself is notable enough to be included in the article. ] (]) 07:59, 23 September 2024 (UTC)
:::::I changed the title of the Reliable Sources Noticeboard section asking for comments on this retraction. Looks like it messed up the link above. Here's the new link: https://en.wikipedia.org/Wikipedia:Reliable_sources/Noticeboard#Is_this_Retracted_LA_Magazine_Article_a_reliable_source? ] that doesn't explain why the LA Mag source is reliable. Can you tell us in the noticeboard so we can discuss? Happy to hear your take on it. ] (]) 01:21, 24 September 2024 (UTC)
Hey guys I had taken some time off wikipedia. Frankly I'm a bit disappointed that we never really reached a consensus after weeks of discussion in the talk page. I know I said I had agreed before to try to write something to keep the braslow article quotes in there, but after considering it further it just doesn't make sense to me. If an article that's been the subject of a lawsuit for containing false information isn't an unreliable source then what on earth would be? I've reread some of the discussions and the justifications to keep it honestly sound like personal opinions that seem to reflect the opposite of objective reality: such as that Braslow is an honest career journalist, or that he made some investigative breakthrough. Braslow by publishing an article with false information in it is actually being at best incompetent, and at worst dishonest or unethical. How can he be an honest career journalist, or some star investigative journalist making breakthroughs in his research? I hope you guys can understand this stuff really makes no sense to me. I really think quotes from such low quality, badly researched or tabloid type articles simply don't belong at wikipedia, and I don't think keeping it up is even remotely meeting wikiepdia's policy standards.I'm happy to keep discussing the issue, but if people have lost interest, then I'm happy to update the article to remove the material. I'll wait some days just in case someone wants to chime in. ] (]) 00:27, 24 December 2024 (UTC)
:Braslow is a living person and BLP applies to this talk page. Please retract. ] (]) 06:38, 24 December 2024 (UTC)
::Can you please stay on topic? It's been so hard to keep this discussion on topic. Since I started trying to collaborate in this page it's been either repeated personal accusations against me or other editors who disagree or rude and unwelcoming comments, and now looks like we're going to go on some tangent about how apparently I'm not allowed to point out I disagree with another editor's personal feelings towards Braslow as a reason to keep up his article as a source. How can any work get done this way? I don't think you've ever given your opinion on this issue. Do you have an opinion that you'd like to share? If not, why start derailing the discussion with these comments? Maybe you didn't realize that your comment would derail the discussion? In that case, could you please help me keep this discussion on topic? ] (]) 16:48, 24 December 2024 (UTC)
:::Braslow's reliability in context is the topic. Braslow is a living person and BLP applies to this talk page. Were you unaware of that? ] (]) 16:53, 24 December 2024 (UTC)
:I mean, if you remove the link to the LA agarticle, someone will just re-add it and you'll likely get a ban for acting unilaterally without consensus. (No, talk on a different topic over 2 years ago does not suggest consensus, as this particular article is about Shen Yun, not Li Hongzhu.) ] (]) 11:14, 31 December 2024 (UTC)


== The Hill contributor article ==
“Boasts an array of colors as well as gracious and harmonious dance movements, allowing local audiences to see a kind of Chinese art that cannot be found elsewhere.”
Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ)


I have removed this on the ] article, because according to ], such contributor articles have no oversight from The Hill's editors themselves and should be treated as self-published sources. ] (]) 10:33, 20 August 2024 (UTC)
“It was spectacular—with gorgeous multi-colored costumes, athletic dancers, lovely traditional Chinese music and fantastic singers… Being the son of a Cantor, I have always had a soft spot in my heart for tenors, and hearing Chinese legendary tenor Guimin Guan… was the highlight of the evening for me. His voice is similar to the voice of the great Italian tenor Benjamino Gigli, with a glorious sweet upper range-and crystal clear diction, sung with great emotion.”
DC Theatre Scene


:Thanks for starting a discussion explaining your removal of the opinion piece published by The Hill. I added it a few months ago and think it should be retained for the following reasons:
“ huge scenic projected backdrops are inspired—brilliant, the lighting is perfect… Inspiring… a visit to a magical Shangri-la.”
:While ] does note that contributor pieces (which links to ]) should be treated as self-published sources, it also states that its opinion pieces should be handled per ].
Performing Arts Insider
:It's important to differentiate between The Hill's ( in 2014), which uses only "contributor" in the byline, and their current opinion pieces, which use "opinion contributor" -- this terminology doesn't automatically designate all opinion authors as regular or official contributors. In Wu's case, a simple search confirms that this is his sole article in The Hill, indicating that he is not a contributor to the publication. Thus ] rather than ] should be applied here.
:Wu is a PhD student in art history at Johns Hopkins University. His comments on the intersection of art, politics, and cultural identity contribute to a balanced presentation without dominating the narrative or overshadowing other perspectives. I believe it is ].
:Additionally, please note that an insource for "thehill.com/opinion/" in the Article namespace returns over 500 references to The Hill's opinion articles currently used on Misplaced Pages, suggesting there is precedent for using such sources when appropriate.
:Happy to hear others' thoughts. ] (]) 03:26, 23 August 2024 (UTC)
::As an opinion piece, the removed source might belong more with other opinions in the Reception section. But even among articles published in The Hill, the opinion piece may not be one of the better sources for an encyclopedia. For example, , republished in The Hill from ], is more clearly a reliable secondary source. ] (]) 08:31, 25 August 2024 (UTC)
:::Thanks for sharing - It seems this Nexstar piece is largely a synthesis of existing coverage that has been incorporated, while Wu's op-ed offers a unique scholarly perspective from an art history standpoint that is absent from the page. That being said, I'm fine with moving the first quote originally added to the Billing and promotion section to Reception instead. ] (]) 17:37, 28 August 2024 (UTC)
::::PHd students are not generally considered experts of the field, and self published blogs are not noted for their scrutiny either. <!-- Template:Unsigned IP --><small class="autosigned">—&nbsp;Preceding ] comment added by ] (]) 23:33, 1 September 2024 (UTC)</small> <!--Autosigned by SineBot-->
:::::This is an op-ed, not a self-published blog post — please see my comments above for reasoning.
:::::Wu an MA in art history and is pursuing a PhD in the field at a top U.S. university. He likely possesses more specialized knowledge than many journalists whose reviews of Shen Yun have been cited on the page. Why do you see a need to exclude his perspective? ] (]) 03:16, 3 September 2024 (UTC)


