Asian or Oriental?

Question

When I was growing up (in the '80s), I grew up with the phrase Oriental when talking about my nationality. I was talking to a Chinese man (he is in his early 20s) last year and he was offended when I said something about me being an Oriental and he put up a big stink, which I found amusing. And then recently, on here, I read someone making a point about the term Oriental. I do not care whether I am classified as Asian or Oriental...neither offends me because I don't really care about being politically correct.

What is the big deal about being called an Asian or an Oriental besides what you hear (maybe) from other people/media telling you that it's better to be called an Asian? I mean, did you grow up with some negativity surrounding the term Oriental? Is it a personal dislike for that word when talking about your nationality?

I am Japanese :).

I never stated that I was defensive or meant to offend anyone. I don't react to other people getting upset over what I feel is unimportant...in life in general. I was merely trying to understand why other Asians are so touchy about this particular subject. Yes, it is like calling black people African-American or vice versa. What is the big deal? I say Black because that's what I am comfortable with. It certainly doesn't mean that I am trying to be offensive. I just don't understand, as much as I am trying to be understanding, why people have to worry about the small things in life.

Answer 1

Oriental is kinda obsolete. Asian is much better. And well, Indians are called Indians and not Asians as said by a previous answerer. I mean they are Asians but their nationality SHOWS! Indians are a separate race.
Oh, so you're Japanese. Had it been me I would have preferred to be called Japanese only. But race creates confusion here and that's why people call you Asian or oriental in general.

Answer 2

Oriental is directing more towards geography or cultural objects/goods. Oriental has been used, especially in the past, to describe people (eastern asian people), but it's not a sin to use that term. It's just that there are better terms to use not because they are more polite, but because they are more correct and simple with sense. Asian in general is a more sensible and practical term to use because the continent Asia is so broad and diverse - from Turkey/Middle East to the Pacific Rim. If you want to be more specific, then there are terms that exist and are still valid in describing the place and people mainly because of culture and geography. These are like South Asian, Southeast Asian, East Asian, Middle East, North Asian, etc.

Answer 3

Hi there

I always got confused with this one. Its hard for some of us out there with this whole politcally correc thing going on. I want to not offend anyone but sometimes using the word i was told was appropriate is wrong. Its such a touchy feely subject. I remember when black people where coloured - now thats offensive? I am not and never have been a racist but find it hard to know what to say.
To be honest I always called Chinese Oriental's and Asian for Indians... but then I was told this is wrong to. ???? Helps.. political correctness sucks. I just dont want to offend anyone :O)

Answer 4

I perfer Asian or Asian-American. I still think the word Oriental is kinda offensive to describe an Asian.

Answer 5

You don't say what your nationality or heritage is. But I always thought of "Oriental" as Japanese for some reason. And when I hear "Asian" I think of someone of either Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Mongolian or Taiwanese descent

Answer 6

I always thought oriental was food or a rug. Just me though ,asian meant chinese or japanese

Answer 7

U.K Asian = People from South Asia (India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka)

U.S Asian= People from East Asia (China, Korea, Japan, Philippines etc)

The U.K uses "Oriental" for people from East Asia (China, Korea, Japan, Philippines etc)

Australians and New Zealand use the U.S definition of Asian (Chinese etc) too.

Answer 8

Asian of Oriental ? It depends where you come from for instance in the UK Asian is coincided sub continental India.and Oriental is more of the yellow race.

Answer 9

i grew up hearing oriental, also, however, it was a simple transition into asian when i realized that was the PC term.
it's similar to black vs. african american....or indian vs. native american.

if you're asian and want to use that word, then feel free, but if not, then be prepared to endure the wrath of the offended.

as for me....
i use asian for people and oriental for rugs and vases.

Answer 10

What gets me about the term "Asian", is that it only applies to people of East Asia.

The people of Iraq are on the continent of Asia, but they are never refered to as Asian. The same is true with the people of Saudi Arabia, Oman and Israel and other people from South West Asia.