A thread: (TLDR) Metadata is not and never will be neutral! The way we organize information has real, critical implications, even in theory.

Today I was reminded of this while collaborating with a professor and other grad students in an ontology class I’m taking this summer.

Our group task was to create an XML schema that would support metadata for describing TV shows. We had brainstormed basic elements like, title, genre, language, runtime, network, and listed them for use in our schema.

One of the elements suggested was creator, a standard. I thought this was a great element that would allow us to reduce hierarchy among creators of tv shows. I suggested it include writers, producers, actresses, actors, and of course crew members and other contributors.

When I suggested including crew members as creators, some students and the prof laughed. The professor asked me why I would consider a crew member a creator? This baffled me.

I said a crew member should be considered a creator because a crew member contributes just as much valuable labor as an actor or writer and is literally a creator (supporting cast members, operating cameras, running lights, etc.) of the show.

My suggestion didn’t make it. But this small, theoretical exercise reminded of the way metadata schemas hold weight and cast value judgements. They can erase skills and labor, define the way we see certain individuals, and even perpetuate class systems/social structures.