Here's why:
* Historical Roots: The term "Oriental" originated in the 18th century, stemming from a Western view of the East as exotic and mysterious. It often carried a sense of otherness and a hierarchical perspective.
* Generalization and Stereotyping: Using "Oriental" lumps together diverse cultures and nationalities into a single, monolithic group, ignoring their unique identities and experiences.
* Colonial History: "Oriental" has been used in a colonial context, often to justify Western dominance over Asian nations.
* Offensive and Dehumanizing: Many Asian people find the term offensive and dehumanizing, as it can evoke a sense of objectification and prejudice.
What to use instead:
Instead of "Oriental," it's best to use more specific and respectful terms like:
* East Asian: This term is generally accepted and refers to people from countries like China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam.
* Chinese: For people from China.
* Japanese: For people from Japan.
* Korean: For people from Korea.
* Vietnamese: For people from Vietnam.
Important Note: Always be mindful of the specific cultural context and ask people how they prefer to be addressed.