:After looking at the source, it's definitely time for it to go. ] (]) 03:38, 3 September 2024 (UTC)
“Superb! Every performance was stunning.”
::I’ve explained why I believed it should be retained — can you please clarify why you thought “it's definitely time for it to go”? ] (]) 03:00, 4 September 2024 (UTC)
WNYC
:::It reads like it was written by a Falun Gong rep, claiming the Falun Gong is "is rooted in Buddhist and Daoist traditions" while totally avoiding mentioning its founder and leader Li Hongzhi, who has always been the center of the new religious movement. This is a typical Falun Gong strategy. Statements like "Such rhetoric is often derived from the Chinese state’s vehement and defamatory denunciation of the show" and "why has the Chinese Communist Party gone to such lengths to sabotage a performance that promotes Chinese culture?" are pure comedy. Note the implication that Western media is somehow puppeteered by the government of China. It's an obvious ] fail designed to play defense for a ] group. ] (]) 06:22, 4 September 2024 (UTC)
::::The criticisms of this article all sound content-based rather than source-based. The Hill seems to surely be a reliable source, but because this is commentary, it does make sense to move it to the Reception section instead of its previous location. Just because some editors disagree with the author of the article does not mean it isn't reliable. Everything in the Reception section is the opinion of authors. Shen Yun sells millions of tickets each year. Obviously, a lot people enjoy the show and see merit in the performances. Positive opinions have a place in this article, which should be a place for readers to get information about a popular performance group. Criticism has its place as well, but all viewpoints should be represented, not just the critical ones. It should also be noted that Shen Yun is a production of a minority ethnic and religious group, with performances that represent their unique beliefs. The editors who consistently attack Shen Yun and Falun Gong on Misplaced Pages are biased in a dangerous way that is based on religious and racial discrimination. —'''Zujine|]''' 16:06, 4 September 2024 (UTC)
:::::Are you calling me racist? A religious bigot? I "attack" Falun Gong on Misplaced Pages from a place of carefully reasoned skepticism. What is dangerous is letting Falun Gong adherents portray a whitewashed version of the group. ] (]) 17:37, 4 September 2024 (UTC)
:::::This is a clear example of ]. ] (]) 22:13, 4 September 2024 (UTC)
::::::@], I was pointing your (and other editor's) biases when it comes to this issue. You consistently show a lack of respect for Falun Gong beliefs. You have tried to "out" other editors as Falun Gong believers or sympathizers and insinuated that they shouldn't be allowed to contribute to pages related to the subject, which is the same as saying Muslims shouldn't be allowed to edit articles on Islam. You seem to think that because you have deemed Falun Gong to be a "fringe" group, that they do not deserve respect. This is discriminatory behaviour. They are a religious minority facing severe, well-documented persecution, yet you dismiss evidence of the human rights violations they face. In terms of race, perhaps I should have phrased it as ethnic or cultural discrimination instead. Your editing hasn't shown any appreciation for Chinese culture or history, much less the nuanced issues within the Chinese diaspora when it comes to traditional Chinese culture. You don't seem familiar with classical Chinese philosophy, literature, or art, yet you assert your own opinions above those of actual experts, which is again discriminatory behaviour that comes from a lack of respect. I didn't call you a religious bigot or a racist. I pointed out your biases, and you drew those conclusions yourself. —'''Zujine|]''' 13:25, 6 September 2024 (UTC)
:::::::No attempt at backtracking is going to erase your ]. It's time to get a mod involved. ] (]) 17:49, 6 September 2024 (UTC)
::::::::I don't think I attempted to backtrack at all. —'''Zujine|]''' 17:55, 6 September 2024 (UTC)
:::::::::There is no reason for any Misplaced Pages editors to show "respect for Falun Gong beliefs" just as there is no reason for Misplaced Pages editors to show respect for the CCP's beliefs. Respect is not required. What is required is policy compliance. ] (]) 13:52, 7 September 2024 (UTC)
:::::::{{Reply|Zujine}} what is the policy or based argument which supports your contention that we are required to respect Falun Gong's beliefs? ] (]) 16:06, 1 October 2024 (UTC)
::Thanks all for your input. I suggest we focus our discussion on the source itself. As ] states: “Reliable sources are not required to be neutral, unbiased, or objective." Our personal agreement or disagreement with an author doesn't determine whether a source meets WP:RS. Per ] and ], Wu's op-ed should be considered reliable, as the Hill is a mainstream publication and Wu specializes in art history. The excerpts I cited don’t mention Falun Gong or its beliefs. I have yet to see any compelling policy-based argument for excluding them. ] (]) 01:36, 7 September 2024 (UTC)
:::] says contributor pieces receive minimal editorial oversight and should be handled as ]. So is Wu an {{tq|an established subject-matter expert, whose work in the relevant field has previously been published by reliable, independent publications}}? If they've been published by other sources as an expert then it should be considered reliable. -- <small>LCU</small> ''']''' <small>''«]» °]°''</small> 22:29, 7 September 2024 (UTC)
::::Hi @] - please see below for an excerpt of my initial reply to the IP editor that started this discussion -
::::"While ] does note that contributor pieces (which links to ]) should be treated as self-published sources, it also states that its opinion pieces should be handled per ].
::::It's important to differentiate between The Hill's ( in 2014), which uses only "contributor" in the byline, and their current opinion pieces, which use "opinion contributor" -- this terminology doesn't automatically designate all opinion authors as regular or official contributors. In Wu's case, a simple search confirms that this is his sole article in The Hill, indicating that he is not a contributor to the publication. Thus ] rather than ] should be applied here.
::::Additionally, please note that an insource for "thehill.com/opinion/" in the Article namespace returns over 500 references to The Hill's opinion articles currently used on Misplaced Pages, suggesting there is precedent for using such sources when appropriate."
::::And as I wrote earlier in this thread -
::::"Wu an MA in art history and is pursuing a PhD in the field at a top U.S. university. He likely possesses more specialized knowledge than many journalists whose reviews of Shen Yun have been cited on the page." ] (]) 01:26, 8 September 2024 (UTC)
:::::I read that the other way round to you, the blogs by there staff are RSOPINION and articles with contributors in the byline should be SPS. The fact there is no other articles by EU would show he's a contributor not a staff member writing a blog. Looking at the underlying discussions about The Hill point to them meaning that non-staff contributor pieces are self-published sources.
:::::How many times a reference is used on Misplaced Pages has absolutely nothing to do with how reliable it is, a search for Misplaced Pages.org will give you thousands of results.
:::::Wu as a PhD student could be considered a subject matter expert, but SPS would require that some other source has already published them as such. -- <small>LCU</small> ''']''' <small>''«]» °]°''</small> 08:54, 8 September 2024 (UTC)
::::::However diving into the threads actually listed by RSP (which I would always suggest) only one editor mentions that the opinion contributors should be considered SPS but gives no reasons for saying so, and although The Hill is asking for contrarian pieces it's editorial control over them is unclear. I can't see that they ''don't'' have editorial control over them.<br>So ignore my comment, although I think ] is saying contributor opinion pieces should be handled as SPS, I can't see any reason ''why'' it says that -- <small>LCU</small> ''']''' <small>''«]» °]°''</small> 09:16, 8 September 2024 (UTC)
:::::::Thanks for looking into this further. Agreed - The Hill's , as outlined, do indicate clear editorial control.
:::::::If there are no other concerns or objections, I will add Wu's op-ed back. ] (]) 22:56, 8 September 2024 (UTC)
::::::::And then I and other users will simply revert it. First, this opinion piece nakedly parrots Falun Gong talking points: do not mention the group's founder and leader Li Hongzhi (''check''), attempt to claim that the Falun Gong somehow represents traditional Chinese culture ("Shen Yun’s claim to represent the Chinese tradition, at least from an artistic theory point of view, is accurate") (''check''), emphasize persecution but do ''not'' mention the Falun Gong's intense political activities (and its extensions like the ''Epoch Times'') (''check''), etc. You could generate something like this with Chat GPT prompt just using the group's typical talking points.


