Missouri Woman Convinces Dictionary To Redefine 'Racism'

Kennedy Mitchum, a recent graduate, challenged Merriam Webster's definition of racism, arguing it was misleading and lacked acknowledgment of systemic racism. Her persistence led to the dictionary's decision to revise the entry, highlighting the importance of diverse perspectives in defining terms. This story underscores the role of individuals in advocating for change and the impact of systemic issues in education.

What prompted Kennedy Mitchum to challenge the definition of racism?

• A conversation with her parents

• Her experiences at a predominantly white institution

• A debate with her professor

• A news article she read

How did Mitchum describe the Merriam-Webster definition of racism?

• Outdated but useful

• Misleading and incomplete

• Irrelevant to modern issues

• Comprehensive and accurate

What was Mitchum's main argument in her emails to Merriam-Webster?

• The definition should include systemic aspects of racism

• The definition should be removed entirely

• The definition should focus on individual actions

• The definition should be simplified

What was the outcome of Mitchum's dialogue with Merriam-Webster?

• The definition was left unchanged

• The definition was removed from the dictionary

• The definition was expanded to include more examples

• The definition was revised to include systemic racism

What does Mitchum's story highlight about the power of individual action?

• Individuals cannot influence large institutions

• Persistence can lead to meaningful change

• Only experts can make a difference

• Social media is the only way to create change