Why has the word Oriental become politically incorrect?

Question

Why has the word Oriental become politically incorrect?

Answer 1

There are a number of reasons.  It's origin is from the Latin "oriens," meaning east.  It referred to anything east of Europe, so it's considered a Euro-centric term.  Oriental rugs, for example, are from Persia, not Asia.  It's also associated with the European colonial period and stereotypical views of the time about people from Asian countries, particularly China and Japan.  Terminology often changes as times and attitudes change.

Answer 2

Because people take themselves too seriously.

Answer 3

It has?  I'll throw out my oriental rugs right away, schwoo, I didn't get the memo, so hard to keep up on these things.

Answer 4

Not all Asians come from the orient.

I was always taught that the word "oriental" applies to rugs, vases or objects - not to people.  When talking about people, you should say "Asian".