Re-learning/deconstructing some concepts/definitions

Hi guys! Today I prepared a special entry about one thing that bothers me a little bit, is the fact that we tend to assume that we know a word because we can define it in our own words or use a synonym to describe it, but actually it is just a perception and not necessarily the whole meaning. I am not trying to imply that we should be dictionaries remembering every single definition by heart, however as members of a community we must be critical and conscious of alternative definitions in order to create an environment which is not completely biased and to avoid misunderstandings.

We are aware that language is a very powerful tool. In the same way, we also know that many words are polysemic (have multiple meanings), for example in English we can use the word “bitch” referring to a female dog, but at the same time that word also has an informal meaning referring to an unpleasant woman.

Here a few emblematic examples that I think are pretty common in our society:

Discriminate

Prejudice - Prejuicio (in Spanish)

                   

I decided to put the Spanish definition of "prejudice" because I found negative connotation of the same word in some online English dictionaries (you can click the name above the image to go to the source if you cannot see it properly).

Here is a very interesting video about those 2 examples in a specific context. The definition in the video says: "Prejudice: prejudgment (this means that is made previously getting to know something or somebody), an unjustified, typically negative, attitude toward an individual or group".

Personally, I liked the video and how they present the way we process our ideas regarding this topic, but I would like to mention some things that might be interesting as well: Treat discrimination always as something negative is to restrict the ability of a person to establish order, because it is a basic ability to discern between things and people, and is the first pillar to build conscious and critical individuals. When you discriminate a group of people it does not always mean that you are looking down on them, you might be arranging their characteristics because they are tall, fat, short, thin, read certain books, listen different bands, like various TV shows, etc. Furthermore, you can differentiate something or somebody dangerous/harmful that you consider is not worth to include in your life.

Finally, I would like to say that sometimes is important to analyze what we already know, simple things such as definitions can create conflicts in your social life. In my opinion, re-learning concepts/ideas is something underrated. Anyways, Feel free to disagree with my point of view if you are not in favor of it, explain me your reasons I would be glad to read them all!