Because you need to know...

[nickbeat]

Indeed, the dictionary is merely a suggestion of how a term might be defined. In actual practice this may vary.

Also consider definitions outside of the dictionary that vary, as in the DSM4 where depression is well defined over the course of many chapters. The dictionary would do the term little justice, while a professor of psychology would provide a more complete understanding.

Edit: Ethnocentrism does not require that an ethnicity think they are better. It merely suggests a separatist belief in keeping a homogeneous culture.

[Jaeram]

Ethnocentric - characterized by or based on the attitude that one's own group is superior.

I said 'group' not ethnicity, an ethnic group was just one example of a possible group.

eat my dictionary link lol.

Ethnocentrism - 1. Sociology. the belief in the inherent superiority of one's own ethnic group or culture.

This one too.

Ethnocentrism - 1. Belief in the superiority of one's own ethnic group.

and this one too.

I stand by my definition of the word ethnocentric. lol.

[Mighty_Draco]

What a gay thread! It's full of queer colloquialisms, but no ones flaming! Although, I am picking up a bit of racism against anyone who uses words incorrectly

((the preceding is only ambiguously offensive))

[Machiavelli]

The defintions provided there are those which are actually in common use in, for example, Australia or England (they're from the most recent complete Oxford and they update based on known usages). The usages here are different is what I'm saying. I just thought it highlighted the whole conundrum of trying to have a cross-cultural discussion of language use rather well (not saying our way is better, only that it's verifiably different). For example...

"Racism involves an institutional bias toward one race over another, providing exceptions where laws gave harsher punishments or decreased privileges based on race. Classic examples involve allowing only seats in the back of the bus or not allowing blacks to vote."

This would most commonly be labelled "systematic discrimination" in Australia. It might be imputed to underlying "racist" motives, but the word "racist" is rarely used in relation to laws or institutions; we'd refer to them as "discriminatory".

[MKartMaster]

I think everyone's tendency to speak in slang has effected this situation.

[Machiavelli]

Although, I am picking up a bit of racism against anyone who uses words incorrectly

Correct usage is dependent on context; that's all I'm saying. Usages vary from place to place.

[Mighty_Draco]

Correct usage is dependent on context; that's all I'm saying. Usages vary from place to place.

I'm aware, but liberties were taken in the name of irony

[cmosier]

.......... What?

[nickbeat]

There is one group I have found that most everyone has prejudice against...Racists. Pretty much everyone hates racists.

[MKartMaster]

Everyone's a little bit racist.

[Jaeram]

Lol, I love avenue q.