When and why did the word "oriental" become offensive and catch the attention of the pc police? It's a fine word and perfectly acceptable to use when referring to Chinese, Japanese, or other "eses". Some say that oriental is a rug, not a person. Pish posh, that's just silly claptrap, made by ignorant people attempting to be clever. Others say that oriental is a direction, not a people. Wow. With reasoning like that they should be employed in a GOP thinktank. Bring back oriental! Now it's just asian. Indians (dot, not feather) are asian. As are Chinese, Vietnamese, Laotians, Mongols, Turks, and even some Egyptians. Why replace one word (oriental) with another (asian) which reduces the precision of the word?
^ BI I had someone tell me once that the word ‘Mexican’ is offensive. Maybe Hispano-American would be better except they’re not American.
I've always thought this pc sanitation of language is vile and repugnant, and lately I've been reading some older stuff (like RR Palmer's "History of the World" from about 45 years ago) and he calmly and cleanly uses the word "oriental", iirc. But, language reflects the people and culture who use it and it is up to the clear-thinking among us to resist the masses.
As I understand it, the term is essentially meaningless. It lumps Chinese, Koreans, Japanese, Mongolians, Vietnamese - even Indians and Phillipinos - into the same group. I don't think it's a big deal, but I can see where a Japanese person would resent being lumped into that group with the idea that all of them are basically interchangeable.
Come to think of it, I’m just a little peeved to be lumped in with the “Western” or “First World” peoples. I’m not western, I don’t even own a horse although I do have a pistol. My wife likes me in spurs and chaps once in a while but that’s none of your business.
Worrying such nomenclature is pointless. Save yourself. I use oriental from time to time and get no push back whatsoever. Be your own renaissance. Meanwhile, my only issue with the broader loss of oriental is that we don't use occidental very much, and it is a cool sounding word.
i believe it considered a pejorative mostly in the US. pretty sure brits still use it without protest. not sure about canadians
It never left! While we are at it... Chinaman -- what's so wrong with this word? Yet to see familiar terms such as Frenchman, Englishman, or Scotsman raise an eyebrow from even the most diligent of the self-appointed sentinels of tenderness, yet somehow Chinaman is supposed to be some deplorable insult?
I think "man of scalp" would be a baldist characterization, as it suggests that his scalp is what defines him as a man. I think the correct term is "follicly-challenged."
^And I have tried to educate my 6'3" youngest son that he cannot call me "short" - the PC terminology is "vertically challenged." HHD