::::::::. The author also does this with . Sure, no need to inform readers that this is in fact just another Falun Gong arm. lol, seriously.
“This cross-cultural, bilingual extravaganza not only features singing and dancing with beautiful costumes and superb talent, but it also has dragons, heavenly maidens, bold warriors, and drums... Even when the large-scale dance numbers left the stage to make way for solo artists, the size of their stage artistry was ample for the space… These troupes and performers, some from Canada, some from China, and even Germany, are all tightly choreographed and smartly professional… An overwhelming theme of the show is a tremendous sense of spirit, a feeling of joy.”
San Francisco Bay Times


::::::::So, what do you think this author's connection is to the Falun Gong? Remember, this is a ] topic and ] is therefore a point of major concern.
“An extravagantly beautiful production… Presented by Divine Performing Arts… whose lavish production numbers, colorful sets, dazzling costumes, brilliant choreography, and booming Tang dynasty drums… reveal the fascinating lifestyle and legendary elegance of the traditional China of yesterday coupled with the contemporary influence of today’s Western world… dozens of dancers in stunning hand-designed costumes.”
BroadwayWorld.com


::::::::Whatever the case, the author is not a subject matter expert—this individual has no peer-reviewed publications on for example new religious movements, for example—and it's an obvious ] fail, which you know. Stop wasting our time. If you want further rejection, go ahead and take it to ]. ] (]) 00:30, 9 September 2024 (UTC)
“Booming drums and graceful dance.”
The Philadelphia Inquirer
“A visually exquisite offering with beautiful sound… strikingly intricate melodies… The costumes are vibrant and elaborate, but not too flashy. The dancers, mostly Chinese Americans, display moves that are high on synchronicity and subtlety, and achieve a sensitive and authentically traditional elegance.”
NYTheatre.com


== The Epoch Times debunk of NYT ==
“This is a really wonderful performance. I would recommend it to everyone. I recommend everyone go out and get tickets… Don’t see it once, see it twice.”
WVOX 1460 AM


The Epoch Times recently wrote a debunk on the NYT articles a couple days ago. We should probably add this as it disputes most of the arguments that the New York Times made against Shen Yun. Of course it would be biased since TET is founded by Falun Gong practitioners, but the same goes for New York Times and their untrustworthiness.
“Celebrates Chinese culture in its fullest flower… A Riverdance-style fusion of classical dance, music, myth and spectacle… Expect an explosion of color and sound on stage, as centuries of Chinese creativity come to life against high-tech scenic backdrops.”
Charlotte Observer


https://www.theepochtimes.com/article/new-york-times-relies-on-distortion-deceit-in-effort-to-smear-shen-yun-5707763 ] (]) 18:49, 29 August 2024 (UTC)
“When spirituality, reverence, and discipline are brought to art, something special that lifts the human spirit is bound to happen. It is a gift from the artist to the viewer.”
White Plains Times


:Sorry, but Epoch Times is specifically blacklisted as a source at Misplaced Pages for repeatedly promoting conspiracy theories. See ].
“A dazzling array of costumes, and a crack orchestra that seamlessly fused Chinese and Western classical instrumentation… Bright background scenes underscored the idealized tone with rainbows arching above flowered meadows and sun rays kissing snowy mountain ranges.”
Boston Herald


Also, to add to the CCP interference of Shen Yun section, they have also sent bomb threats and slashed tires of Shen Yun tour buses.
“Impressive… The production is a vision of loveliness, from the very first moment as the audience sees stylized dancers scurrying about the stage dressed as angels that look as if they are floating over a smoke-filled stage … The melodies run from delicate to dynamic. The costumes are brilliantly colored authentic dress that delights the eye. The projections are amazingly three dimensional… They are the best projections I have seen in a very long time.”
Talkin’ Broadway


https://www.shenyunperformingarts.org/spirituality/challenges-we-face
“Get on the horn and find out if they still have tickets, because this is what they mean when they use the word entertainment… Wonderful… so graceful the heart longs for more when the dancers leave the stage after all too short a time… Scores of costume changes, some interesting special effects, marvelous dance numbers that tell intricate, but easy to follow stories… absolutely perfect music by the Divine Performing Arts Orchestra.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aq_2PagLsa0
Brooklyn View


There's also an US report talking about this issue.
“Incredible… Groundbreaking… The number one way for New York families to celebrate the New Year!”
https://www.state.gov/reports/2023-report-on-international-religious-freedom/china/
MSNBC News


