Dear MEL Topic Readers,
Racism definition: Merriam-Webster to make
update after request
Noah Webster's American Dictionary of The English Language was first published in 1828. The right of the dictionary was bought
by G & C Merriam Co, a Massachusetts publishing company, in 1843, and was
made to Merriam-Webster. This iconic dictionary is claimed to be America’s most
trusted online dictionary for English word definitions, meanings, and
pronunciation. https://www.merriam-webster.com/
Now, how does this prominent dictionary
define today’s most disputed and controversial topic in America? Racism.
:
a belief that
race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities …
: a
doctrine or political program based on the assumption of racism…
: a
political or social system founded on racism
: racial
prejudice or discrimination
Last month, a newly graduated student of Drake
University in Iowa pointed out that racism is both prejudice combined with
social and institutional power, and also is a system of advantage based on skin
color to the leading dictionary. She then suggested that the definition include
a reference to systemic oppression without expecting a response. Surprisingly, she
got not only a reply from the dictionary the next day but also an agreement on a
later day to update their definition including the term systemic with example
sentences or two.
Easy to say to act sooner rather than later. Though
the dictionary is nearly two-century-old, it is now an online dictionary that deals
with constant changes in the context of modern society.
Read the article and think of an example
sentence for racism.
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