[KS] Does "the Orient" still exist?

[lawrence driscoll]

In North America, the term "oriental" evolved in the minds of many, as a 
word used to describe a type of carpet. No one wants to be identified with 
an object made to be tread upon. Quite understandably. Thus the expression 
"Asian American" becomes the new and acceptable norm.
Best regards,
Lawrence Driscoll



>From: Frank Hoffmann <hoffmann at fas.harvard.edu>
>Reply-To: Koreanstudies at koreaweb.ws
>To: Koreanstudies at koreaweb.ws
>Subject: Re: [KS] Does "the Orient" still exist?
>Date: Wed, 7 May 2003 19:26:34 -0700
>
>
>>This question seems to be obviously related to "Language Change".
>
>More than just language change, I would hope!
>
>>I wonder if some of the negative meanings this word carries are also 
>>visible in the Old World. My colleage (A. Huwe) confirms that the German 
>>equivalent 'orientalisch' does not bear such meanings. The German word is 
>>also claimed to be associated with some motives like Arabian Nights.
>
>Sure, and the negro is associated with Uncle Tom's Cabin, but somehow we 
>don't use it anymore.
>
>In the state of Washington "oriental" and "orientalism" is prohibited from 
>all official state documents:
>http://www.politicalcircus.com/archive/article_674.shtml
>--->>
>Gov. Locke Signs Bill Against Use of Term "Oriental"
>Apr 3, 2002
>By RPG Newswire
>OLYMPIA, WASHINGTON (RPG Newswire) - Washington State Governor Gary Locke 
>recently signed into law a bill that prohibits the use of the word 
>"Oriental" on all state and local government statutes, codes, rules, 
>regulations, and other official documents. The law takes effect on July 1, 
>2002.
>(...)
>
>--
>______________________________________________________
>Frank Hoffmann
>http://KoreaWeb.ws  *  Fax: (415) 727-4792

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