"The Falun Dafa Association reported the PRC government pressured foreign entertainment venues in multiple countries to refuse to host or cancel already scheduled performances of the U.S.-based Falun Gong-affiliated dance troupe Shen Yun. Many of the performers are Falun Gong practitioners and, in addition to traditional Chinese dances, some dances portray present-day religious persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China." <!-- Template:Unsigned IP --><small class="autosigned">—&nbsp;Preceding ] comment added by ] (]) 18:59, 29 August 2024 (UTC)</small> <!--Autosigned by SineBot-->
“DPA is indeed something holy and weighty. Independent from China's communist regime since its formation in 2006, the New York-based cultural organization joins heavily costumed dance, traditional percussion and grand orchestration as part of its ancient storytelling and educational ideal... There are no communist red flags or People's Liberation Army men pirouetting. There are no unfortunate tales of patriotism. Everything is one long splash of color and movement — as if the dancers, drummers and vocalists had waited centuries to break out in song. And in a way, they have.”
Philadelphia City Paper


:Neither have to do with internal issues at Shen Yun. In fact, the FBI is currently investigating money laundering at Epoch Times.
“An impressive display of scenic effects to inspire awe… breathtaking vistas… Snow-capped mountains, lush valleys, rivers, waterfalls, blossoming gardens, pagodas and temples and street scenes serve as backdrops… gossamer draped maidens skimming through the clouds... Dance is at the heart of this expansive entertainment… Artistically choreographed divertissements in which sea nymphs cavort in the waves and brightly costumed dancers fill the stage as flowering forsythia are lovely to watch… Enough can't be said about the artistic mission of a company that employs six choreographers.”
CurtainUp


==Wiki Education assignment: Dance and Society==
“The show is certainly a spectacle. The production values are grand in terms of costumes and scenic effects, and the performers are all very good-looking and meticulously disciplined... the lush and tuneful original music is a fusion, layering a Western orchestra with traditional Chinese instruments”
{{dashboard.wikiedu.org assignment | course = Misplaced Pages:Wiki_Ed/Cooper_Union/Dance_and_Society_(Fall_2024) | assignments = ] | reviewers = ] | start_date = 2024-09-04 | end_date = 2024-12-20 }}
Globe and Mail


<span class="wikied-assignment" style="font-size:85%;">— Assignment last updated by ] (]) 16:29, 5 November 2024 (UTC)</span>
“A bona fide phenomenon... A cultural renaissance.”
Westchester County Business Journal


== Question regarding my edit and WP:PRIMARY ==
“A memorable and satisfying spectacle.”
Canberra Review


Hi.
“Breathtaking... Seeks to unite people through the sharing of traditional Chinese cultural arts that have suffered greatly under oppressive political regimes.”
City Beat


This is about my edit at https://en.wikipedia.org/search/?title=Shen_Yun&oldid=1254360026 which was reverted by @] due to WP:PRIMARY.
“Be transported to a world of heavenly maidens and magical fire-breathing dragons as the show combines amazing costumes and exhilarating dance routines guaranteed to leave people wanting more.”
The Canberra Times


The trouble is, non-primary sources about the lyrics are hard to come by.
“Gorgeous. Beautiful!”
WABC Eyewitness News


Plus, in regards to ] about organization sources: "The organization's own website is an acceptable (although possibly incomplete) primary source for information about what the company says about itself and for most basic facts about its history, products, employees, finances, and facilities."
“The stunning gracefulness and strength of the individual dancers is immeasurably enhanced with precise and imaginative group choreography, sumptuous costuming, and magnificent set designs and backdrops using traditional painting together with multi-media technology. The entire production is a beautiful blend of antiquity and modernity... If you’re bone-weary of the offensive, obscene, absurd, and insipid offerings that are passed off as entertainment and culture these days, you owe it to yourself and posterity to indulge your inner aesthete in the refreshingly innocent beauty and artistic splendor which these outstanding artists bring to the stage.”
– The New American


Rather than RVing the RV, i would rather discuss it here to better understand why not to put it there, with or without sources. This should be done in a consensus-building manner, not in a "It's policy, kid. Live with it" manner.
“Gloriously colorful... Ancient legends and courageous heroic figures come to life through its leaps, its spins and its delicate gestures.”
PhillyBurbs.com


Thanks, ] (]) 19:27, 30 October 2024 (UTC)
“Extraordinary.”
Femme Actuelle


:Misplaced Pages is supposed to be based mainly on ] sources. Small details can be from primary sources, but not whole sections.
“Combines ancient and modern with spectacular pageantry… wholesome, family-friendly… revives cultural holiday traditions, some dating back 5,000 years, which had all but been forgotten.”
:Basically, if an uninvolved third party has not written about it, it's not important enough to be included in Misplaced Pages. ] (]) 19:36, 30 October 2024 (UTC)
Ottawa Sun


Taken from http://www.divineperformingarts.org/reviews/the-media

] (]) 19:54, 14 April 2009 (UTC)

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Retracted LA Mag article

@Llll5032: Thank you adding the "better source noted" tag. But I think that content is more in line with WP:DON'T PRESERVE: LA Mag retracted it because of a defamation lawsuit, and, as I said here, its featured image was defamatory in nature because Shen Yun performances are not pro-Trump at all and was also praised by Democratic legislators and celebrities like Carolyn Maloney and Donna Karen . So I think the excessive quote from the retracted LA Mag article should be removed. Thomas Meng (talk) 17:28, 2 July 2023 (UTC)

