To read is to cite: A moral proposition [Journal of Linguistic Anthropology]

This essay explores the relationship between reading and citing and how journal editors can be involved in encouraging more of both practices in order to address issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion. To explain how adherence to a citational politics will elevate scholarship and ameliorate existing inequalities in the academy, this essay reframes "to read is to cite"as a moral proposition that posits that reading with a purpose is good simply because it is based on a pre-determined intention to cite and include diverse works in conversation with one's own now and in the indefinite future. Framed in this way, the proposition fosters an ongoing relationship with a scholarly work through readership and citation. It becomes a living contract to read and cite not once but frequently, and not endorse one type of diversity but the many types that one encounters over one's entire career. Hence, this essay is less preoccupied with the goal of standardizing and codifying citational practices than with encouraging authors to engage with citational politics in the context of their own disciplines. Specific editorial strategies are explored - such as more thematic issues and greater publicizing on social media and other digital platforms. These strategies emphasize how editors must increase their curatorial role in the presentation of journal content to showcase the merits of an article for advancing a less-well known theme or topic, meeting DEI goals, and advancing knowledge in the field.