Current Events > REAL TALK: Is the word 'Oriental' offensive or just antiquated?

(+) Yeah! (+)

Or neither?



---

I'm not about to speak on if that's offensive or not. I'm not Asian.

---

I'm not an authority on it but I can see how using it to describe people would be offensive, as opposed to using it to refer to objects.

---

Offensive is subjective so it's up to the individual to decide.

From what I hear, you're supposed to use that word to describe THINGS from that area and not people.

I've heard conflicting stuff, but for the most part, it's okay to refer to objects as "oriental", like rugs, food, etc., but not people

---

Everything is offensive to me

marked

---

My parents have always said "oriental"

Never made sense to me. I grew up saying Asian

As offensive as occidental.

---

RetsuZaiZen posted...

I'm not about to speak on if that's offensive or not. I'm not Asian.

Your username sure suggests that you adopt a lot of Asian influence.

This word is probably the bottom of the barrel in terms of offense. It's literal definition means "of coming from East Asia".

---

Oriental and occidental are words that have meanings.

They changed the name of oriental flavored ramen because of those damn SJWs! >;(

also because nobody knew wtf oriental flavor actually was.

---

It's not offensive at all. Heck, I see it used all the time at restaurants. TC, your pic proves that lol.

Its an outdated term, but it not a racial slur. It is up to each person to assign if its offensive. I would just say dont use it, and if its used, find a way to non-combatively explain its outdated if its not being used in malice.

One day all words that imply differences will be offensive and we'll just refer to each other as people.

everything is offensive to everyone

---

When I was working at an engine repair shop, my boss referred to an Asian woman as "oriental", and it definitely felt wrong.

---

same thing as calling someone who is black colored
outdated and kinda offensive but it won't start an argument unless you insist it's ok

Using it to describe a person is definitely racist.
---

the "o-word"

---

I think being a person of the Orient sounds pretty cool

---

I avoid saying it. I'm not Asian but there are 2 asians in my family. An aunt by marriage is korean. And one of my sisters is adopted Chinese

I dont know how they feel about the word

I'm half-Asian, I love saying it.

---

Both.
---

Outdated, mildly offensive when used to refer to people

It's a "grandpa, we don't say that anymore" kind of word.

---

It is incorrect for referring to a person, but it was never used as a slur.