I agree that the long quotation from LA Mag will need to be removed because of the retraction, unless secondary RS discuss the quoted matter from the LA Mag article in context. Llll5032 (talk) 19:38, 2 July 2023 (UTC)
See Talk:Li Hongzhi. Please keep discussion centralized. - MrOllie (talk) 20:22, 2 July 2023 (UTC)
Do WP:GREL sources corroborate its claims? Llll5032 (talk) 03:55, 25 July 2023 (UTC)
The Sam Braslow piece is perfectly fine to use here. Braslow is a career journalist working for multiple publications. He is his own reliable source. Beyond that, his article about Shen Yun was cited by career journalist Chris Jennewein. Jennewein summarizes and quotes the Braslow piece. Binksternet (talk) 15:08, 24 October 2023 (UTC)
You could ask at RSN, but I will guess that editors there will agree with BSN, unless other RS said the retracting was wrong. Claims that clearly cite an unretracted RS are probably fine. Llll5032 (talk) 02:33, 25 October 2023 (UTC)
I didn't follow this discussion when it was going on originally. I see that there is a whole paragraph dedicated to this topic in the article. If the publication retracted the report, it shouldn't be used. Full stop. LA Mag is a reliable source, and the retraction means that the reliable source no longer stands behind the article. The argument that Braslow is his own reliable source does not match wikipedia standards at all. It's surprising that this is even up for debate. A retraction means that the article is unreliable. —Zujine|talk 12:46, 16 May 2024 (UTC)
I just noticed this discussion. I also came across this article and thought it was inappropriate to use as a source.Blue nutcracker (talk) 03:28, 11 September 2024 (UTC)
I don't think anyone here is surprised that another WP:SPA has come by and attempted this. :bloodofox: (talk) 03:41, 11 September 2024 (UTC)
Why don't you stop attacking me and actually participate in the discussion? Most editors on this section agree that the long quote is inappropriate and so is the source. I don't see anything wrong with having removed the content. I am new and not very familiar with all of the wikipedia rules, but this seems obviously out of place for a page about some dance company.Blue nutcracker (talk) 04:14, 11 September 2024 (UTC)
You know very well that this article isn't about "some dance company" but rather a propaganda arm of the Falun Gong. And considering your attempt at removing "Shen Yun's performances have been described as promoting sectarian doctrines and negative views of evolution and atheism"] (sourced to the New Yorker) and your first edit was on this very page a few days ago (diff), now would be a good time for you to internalize WP:RS. :bloodofox: (talk) 04:53, 11 September 2024 (UTC)
I don't know what you're talking about. Compared to other dance company articles I have read, this one is obviously poorly written. I don't care about what content goes in this page as long as it doesn't read like a tabloid. Why don't you just focus on contributing to the discussion, instead of continuing with your personal attacks? Why do you think that this LA mag article is a reliable source? Blue nutcracker (talk) 05:25, 11 September 2024 (UTC)
As a "new" editor "not very familiar with all of the wikipedia rules" (apart from WP:BLPREMOVE apparently in your 11th edit) who "just noticed this discussion" out of the 6.8 million articles, have you thought about maybe editing in other topic areas to gain experience? Sean.hoyland (talk) 15:24, 11 September 2024 (UTC)
I've been doing that since I joined. I've mainly contributed to ballet dancer biographies. Anyways, acccording to User:MrOllie a few paragraphs above, there is a centralized discussion about this quote and article in Talk:Li Hongzhi that also applies to this page. If you think the content should stay, why don't you and User: Bloodofox participate there and make your voices heard?.Blue nutcracker (talk) 09:31, 15 September 2024 (UTC)
Those discussions are more than a year old, this has been a settled matter for a while. Their voices were heard and folks agreed. MrOllie (talk) 11:10, 15 September 2024 (UTC)
I am talking about the section "Braslow piece in Los Angeles Magazine" on that page. Is that the one you're referring to? If so, it looks like the discussion is from 2023, but it isn't clear to me what was agreed on? It seems User:Thomas Meng, User:Llll5032, User:JackUpdike, and User: Nivent2007 agreed that the article shouldn't be used as a source, but User:Binksternet and User:MrOllie disagreed? Does that mean that the 4-2 split was consensus to not use it? Can you clarify? Blue nutcracker (talk) 01:21, 16 September 2024 (UTC)
On Misplaced Pages, it's never just counting heads to settle disputes. It's about who makes the most compelling argument with regard to policy or practice. Part of the problem with removing the LA Mag piece is that career journalist Chris Jennewein observed Braslow's position and wrote about it. Braslow's research and conclusion stands as its own valid source. Binksternet (talk) 05:04, 16 September 2024 (UTC)
Hi Bink, the article you referenced supposedly by Chris Jennewein was only describing the defamation lawsuit against Braslow's piece, and it doesn't defend or add credibility to Braslow in anyway.
If Braslow's "conclusion stands as its own valid source", then it'd be a self-published source— also a poor source because it's been retracted by its once-publisher and contains glaring factual errors (e.g. it says that Epoch Times was founded by Li, but it's actually founded by John Tang ) Since the quote we're using from this source mostly disparages a living person, per WP:BLPREMOVE, we should Remove immediately any contentious material about a living person that is poorly sourced relies on self-published sources. Thomas Meng (talk) 13:06, 17 September 2024 (UTC)
Obviously John Tang served as the agent for Li, founding ET as the voice of Falun Gong. Nobody seriously doubts that. Regarding self-published material, a career journalist is considered an expert source, and quite usable. Your characterization is false, that Braslow "mostly disparages a living person". He makes highly critical observations about Falun Gong. Nothing he wrote is surprising or far-fetched. It was the result of careful research. Binksternet (talk) 13:46, 17 September 2024 (UTC)

Well, the fact is that no RS says Li founded ET or that John Tang served as an agent of Li—the latter is WP:OR.

Regardless of how we characterize Braslow's quote or his qualifications, per WP:RS/SPS, we should Never use self-published sources as independent sources about other living people, even if the author is an expert, well-known professional researcher, or writer. So all content Braslow wrote about Li should be removed. Thomas Meng (talk) 02:55, 19 September 2024 (UTC)

