Do you guys think Google's definition of 'sexism' is sexist?

YetAnotherCommenter · 2014-05-01T07:27:53+00:00

To an extent.

The use of "typically" implies that it doesn't have to be "against women" in order to be sexist. However, "typically" is an empirical claim that sexism occurs more frequently against women than men. Dictionaries aren't places for empirical claims.

chocoboat · 2014-05-01T14:37:00+00:00

It's technically correct, but it's just a poorly written definition.

The definition of racism doesn't say "typically against black people" or "typically against Hispanics" or anything like that. The definition of slam dunk doesn't include "typically performed by very tall people". There's just no reason for that to be in there.

leva549 · 2014-05-01T14:08:51+00:00

I don't think so. The 'typically' is just signifying that is the predominant usage of the world, while making it clear that it isn't the only usage.

BatmanBrah · 2014-05-01T11:51:08+00:00

Technically I'd say so. The words typically against women just feels so forced in there by feminists. It's as if there can't be a mention of sexism without the underlying hiss that women have it worse, which is childish as well as untrue.

Roddy0608 · 2014-05-01T11:01:48+00:00

Yes. Even if sexism is typically against women, that doesn't mean it should be stated in the definition.

2014-05-01T12:54:20+00:00

Absolutely not. Dictionary definitions are derived from usage. So, in this case, this definition is not saying what "sexism" ought to mean, but how people generally use it. As a matter of fact, people DO typically use the word "sexism" to refer to sexism against women.

SocratesLives · 2014-05-01T13:43:25+00:00

Literally sexist.

iethatis · 2014-05-01T04:58:39+00:00

Yes. It states that sexism typically affects women. If they had had a better editorial policy, they might have said that it is used "typically of" women, that would be more dictionary- like and less editorialized.

Anyone know where google gets its definitions from? Seems like it is done custom, in house.

QuixoticTendencies · 2014-05-02T01:00:47+00:00

Is the definition sexist? No, not really. Is it correct? No. Sexism is not typically directed toward women. That the lexicographer thought it is may be indicative of their own sexism, but the definition is not strictly sexist.

Sleipnoir · 2014-05-02T02:06:49+00:00

I think the definition would be perfect if they just dropped the "typically ...." section. I really don't know why they felt that needed to be added.

2014-05-01T06:13:45+00:00

No.

Taqiyyah · 2014-05-01T12:55:43+00:00

No, that's obviously how the word is used.

AtticusWarhol · 2014-05-01T15:41:07+00:00

I think it says "typically against women" because men are just better at it.

Title	Do you guys think Google's definition of 'sexism' is sexist?
Author	AttemptNo3
Upvotes	50
Comments	19
Date	May 1, 2014 4:32 AM UTC (12 years ago)
Subreddit	Posted in /r/MensRights
Original Link	https://old.reddit.com/r/MensRights/comments/24fk1e/do_you_guys_think_googles_definition_of_sexism_is/
Archive Link	https://theredarchive.com/r/MensRights/do-you-guys-think-googles-definition-of-sexism-is.1001138 https://theredarchive.com/post/1001138

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