Justice Quote by Kory Stamper
““Removing racial slurs from the dictionary will not eliminate racism; removing “injustice” from the dictionary will not bring about justice. If it were really as easy as that, don’t you think we would have removed words like “murder” and “genocide” from the dictionary already? Jerkery, like stupidity and death, is an ontological constant in our universe.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: Lexicographer Discussion, 2020, USA
Removing offensive words from dictionaries won’t erase racism; systemic change requires deeper societal shifts beyond language.
In simple terms: Words alone won’t end racism.
Key Takeaway
Address underlying injustices, not just terminology.
Themes
racism
language
justice
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- education curricula
- media representation
- policy making
Key Concepts
semantic change
social reform
ontology
Questions to Reflect On
- What actions accompany linguistic changes?
- How can we ensure reforms translate to real justice?
A Different Perspective
Changing language may be symbolic without action.
![“This cold weather has set all the young Folks to providing Bedfellows. I have signed two or three Licences every Day [as a Fairfax Justice of the Peace] since I have been at Home. I wish I knew where to get a good one myself; for I find cold Sheets extreamly disagreeable.” quote by George Mason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b92/george-mason-8435_bedfellows_this-cold-weather-has-set-all-the-young_3953.jpg)