ET is the voice of Li. The founding of it occurred under Li's direction. Braslow is not wrong in spirit, despite Tang's name on the masthead. You're splitting hairs. Binksternet (talk) 04:10, 19 September 2024 (UTC)
I read a bit more about consensus. It seems like if there is consensus to remove (which isn't entirely clear to me yet and is why I asked) the content that references the braslow article should be removed. But also if there is no consensus, according to WP:NOCON then the content should also be removed as it says: "Living people. In discussions related to living people, a lack of consensus often results in the removal of the contentious matter, regardless of whether the proposal was to add, modify, or remove it". It looks to me like several editors have disagreed with keeping the braslow article as a source and stated their reasons several times, so I don't see how anybody can claim that there is consensus on keeping it. I would suggest we can start by removing these poorly sourced claims, to meet policy, and then continue the discussion and if consensus is reached to keep the source then we can bring it back up. I'm happy to wait several days before removing the content in case anybody wants to chime in. Also, to add to my comment, User: Binksternet, User: Thomas Meng is making a good point: as editors we can't make assumptions about some topic without a source. I don't think it's "splitting hairs". Edit: Woops, looks like I missed the "often results" in the wording up there, and assumed "must be removed". Ok so, where do we go from here? There's obviously disagreement on keeping this up, and one side of the argument (which includes me) thinks poorly sourced material shouldn't be kept. Is there some third party we can contact to resolve this apparent lack of consensus if you're not satisfied with what you've heard so far User: Binksternet? Edit2: Added an RFC here: https://en.wikipedia.org/Wikipedia:Reliable_sources/Noticeboard#RFC_Retracted_LA_Magazine_Article since discussion has been ongoing for a year and I don't see a clear consensus, I thought it would be helpful! Blue nutcracker (talk) 03:38, 23 September 2024 (UTC)
This isn't a WP:BLP topic. We're discussing a propaganda arm of a new religious movement here. Court cases are notable and the matter itself is notable enough to be included in the article. :bloodofox: (talk) 07:59, 23 September 2024 (UTC)
I changed the title of the Reliable Sources Noticeboard section asking for comments on this retraction. Looks like it messed up the link above. Here's the new link: https://en.wikipedia.org/Wikipedia:Reliable_sources/Noticeboard#Is_this_Retracted_LA_Magazine_Article_a_reliable_source? bloodofox that doesn't explain why the LA Mag source is reliable. Can you tell us in the noticeboard so we can discuss? Happy to hear your take on it. Blue nutcracker (talk) 01:21, 24 September 2024 (UTC)

Hey guys I had taken some time off wikipedia. Frankly I'm a bit disappointed that we never really reached a consensus after weeks of discussion in the talk page. I know I said I had agreed before to try to write something to keep the braslow article quotes in there, but after considering it further it just doesn't make sense to me. If an article that's been the subject of a lawsuit for containing false information isn't an unreliable source then what on earth would be? I've reread some of the discussions and the justifications to keep it honestly sound like personal opinions that seem to reflect the opposite of objective reality: such as that Braslow is an honest career journalist, or that he made some investigative breakthrough. Braslow by publishing an article with false information in it is actually being at best incompetent, and at worst dishonest or unethical. How can he be an honest career journalist, or some star investigative journalist making breakthroughs in his research? I hope you guys can understand this stuff really makes no sense to me. I really think quotes from such low quality, badly researched or tabloid type articles simply don't belong at wikipedia, and I don't think keeping it up is even remotely meeting wikiepdia's policy standards.I'm happy to keep discussing the issue, but if people have lost interest, then I'm happy to update the article to remove the material. I'll wait some days just in case someone wants to chime in. Blue nutcracker (talk) 00:27, 24 December 2024 (UTC)

Braslow is a living person and BLP applies to this talk page. Please retract. Horse Eye's Back (talk) 06:38, 24 December 2024 (UTC)
Can you please stay on topic? It's been so hard to keep this discussion on topic. Since I started trying to collaborate in this page it's been either repeated personal accusations against me or other editors who disagree or rude and unwelcoming comments, and now looks like we're going to go on some tangent about how apparently I'm not allowed to point out I disagree with another editor's personal feelings towards Braslow as a reason to keep up his article as a source. How can any work get done this way? I don't think you've ever given your opinion on this issue. Do you have an opinion that you'd like to share? If not, why start derailing the discussion with these comments? Maybe you didn't realize that your comment would derail the discussion? In that case, could you please help me keep this discussion on topic? Blue nutcracker (talk) 16:48, 24 December 2024 (UTC)
Braslow's reliability in context is the topic. Braslow is a living person and BLP applies to this talk page. Were you unaware of that? Horse Eye's Back (talk) 16:53, 24 December 2024 (UTC)
I mean, if you remove the link to the LA agarticle, someone will just re-add it and you'll likely get a ban for acting unilaterally without consensus. (No, talk on a different topic over 2 years ago does not suggest consensus, as this particular article is about Shen Yun, not Li Hongzhu.) Nocturne.ally (talk) 11:14, 31 December 2024 (UTC)

The Hill contributor article

I have removed this particular source on the Shen Yun article, because according to WP:THEHILL, such contributor articles have no oversight from The Hill's editors themselves and should be treated as self-published sources. 193.119.98.222 (talk) 10:33, 20 August 2024 (UTC)

