is the word "Oriental" a derogatory word?

[BoomerD]

I don't mind the use of oriental, though if someone used it I would look at them a bit strangely, I find it most annoying when people just lump all asians together though. I was playing baseball once and some idiot yelled out "nice throw Matsui." I mean, really, how racist can you get there, then the idiot tried to explain that it was suppose to be a compliment (it should be noted he said it before I actually the ball) I was tempted to reply, but I just ignored him. Its all in the context of the thing, if someone asked if I was Japanese or assumed I was there would be no problem, I would just correct them. Its only a problem of the other side decides to make it a problem.

But when you did actually the ball, did you it?

 

[SockHaser]

But when you did actually the ball, did you it?

My typing has been less than stellar lately :hmm:

 

[SP33Demon]

I don't mind the use of oriental, though if someone used it I would look at them a bit strangely, I find it most annoying when people just lump all asians together though. I was playing baseball once and some idiot yelled out "nice throw Matsui." I mean, really, how racist can you get there, then the idiot tried to explain that it was suppose to be a compliment (it should be noted he said it before I actually threw the ball) I was tempted to reply, but I just ignored him. Its all in the context of the thing, if someone asked if I was Japanese or assumed I was there would be no problem, I would just correct them. Its only a problem of the other side decides to make it a problem.

Nah, that is sorta a compliment unless your throw was absolute sht. I used to get called things like The Samurai (or "Sam") in Little League since I threw so hard. I remember going to baseball camp in Williamsport, PA and striking out all of the camp counselors with my 75-80mph fastball. They asked me if I was from this country, because they had never seen an Asian (or anyone) 14 yr old throw that hard.

 

[SockHaser]

Nah, that is sorta a compliment unless your throw was absolute sht. I used to get called things like The Samurai (or "Sam") in Little League since I threw so hard. I remember going to baseball camp in Williamsport, PA and striking out all of the camp counselors with my 75-80mph fastball. They asked me if I was from this country, because they had never seen an Asian (or anyone) 14 yr old throw that hard.

Seriously, mockingly yelling out a comment racial in nature before the event actually happened is a compliment?

 

[SP33Demon]

Seriously, mockingly yelling out a comment racial in nature before the event actually happened is a compliment?

Yeah it sounded like he was mocking you. You should have been a pitcher. Or just told your pitcher to bean the kid.

Racist jokes are funny until a fastball hits them in the back. Oops... why are you crying? lol. Trust me, if you play baseball long enough, you know if it was an accident or not. Or even better, tell your first baseman to "miss" the pickoff throw to first. Another chance to bean them, the "two for one" special. Of course, if your aim sucks, you will never get to partake in such family fun.

 

[Macamus Prime]

as in, I want to describe somebody who is either chinese, korean, japanese, vietnamese, but Im not sure what exactly their nationality is, so I say they are Oriental to cover all the bases. Is this derogatory, and if so, why?

Oriental when you are describing furniture, art, etc. Asian when you are describing people. You could also say; Asian / Asian Pacific.

Which sucks, because you don't see others reffering to American "things" as "only something an asshole would like" - they just say American. But, by default, the word American is usually something associated with asshole-ness.

 

[SockHaser]

Yeah it sounded like he was mocking you. You should have been a pitcher. Or just told your pitcher to bean the kid.

Racist jokes are funny until a fastball hits them in the back. Oops... why are you crying? lol. Trust me, if you play baseball long enough, you know if it was an accident or not. Or even better, tell your first baseman to "miss" the pickoff throw to first. Another chance to bean them, the "two for one" special. Of course, if your aim sucks, you will never get to partake in such family fun.

It was a adult coaching a youth football team during practice. Not crying, just find it annoying and stupid.

 

[Leros]

My Han Chinese-American boss use Oriental to describe people of her descent, but then again she is from Texas, so she might be racist.

They don't always know. I know a Chinese guy who used to call other Chinese people "beloved patriot". He thought it was a cute nickname until I told him.

 

[summit]

I thought Oriental was used to describe things not people

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