actually, there is a very clear accepted definition. It might be worded slightly differently in the OED but that was from Mirriam Webster, the US standard dictionary.
Language is the only way we human animals have to convey meaning, and for it to work, we all need to work from the same definitions. You cannot just randomly change a definition just because it suits you and then expect everyone else you speak with to understand what the hell you are talking about. Do meanings change over time? Sure, and when they become an accepted standard, the dictionaries add the new meanings. Have race relations changed? Sure, but that wasn't what I posted about. I posted a definition for racism, nothing about race relations. I wasn't arguing with anyone that I was right about anything. Take a breath and actually read instead of just reacting. On Fri, 2002-03-08 at 02:55, Phonopsia wrote: > > Sorry to prolong this, but this is the heart of the matter. Who defined this > and when? 1936??? I think it's likely that race relations have changed a bit > since then. This is *one* definition of racism. As Tamara has been trying to > point out, there is an entire field of study devoted to this topic. These is > no consensus definition of what *is* racist. ...[blah blah blah]... --------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For additional commands, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
