[nation]

Ah so that's why they still use that term in the UK . But then again Asians is no better.

Best of luck with the move coolhand

[lowlight]

Originally Posted by nation

Ah so that's why they still use that term in the UK . But then again Asians is no better.

Best of luck with the move coolhand

UK is pretty much all about classifying people based on race and creed. I'm not surprized they still use terms like that regularly...

[PhilE]

Originally Posted by lowlight

UK is pretty much all about classifying people based on race and creed. I'm not surprized they still use terms like that regularly...

That's an interesting generalisation in its own right - care to clarify?

[PhilE]

Also note that Wikipedia continues with:

Major objections to the use of Oriental are chiefly limited to North America. Its use is much less controversial in Europe and Hawaii (despite Hawaii's location, which is east of the Orient), as well as in Asia where, especially in Southeast Asian countries, the word is in comparatively widespread usage.

...seems to me like another case of extreme political correctness.

Would be interested to know if any local members consider the term offensive or derogatory.

[Coolhand]

First of all I didn't use the term 'Oriental', but Orient meaning the countries themselves. I certainly didn't mean it in a derogatory or superior manner.

Day 2 of the packing, and my containter is going to be shipped on the OOCL Atlanta (hope its going to the right place) owned by Orient Overseas Container Lines.

[donabel_beltran]

Originally Posted by PhilE

Also note that Wikipedia continues with:

Major objections to the use of Oriental are chiefly limited to North America. Its use is much less controversial in Europe and Hawaii (despite Hawaii's location, which is east of the Orient), as well as in Asia where, especially in Southeast Asian countries, the word is in comparatively widespread usage.

...seems to me like another case of extreme political correctness.

Would be interested to know if any local members consider the term offensive or derogatory.

My country is proudly labeled everywhere as the "Pearl of the Orient" ... and our tourism department isn't complaining...

[lowlight]

Originally Posted by PhilE

That's an interesting generalisation in its own right - care to clarify?

Hmm maybe just look into your history books

[PhilE]

Originally Posted by lowlight

Hmm maybe just look into your history books

No need thanks. Just checking the irony of labelling 'pretty much all' of the UK as prone to (racial and religious) stereotyping wasn't lost on you.

Anyway, good luck with the move Coolhand - took about 4 weeks for our stuff to arrive by boat from London.

[HKNewBi]

Originally Posted by lowlight

Hmm maybe just look into your history books

Right to recap: We can't use the term 'Orient' (even though the tourist board can) because North Americans consider the term Oriental derogatory due to the use of the term 100 years ago by the British, who incidentally are 'pretty much all about' racial classiications, despite cities like London being some of the culturally most diverse on the planet.

Asian, it would appear from that Bible of Political Correctness Wikipedia, is also frowned upon, and if Orient is a no no due to Oriental being derogatory, it stands to reason Asia would be seen as equally offensive.

So if we are not allowed to be in the 'Orient', or 'South East Asia', how do we, without causing offense, refer to this part of the world?

Suggestions might be:

1. 'Middle Kingdom' - although, apart from causing some confusion and a few items of lost post, may be seen as offensive from a western point of view (check the history books).

2. 'Cathay' - might get some very strange looks and require a detailed explanation and a distraction from the original topic of conversation.

3. Any other offers?

</End Recap>

Good luck with the move and hope all goes well with your slow boat to China (b*gger, is that allowed?)

[Coolhand]

Originally Posted by HKNewBi

Good luck with the move and hope all goes well with your slow boat to China (b*gger, is that allowed?)

No slow is not allowed, nor is boat. its a ship and a fast one at that!