Really fascinating to see the culture war happening with dictionary definitions | MensRights

I just got into an argument with someone about the definition of sexism, and it turns out I was wrong because of varying sources. Unlike the definition of racism, which is holding true to its original meaning, despite what I assume are outside sources trying to get at it, I can say with confidence that the term sexism is a victim of the culture wars. Rest in peace.

Merriam-webster.com

Sexism, noun, 1 : prejudice or discrimination based on sex especially discrimination against women. 2 : behavior, conditions, or attitudes that foster stereotypes of social roles based on sex.

(Short and sweet, stays to the point, right? Don't really like the especially, but whatever. I've noticed that MW like to stay old school.)

Dictionary.com

Sexism, noun, 1 : attitudes or behavior based on traditional stereotypes of gender roles. 2 : discrimination or devaluation based on a person's sex or gender, as in restricted job opportunities, especially such discrimination directed against women. 3 : ingrained and institutionalized prejudice against or hatred of women; misogyny.

(Getting more convoluted and definitely more aimed at women.)

Lexico.com <-- Never heard of them, but Google seems to like them.

Sexism, noun, 1 : prejudice, stereotyping, or discrimination, typically against women, on the basis of sex.

(While being short and sweet, this is probably the worst offender, due to stereotyping being part of the definition. I can stereotype things all day. I can say that women like shoes more than men, but that shouldn't make me sexist. I can say that women like romantic movies and men like action movies, but that's not sexist. It's bullshit that this definition has enabled carebears to throw around the term on a whim now.)

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True-Lychee 4y ago

The American dictionary Merriam-Webster is to change its definition of the word racism after receiving an email from a young black woman.

Kennedy Mitchum, a recent graduate of Drake University in Iowa, suggested that the definition should include a reference to systemic oppression.

An editor then responded, later agreeing to update their definition.

The decision comes amid international anti-racism protests after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

Merriam-Webster's current definition of racism

a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race

a doctrine or political program based on the assumption of racism and designed to execute its principles, b) a political or social system founded on racism

racial prejudice or discrimination

Merriam-Webster said the "issue needed to be addressed sooner rather than later" and that a revision would be made.

Merriam-Webster's editorial manager Peter Sokolowski told the BBC that the wording of the second definition of racism will be "even more clear in our next release".

"It could be expanded ... to include the term systemic and it will certainly have one or two example sentences, at least," he said.

The people working on the new definition will be consulting the work of experts in black studies, he said, adding that the revision could be done by August.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-52993306

Electroverted 4y ago

"Fuck." - Geralt of Rivia

P.S. I like how they use the term troll for people who argue using the dictionary.

Panderjit_SinghVV 4y ago

According to definition two the fact that women give birth is sexist.

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Electroverted

True-Lychee 4y ago

Electroverted 4y ago

Panderjit_SinghVV 4y ago

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