Today, I wanted to figure out something that’s been bugging me for a while. Is the word “Oriental” offensive? I mean, I’ve heard it used in different ways, and it got me all confused.
So, I dove into the internet to get some answers. I typed “is oriental an offensive word” into the search bar and started scrolling through the results. It was a real mixed bag, let me tell you.
First, I landed on a few articles that talked about how “Oriental” is a no-go when you’re talking about people. They explained that it’s got some historical baggage and is tied to some not-so-great ideas from the past. Basically, it’s considered outdated and just plain wrong when referring to people from the East.
What I Learned
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Using “Oriental” for objects is a bit different. It’s not offensive, but it’s still kind of old-fashioned. I read that it’s mostly used for specific things like rugs or tea. But even then, people mostly don’t use it anymore.
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Then, I found some discussions where people were saying “Oriental” just means “Eastern” and it’s the opposite of “Occidental.” That made sense, but it still didn’t clear up the whole offensive thing for me.
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I also stumbled upon a video where a lady from the Chinese Canadian National Council was talking about how she found it offensive when someone used “Oriental people.” It hit me that a lot of folks might not even know that this word is a problem.
After all that digging, I came to the conclusion that “Oriental” is best left for describing things, not people. It’s just not the right word to use anymore. Instead, “Asian” is the way to go. It’s more respectful and accurate. It acknowledges the rich history and diverse cultures of countries like Japan, China, Korea, and others. Calling someone “Asian American” shows you respect their heritage and their place in this country.
So, that’s what I learned today. It was a bit of a journey, but I’m glad I took the time to understand this. Language matters, and it’s important to use words that are respectful and accurate.
That’s all for today’s share. I hope it was helpful for you guys. Catch you in the next one!
