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| (Photo by Noah1806) |
When dictionary definitions are used to defend oppressive stances, perhaps it’s time to reimagine language.
Merriam-Webster defines “racism” in the following manner: “a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities…” The narrow scope of this wording has been used by some to deny the roots of their own destructive tendencies.
Kennedy Mitchum, “a recent college graduate,” therefore implored Merriam-Webster editors to include “social and institutional oppression” in their definition of racism.
After several attempts, her message got through.
Merriam-Webster will not only redefine “racism,” but will also “revise the entries of other words that are related to racism…”
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