Thanks for starting a discussion explaining your removal of the opinion piece published by The Hill. I added it a few months ago and think it should be retained for the following reasons:
While WP:THEHILL does note that contributor pieces (which links to WP:NEWSBLOG) should be treated as self-published sources, it also states that its opinion pieces should be handled per WP:RSOPINION.
It's important to differentiate between The Hill's contributor blog (launched in 2014), which uses only "contributor" in the byline, and their current opinion pieces, which use "opinion contributor" -- this terminology doesn't automatically designate all opinion authors as regular or official contributors. In Wu's case, a simple search confirms that this is his sole article in The Hill, indicating that he is not a contributor to the publication. Thus WP:RSOPINION rather than WP:NEWSBLOG should be applied here.
Wu is a PhD student in art history at Johns Hopkins University. His comments on the intersection of art, politics, and cultural identity contribute to a balanced presentation without dominating the narrative or overshadowing other perspectives. I believe it is WP:DUE.
Additionally, please note that an insource search for "thehill.com/opinion/" in the Article namespace returns over 500 references to The Hill's opinion articles currently used on Misplaced Pages, suggesting there is precedent for using such sources when appropriate.
Happy to hear others' thoughts. W9793 (talk) 03:26, 23 August 2024 (UTC)
As an opinion piece, the removed source might belong more with other opinions in the Reception section. But even among articles published in The Hill, the opinion piece may not be one of the better sources for an encyclopedia. For example, this article, republished in The Hill from Nextstar, is more clearly a reliable secondary source. Llll5032 (talk) 08:31, 25 August 2024 (UTC)
Thanks for sharing - It seems this Nexstar piece is largely a synthesis of existing coverage that has been incorporated, while Wu's op-ed offers a unique scholarly perspective from an art history standpoint that is absent from the page. That being said, I'm fine with moving the first quote originally added to the Billing and promotion section to Reception instead. W9793 (talk) 17:37, 28 August 2024 (UTC)
PHd students are not generally considered experts of the field, and self published blogs are not noted for their scrutiny either. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 120.18.80.147 (talk) 23:33, 1 September 2024 (UTC)
This is an op-ed, not a self-published blog post — please see my comments above for reasoning.
Wu holds an MA in art history and is pursuing a PhD in the field at a top U.S. university. He likely possesses more specialized knowledge than many journalists whose reviews of Shen Yun have been cited on the page. Why do you see a need to exclude his perspective? W9793 (talk) 03:16, 3 September 2024 (UTC)
After looking at the source, it's definitely time for it to go. :bloodofox: (talk) 03:38, 3 September 2024 (UTC)
I’ve explained why I believed it should be retained — can you please clarify why you thought “it's definitely time for it to go”? W9793 (talk) 03:00, 4 September 2024 (UTC)
It reads like it was written by a Falun Gong rep, claiming the Falun Gong is "is rooted in Buddhist and Daoist traditions" while totally avoiding mentioning its founder and leader Li Hongzhi, who has always been the center of the new religious movement. This is a typical Falun Gong strategy. Statements like "Such rhetoric is often derived from the Chinese state’s vehement and defamatory denunciation of the show" and "why has the Chinese Communist Party gone to such lengths to sabotage a performance that promotes Chinese culture?" are pure comedy. Note the implication that Western media is somehow puppeteered by the government of China. It's an obvious WP:RS fail designed to play defense for a WP:FRINGE group. :bloodofox: (talk) 06:22, 4 September 2024 (UTC)
The criticisms of this article all sound content-based rather than source-based. The Hill seems to surely be a reliable source, but because this is commentary, it does make sense to move it to the Reception section instead of its previous location. Just because some editors disagree with the author of the article does not mean it isn't reliable. Everything in the Reception section is the opinion of authors. Shen Yun sells millions of tickets each year. Obviously, a lot people enjoy the show and see merit in the performances. Positive opinions have a place in this article, which should be a place for readers to get information about a popular performance group. Criticism has its place as well, but all viewpoints should be represented, not just the critical ones. It should also be noted that Shen Yun is a production of a minority ethnic and religious group, with performances that represent their unique beliefs. The editors who consistently attack Shen Yun and Falun Gong on Misplaced Pages are biased in a dangerous way that is based on religious and racial discrimination. —Zujine|talk 16:06, 4 September 2024 (UTC)
Are you calling me racist? A religious bigot? I "attack" Falun Gong on Misplaced Pages from a place of carefully reasoned skepticism. What is dangerous is letting Falun Gong adherents portray a whitewashed version of the group. Binksternet (talk) 17:37, 4 September 2024 (UTC)
This is a clear example of Misplaced Pages:Casting aspersions. :bloodofox: (talk) 22:13, 4 September 2024 (UTC)
@Bloodofox, I was pointing your (and other editor's) biases when it comes to this issue. You consistently show a lack of respect for Falun Gong beliefs. You have tried to "out" other editors as Falun Gong believers or sympathizers and insinuated that they shouldn't be allowed to contribute to pages related to the subject, which is the same as saying Muslims shouldn't be allowed to edit articles on Islam. You seem to think that because you have deemed Falun Gong to be a "fringe" group, that they do not deserve respect. This is discriminatory behaviour. They are a religious minority facing severe, well-documented persecution, yet you dismiss evidence of the human rights violations they face. In terms of race, perhaps I should have phrased it as ethnic or cultural discrimination instead. Your editing hasn't shown any appreciation for Chinese culture or history, much less the nuanced issues within the Chinese diaspora when it comes to traditional Chinese culture. You don't seem familiar with classical Chinese philosophy, literature, or art, yet you assert your own opinions above those of actual experts, which is again discriminatory behaviour that comes from a lack of respect. I didn't call you a religious bigot or a racist. I pointed out your biases, and you drew those conclusions yourself. —Zujine|talk 13:25, 6 September 2024 (UTC)
No attempt at backtracking is going to erase your Misplaced Pages:Casting aspersions. It's time to get a mod involved. :bloodofox: (talk) 17:49, 6 September 2024 (UTC)
I don't think I attempted to backtrack at all. —Zujine|talk 17:55, 6 September 2024 (UTC)
There is no reason for any Misplaced Pages editors to show "respect for Falun Gong beliefs" just as there is no reason for Misplaced Pages editors to show respect for the CCP's beliefs. Respect is not required. What is required is policy compliance. Sean.hoyland (talk) 13:52, 7 September 2024 (UTC)
@Zujine: what is the policy or based argument which supports your contention that we are required to respect Falun Gong's beliefs? Horse Eye's Back (talk) 16:06, 1 October 2024 (UTC)
Thanks all for your input. I suggest we focus our discussion on the source itself. As WP:BIASED states: “Reliable sources are not required to be neutral, unbiased, or objective." Our personal agreement or disagreement with an author doesn't determine whether a source meets WP:RS. Per WP:RSOPINION and WP:NEWSOPED, Wu's op-ed should be considered reliable, as the Hill is a mainstream publication and Wu specializes in art history. The excerpts I cited don’t mention Falun Gong or its beliefs. I have yet to see any compelling policy-based argument for excluding them. W9793 (talk) 01:36, 7 September 2024 (UTC)
WP:THEHILL says contributor pieces receive minimal editorial oversight and should be handled as WP:SPS. So is Wu an an established subject-matter expert, whose work in the relevant field has previously been published by reliable, independent publications? If they've been published by other sources as an expert then it should be considered reliable. -- LCU ActivelyDisinterested «@» °∆t° 22:29, 7 September 2024 (UTC)
Hi @ActivelyDisinterested - please see below for an excerpt of my initial reply to the IP editor that started this discussion -
"While WP:THEHILL does note that contributor pieces (which links to WP:NEWSBLOG) should be treated as self-published sources, it also states that its opinion pieces should be handled per WP:RSOPINION.
It's important to differentiate between The Hill's contributor blog (launched in 2014), which uses only "contributor" in the byline, and their current opinion pieces, which use "opinion contributor" -- this terminology doesn't automatically designate all opinion authors as regular or official contributors. In Wu's case, a simple search confirms that this is his sole article in The Hill, indicating that he is not a contributor to the publication. Thus WP:RSOPINION rather than WP:NEWSBLOG should be applied here.
Additionally, please note that an insource search for "thehill.com/opinion/" in the Article namespace returns over 500 references to The Hill's opinion articles currently used on Misplaced Pages, suggesting there is precedent for using such sources when appropriate."
And as I wrote earlier in this thread -
"Wu holds an MA in art history and is pursuing a PhD in the field at a top U.S. university. He likely possesses more specialized knowledge than many journalists whose reviews of Shen Yun have been cited on the page." W9793 (talk) 01:26, 8 September 2024 (UTC)
I read that the other way round to you, the blogs by there staff are RSOPINION and articles with contributors in the byline should be SPS. The fact there is no other articles by EU would show he's a contributor not a staff member writing a blog. Looking at the underlying discussions about The Hill point to them meaning that non-staff contributor pieces are self-published sources.
How many times a reference is used on Misplaced Pages has absolutely nothing to do with how reliable it is, a search for Misplaced Pages.org will give you thousands of results.
Wu as a PhD student could be considered a subject matter expert, but SPS would require that some other source has already published them as such. -- LCU ActivelyDisinterested «@» °∆t° 08:54, 8 September 2024 (UTC)
However diving into the threads actually listed by RSP (which I would always suggest) only one editor mentions that the opinion contributors should be considered SPS but gives no reasons for saying so, and although The Hill is asking for contrarian pieces it's editorial control over them is unclear. I can't see that they don't have editorial control over them.
So ignore my comment, although I think WP:THEHILL is saying contributor opinion pieces should be handled as SPS, I can't see any reason why it says that -- LCU ActivelyDisinterested «@» °∆t° 09:16, 8 September 2024 (UTC)
Thanks for looking into this further. Agreed - The Hill's op-ed submission policies, as outlined, do indicate clear editorial control.
If there are no other concerns or objections, I will add Wu's op-ed back. W9793 (talk) 22:56, 8 September 2024 (UTC)
And then I and other users will simply revert it. First, this opinion piece nakedly parrots Falun Gong talking points: do not mention the group's founder and leader Li Hongzhi (check), attempt to claim that the Falun Gong somehow represents traditional Chinese culture ("Shen Yun’s claim to represent the Chinese tradition, at least from an artistic theory point of view, is accurate") (check), emphasize persecution but do not mention the Falun Gong's intense political activities (and its extensions like the Epoch Times) (check), etc. You could generate something like this with Chat GPT prompt just using the group's typical talking points.
The article even unabashedly 'sources' its claim that "Chinese viewers have also been profoundly moved by a 'true tradition' absent in post-Mao China" to a YouTube video from another Falun Gong arm, the New Tang Dynasty, as a "source". The author also does this with the claim that "Western audiences report being elevated in the soul after the performance". Sure, no need to inform readers that this is in fact just another Falun Gong arm. lol, seriously.
So, what do you think this author's connection is to the Falun Gong? Remember, this is a WP:FRINGE topic and WP:PROFRINGE is therefore a point of major concern.
Whatever the case, the author is not a subject matter expert—this individual has no peer-reviewed publications on for example new religious movements, for example—and it's an obvious WP:RS fail, which you know. Stop wasting our time. If you want further rejection, go ahead and take it to WP:RSN. :bloodofox: (talk) 00:30, 9 September 2024 (UTC)

