“See for yourself, hypocrite!”, says Merriem-Webstor
Springfield Massachusetts
Iconic word authoritarians, Merriem-Webstor, caused quite a stir, recently, in its latest release of its flagship dictionary product. Including a full page mirror with the definition of the word “hypocrite” etched upon it, for its readers to consider when looking up the word.
“We found that Liberals and Conservatives were obsessed with calling each other hypocrites even though they were often looking the word up to see what it meant. So, we thought this might help them understand that their use of this word should include themselves, or remind them to consider the possibility that they could actually be hypocrites. We felt this is a good thing for them to have that as a reminder.” Said Jillian Slivantensen, in a brief phone interview.
Readers of the often referenced dictionary had varying opinions on the matter. Conservative columnist, rev. Johnson Petersen, said – “Jesus did call a lot of people hypocrites, so I think it’s helpful to see myself and pretend that I’m Jesus, calling myself a hypocrite, while looking at myself, pretending to be Jesus, but in my corporeal state.” We think this was him agreeing with the need for the definition, but we aren’t quite sure. He went on a bit longer, in circles, about states and pretending.
UC Davis Feminine studies professor, Pat Patterpat, said “It’s a gross and egregious insult to have to look at myself while reading this definition. I know what a hypocrite is and even if I was one; I don’t need to be reminded and be forced to look at myself while I snort cocaine off of my own likeness. I burnt the whole book last week in our weekly book burning party. Now, only this etched mirror remains. And every time I do cocaine I’m forced to read the definition of the word hypocrite. I’m pretty sure that is racist.”
More to come on this developing story.