Do a lot of Asians find the word "Oriental" as a negative when referring to a person?

Answer 1

The term 'oriental' in modern terms, is not respectful language. That particular term has a lot of negative connontations and is often synonomous with colonialism and besides that, 'oriental' is a relic from 19th and early 20th century language. Modern day people don't refer to people who come from an the middle-east or Asia-Pacific region as 'orientals'.

If you are interested in the subject, Edward Said's "Orientalism" is a classic text on the politics of the term itself and the negative way we approach and understand the middle-east and the Asia-Pacific regions.

Answer 2

I find these responses interesting because I'm Asian and I never felt the word "oriental" was derogatory at all. It's just the extension of the fact that where we came from was called the Orient to the western world. I think it's become an outdated term now, but I never found it offensive.

In fact, a Japanese watch brand is called Orient Star. It's the third biggest Japanese watchmaker after Seiko and Citizen, I believe.

Answer 3

Because society today has taught people that they shouldn't be put into such a broad category. They want to be called an "XYZ American" instead of Oriental or Asian.

I guess that being Oriental or Asian has just too many possibilities of being mistaken for having a different lineage. To a Korean, Japanese or Chinese person, being called by one of the other names is bad, as is being referred to as Oriental. Most people outside their specific race can't always tell the physical differences.

People are just too sensitive. Then again, I'm white - I'm not allowed to get offended by racial remarks against me, that's for everyone else who has great grandparents that were oppressed for one reason or another...

Answer 4

"Oriental" was used as a derogatory term for Asians in the early 1900s, so many Asians still find it offensive today. Some do not, but I think it is best to not use it. (It also depends on what country they are from. East Asians usually find it more offensive than Southeast Asians)

The best way to look at this is:
Rugs and food are "oriental".
People are Asian.

Answer 5

I know a lot of Asians and the word Oriental never comes up. It is an obsolete word. I am sure their response would be the same as you being called a Caucasian. Although in some parts of the country Oriental is used in a derogatory way. In which case it would be offensive.

Answer 6

Not too sure what other Asians think but being an Asian myself, I don't mind people calling me 'Oriental', whether they are black or white. It sound kind of nice and reminds me of those fantastic oriental cuisine which makes my mouth waters. I am proud to be associated with the word 'Oriental'.

Only those who deny being Asian or look down on being Asian will reject the word 'Oriental'. And there are people in this world who are extremely sensitive.

Answer 7

Personally, I do not find it necessarily offensive, but rather strange? When I hear Oriental I think of rugs and types of furniture, not people.

I and most of my friends are Asian and I found that we are not easily offended, when supposedly offensive slurs are targeted toward our group, we usually laugh it off. If you really think about it, offensive terms are actually humorous.

I don't feel there is a need to be offended by any racial slurs. You should know who you are and nothing else should matter.

Answer 8

I found this out the hard way when I called a date an Oriental. Never heard from him again. Sorry Michael - I'm smarter now!

Answer 9

A Thai doctor friend of mine, in Thailand, uses Oriental as part of his screen name, so I guess he doesn't have a problem with it. The dictionary definition appears benign to me, but I'm not Oriental.

Answer 10

Not really...The ones that are offensive to them is slop head, and slant eyes.

Married to an asian 34 years