Oriental no longer used to describe people of Asian origin: US Law

Q.  Which word will no longer be used to describe people of Asian origin in US statute books?
- Published on 25 May 16

a. Oriental
b. Occidental
c. Eastern
d. None of the above

ANSWER: Oriental
 
The word ‘Oriental’ to describe the people of Asian origin will no longer be used in U.S statute books. Before taking off for his Asian tour, President Barack Obama signed a law that removed the word from two places it existed in the country’s laws. The amendments signed by the President also discontinues the use of the ‘n’ word.
  • The word ‘Oriental’ has derogatory connotations, though it has acquired the abusive tone that the ‘n’ word has.
  • Due to its Eurocentric nature and its association with the period of colonialism and racial segregation, the word evokes unpleasant memories for the people of Asian origin, particularly those from East Asia, in America.

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