something like webster will try to cover all uses of a term… so if people use it a certain way, it becomes valid…
so really you’re just saying, “it’s not uncommon for people to use it that way, so it’s valid”
which is basically true for the English language. HOWEVER that’s not what im talking about, i’m talking about people claiming that the other, more common definition of racism isn’t valid… and that the systemic racism definition is the only valid definition.
and they’re definitely wrong if they claim that.
btw, in the webster example, they still use qualifying terms… such as: institutional racism, structural racism, environmental racism… and then further clarifies it with: see also SYSTEMIC RACISM
so sure, someone can use the term racism as a shorthand for systemic racism… totally fine, the meaning is conveyed… etc…
but, no, they’re definitely wrong if they claim racism is only systemic racism…