----- Original Message ----- From: "R.Y.Fixer" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Phonopsia" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Cc: <313@hyperreal.org> Sent: Friday, March 08, 2002 7:57 AM Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: [313] Regarding Business
> 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. Alright. I'll play your game. By defining a word, you fix its meaning. A dictionary should be a guidebook for a common acceptance of a term's meaning. From http://m-w.com (Miriam Webster's site) Main Entry: def·i·ni·tion Pronunciation: "de-f&-'ni-sh&n Function: noun Etymology: Middle English diffinicioun, from Middle French definition, from Latin definition-, definitio, from definire Date: 14th century 1 : an act of determining; specifically : the formal proclamation of a Roman Catholic dogma 2 a : a statement expressing the essential nature of something b : a statement of the meaning of a word or word group or a sign or symbol <dictionary definitions> c : a product of defining 3 : the action or process of defining 4 a : the action or the power of describing, explaining, or making definite and clear <the definition of a telescope> <her comic genius is beyond definition> b (1) : clarity of visual presentation : distinctness of outline or detail <improve the definition of an image> (2) : clarity especially of musical sound in reproduction c : sharp demarcation of outlines or limits <a jacket with distinct waist definition> - def·i·ni·tion·al /-'ni-sh&-n&l/ adjective It is precicesly because the meaning of the word "racism" is not "definite and clear", that a theoretical study is devoted to clarifying this topic. Many things can be racist, other than an individual's attitudes towards another. There is a social complex at work, if nothing else. If you're so hot on Miriam Webster, try this definition: Main Entry: 3race Function: noun Etymology: Middle French, generation, from Old Italian razza Date: 1580 1 : a breeding stock of animals 2 a : a family, tribe, people, or nation belonging to the same stock b : a class or kind of people unified by community of interests, habits, or characteristics <the English race> 3 a : an actually or potentially interbreeding group within a species; also : a taxonomic category (as a subspecies) representing such a group b : BREED c : a division of mankind possessing traits that are transmissible by descent and sufficient to characterize it as a distinct human type 4 obsolete : inherited temperament or disposition 5 : distinctive flavor, taste, or strength It's not terribly instructive to the ongoing discussions here, is it? Language is flawed. Meanings are debatable, and again, that is the heart of the matter and why I suggested reading more on this topic - so that each of us can enhance our own understandings of what might or might not be racist. Or, we could content ourselves with lowest common denominator definitions of things and never think for ourselves. I know that you never claimed that you were right, but you did come to everyone's aid with your ever-so-helpful definition. I am not simply reacting for the sake of reacting. I thought you hit the nail on the head by posting this definition, although apparently not in the way that you meant it. There is such wide disagreement here because we can't agree on what racism is. That was *my* point. Sorry if it wasn't clear. Tristan ---------- http://www.mp313.com <- Music http://www.metrotechno.net <- DC techno + more http://www.metatrackstudios.com <- DC DJ/Production studios http://phonopsia.tripod.com <- Hub [EMAIL PROTECTED] <- email <FrogboyMCI> <- AOL Instant Messenger --------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For additional commands, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
