Bjorn Vang Jensen wrote:

> Allow me to explain: To many Asian's, the term "Oriental" is as offensive
as
> the N-word to a black person. Hence why those of us who are attuned to the
> sensitivities of the region, recoil at the phrase. By the same token, none
> of us uses the phrase "the Far East", because to Asians, it's not far and
> it's not east.

> Basically, to many Asians, the phrases "Oriental" and "Far East" smack of
> colonialism and condescension.

> Hope that clarifies.

It does a lot better job than anything Mika contributed.  It covers the
problem, but provides no solution.  If Oriental is not an acceptable term,
what term is more acceptable for those that share the physical
characteristics I would the term to describe.  I have no objection to
adapting to whatever term others prefer, but that does not relieve me of the
need to communicate the concept.  Oriental intends no more offense than
Anglo, Hispanic or other terms currently used to describe diverse groups
that share some common aspect.  Hee, it's a lot safer than saying Chinese,
or Japanese, or Korean when, in fact, I do not know that's what the people
I'm talking about are.

Perhaps, however, it's also important to keep in mind that the people I
referred to are here, not there.  We were talking about those that meet
sport fishing boats at the docks where I am, not where you are.

Just out of curiosity, do the people in the "East" refer to those of us who
are not as the "West"?

Lee