Wikipedia:Paris is in France

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This is an essay; it contains the advice and/or opinions of one or more Wikipedia contributors. It is not a policy or guideline, and editors are not obliged to follow it.
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Paris is in France - An unofficial guideline.

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[edit] Pro

Paris is in France. You probably knew that. But does a person completely ignorant of Europe or geography in general know that? What about a person who is isolated from knowledge of the Western World?

While there is no need to go into highly specific detail, it's always good to give an initial explanation just in case there's that one person who just doesn't know. Even if something is really well known amongst English speakers, please remember that Wikipedia exists in many languages. Even though many Anglophones know that there is no Paris in Bolivia, does everyone know that? (Let's ignore the fact everyone does not have access to Wikipedia. Yet. One of Wikipedia's goals is that they will.)

This is not the same as saying that Paris, France should always be made explicitly distinct from Paris, Texas. We are not in Hollywood.

[edit] Con

Don't be a dick. Do not violate a basic social principle to make a point.

In your explanation of this suggested policy do not let mission creep pervade your interaction with others.

Assure the neutral point of view is presented. Do not create a bureaucracy within Wikipedia just because you feel you can. Remember, Paris is not always in France just as Mexico is not always a country. This essay is a perfect example of Sturgeon's Law, which states, nothing is always absolutely so.

Above all else, avoid personal attacks in explaining/advancing this unofficial policy.

[edit] Recommendation

Don't make assumptions, and don't be afraid to explain something. Be WP:BOLD but be WP:CIVIL. And, above all else, please remember this is unofficial policy.

[edit] See also