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Origin of Everything: Why Do We Say “Asian American” Not “Oriental”?

6 minutes, 58 seconds

Now Playing As: Captioned (English) (Change)

The video "Origin of Everything: Why Do We Say 'Asian American' Not 'Oriental'?" explores the transition from the term "Oriental" to "Asian American" in societal and legal contexts. It highlights the historical usage and implications of "Oriental," discussing its connection to xenophobia, racial othering, and colonial history as detailed by Edward Said in "Orientalism." Professor Erika Lee's insights reveal the term's ties to anti-Asian sentiments in the U.S., such as the Chinese Exclusion Act. The video emphasizes the legislative removal of "Oriental" in favor of more inclusive terms like "Asian American" to reflect a modern understanding of identity. The significance of the 1960s civil rights era, including activism led by Yuji Ichioka, is underscored, as it paved the way for terms that better represent multicultural identities. This content is vital for fostering cultural awareness and understanding evolving language use.