Yes, it is a fact the definition exists on Brittanica. This is a positive thing, not a normative value.
But we, together, also shape how words are used. Just because someone uses a word doesn’t mean we have to like it or accept the context. We certainly don’t have to blindly repeat it.
We all put this into practice. We choose to reinforce patterns we find useful. And ignore ones we don’t.
We don’t need to disempower ourselves by acting like we have no power over language.
As for me, I would rather democratize mean something meaningful. So when someone uses it for self-interested purposes, I try to call it out.
I’m not a stickler for no reason. It is because I care — the world is still only marginally and fleetingly democratic. I don’t want marketing speak to ooze into yet another domain. Instead, I want such efforts to cause eye-rolls and backpressure.
But, yes, I will grant the printing press “democratized” books. And the Internet “democratized” information. These kinds of societal breakthrough are worthy of the word. It also so happens that such broad empowerings mutually reinforce democracy.
But we, together, also shape how words are used. Just because someone uses a word doesn’t mean we have to like it or accept the context. We certainly don’t have to blindly repeat it.
We all put this into practice. We choose to reinforce patterns we find useful. And ignore ones we don’t.
We don’t need to disempower ourselves by acting like we have no power over language.
As for me, I would rather democratize mean something meaningful. So when someone uses it for self-interested purposes, I try to call it out.
I’m not a stickler for no reason. It is because I care — the world is still only marginally and fleetingly democratic. I don’t want marketing speak to ooze into yet another domain. Instead, I want such efforts to cause eye-rolls and backpressure.
But, yes, I will grant the printing press “democratized” books. And the Internet “democratized” information. These kinds of societal breakthrough are worthy of the word. It also so happens that such broad empowerings mutually reinforce democracy.