The Epoch Times debunk of NYT

The Epoch Times recently wrote a debunk on the NYT articles a couple days ago. We should probably add this as it disputes most of the arguments that the New York Times made against Shen Yun. Of course it would be biased since TET is founded by Falun Gong practitioners, but the same goes for New York Times and their untrustworthiness.

https://www.theepochtimes.com/article/new-york-times-relies-on-distortion-deceit-in-effort-to-smear-shen-yun-5707763 144.121.83.58 (talk) 18:49, 29 August 2024 (UTC)

Sorry, but Epoch Times is specifically blacklisted as a source at Misplaced Pages for repeatedly promoting conspiracy theories. See WP:RSP.

Also, to add to the CCP interference of Shen Yun section, they have also sent bomb threats and slashed tires of Shen Yun tour buses.

https://www.shenyunperformingarts.org/spirituality/challenges-we-face https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aq_2PagLsa0

There's also an US report talking about this issue. https://www.state.gov/reports/2023-report-on-international-religious-freedom/china/

"The Falun Dafa Association reported the PRC government pressured foreign entertainment venues in multiple countries to refuse to host or cancel already scheduled performances of the U.S.-based Falun Gong-affiliated dance troupe Shen Yun. Many of the performers are Falun Gong practitioners and, in addition to traditional Chinese dances, some dances portray present-day religious persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China." — Preceding unsigned comment added by 144.121.83.58 (talk) 18:59, 29 August 2024 (UTC)

Neither have to do with internal issues at Shen Yun. In fact, the FBI is currently investigating money laundering at Epoch Times.

Wiki Education assignment: Dance and Society

This article was the subject of a Wiki Education Foundation-supported course assignment, between 4 September 2024 and 20 December 2024. Further details are available on the course page. Student editor(s): Grace.c614 (article contribs). Peer reviewers: Ginkgoleafu.

— Assignment last updated by Ginkgoleafu (talk) 16:29, 5 November 2024 (UTC)

Question regarding my edit and WP:PRIMARY

Hi.

This is about my edit at https://en.wikipedia.org/search/?title=Shen_Yun&oldid=1254360026 which was reverted by @Binksternet due to WP:PRIMARY.

The trouble is, non-primary sources about the lyrics are hard to come by.

Plus, in regards to WP:PRIMARYCARE about organization sources: "The organization's own website is an acceptable (although possibly incomplete) primary source for information about what the company says about itself and for most basic facts about its history, products, employees, finances, and facilities."

Rather than RVing the RV, i would rather discuss it here to better understand why not to put it there, with or without sources. This should be done in a consensus-building manner, not in a "It's policy, kid. Live with it" manner.

Thanks, RedDeadGuy (talk) 19:27, 30 October 2024 (UTC)

Misplaced Pages is supposed to be based mainly on WP:SECONDARY sources. Small details can be from primary sources, but not whole sections.
Basically, if an uninvolved third party has not written about it, it's not important enough to be included in Misplaced Pages. Binksternet (talk) 19:36, 30 October 2024 (UTC)
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