There is no reason to use the term “Oriental” unless you are talking about Orientalism as a colonizing concept itself. When you say “Oriental,” you actually mean East, Southeast, or Southwest Asia. And even within those regions, you really should be specific. In other words, don’t be racist.

That rug, do you mean that Persian rug? That lamp? Do you mean it’s a paper lamp from one of the many Asian countries but you don’t know because you don’t know the differences between different lamp types so you’re just lumping them together because Asians are all the same to you?

The “Orient Express”? Do you mean the white rich people train that didn’t actually go through Asia at all? Oriental flavor? Do you mean the dubious packet of spice that is not actually any specific Asian spice?

Using the word “Oriental” exacerbates and escalates anti-Asian racism. Be specific about what Asian you are talking about. Every time you want to use that word, stop and think about what it really means and learn more about the actual and specific culture you are trying to describe.

Be mindful that thoughts are things. Racist words and expressions contribute to the erasure, degradation, and harm toward People of Color. Commit to learning.

Be mindful that thoughts are things. Racist words and expressions contribute to the erasure, degradation, and harm of Black, Indigenous, People of Color.

Commit to learning for a lifetime.