Drake University

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Kennedy Mitchum made the proposal

The American dictionary Merriam-Webster to change their definition of The Word racism after the receipt of an E-Mail from a young black woman.

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

An editor then replied, later, the approval to update its definition.

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

Floyd, died after a white policeman was holding a knee on his neck, the almost nine minutes.

Ms Mitchum had met people point to the dictionary to prove that you are racist because of The Way they felt towards people of color. She felt the definition needed to reflect on broader issues of racial inequality In Society .

Merriam-Webster's current definition of racism a belief that race is the primary factor of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race, the a) a doctrine or political program based on the assumption of racism, and is used for the execution of its principles, b) a political or Social System founded on racism, racial prejudice or discrimination

Ms Mitchum told The Bbc that she first became aware of the shortcomings of the current definition of about Four Years .

"I was just talking to my Social Media about racism and about how the things I experienced in My Own school and My Own college," She Said . "There were a lot of things that were racist, but it was not so blatant. "

Ms Mitchum, says the dictionary definition was used by people trying to tell her she was wrong.

"Some troll was messaging me to try to say, 'You don't understand what racism really is,'" She Said .

The People were copy-and-paste the definition to prove it in a trial, racism can only exist if you believe that your race is superior to another.

"they Said : 'You are in school [University], so, what do you mean? You have privileges, as well as". I Said , it comes, it goes over the hurdles to jump that I had, because of the color of my skin, and the systems that are in place. "

On 28 May , Ms Mitchum by E-Mail Merriam-Webster suggests that racism "mutual prejudices of power in connection with social and institutional. It is a system of advantage based on skin color".

To her surprise, an answer The Next day. After some back-and-forth, Merriam-Webster Said the "Problem had to be dealt with, sooner rather than later" and that a revision would be made.

Merriam-Webster editorial manager Peter Sokolowski told The Bbc that the wording of The Second definition of racism to be "even clearer in our next release".

"It could be expanded. to include the concept of systemic and phrases are certainly one or two example, at least," He Said .

The People who added in the new definition, the advice, The Work of the experts in black studies, He Said , that the review be done by August.

Ms Mitchum Said , the Problem of definition is crucial.

"I think it is very important for people to be on the same page," She Said .

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Source of news: bbc.com