As for why Oriental has been deemed offensive, then alicemeichi commented on one of my Facebook statuses:
"in America, the term "Oriental" is considered old-fashioned and only in use by old bigots. Like how "Negro" is now antiquated and offensive. The term "Oriental" (meaning "easter...n") in itself suggests a Western point of view, because -- for instance -- Chinese people in China would not consider themselves eastern. They would just consider themselves.. there. Not to mention, it implies that an Asian person born and raised in any other country (like for instance, America) is not considered truly "American" but is rather "from the East" and therefore, Foreign regardless of their nationality. "
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2011-01-06 01:52 pm (UTC)As for why Oriental has been deemed offensive, then
"in America, the term "Oriental" is considered old-fashioned and only in use by old bigots. Like how "Negro" is now antiquated and offensive. The term "Oriental" (meaning "easter...n") in itself suggests a Western point of view, because -- for instance -- Chinese people in China would not consider themselves eastern. They would just consider themselves.. there. Not to mention, it implies that an Asian person born and raised in any other country (like for instance, America) is not considered truly "American" but is rather "from the East" and therefore, Foreign regardless of their nationality. "