So I guess the same applies to the so-called Western World, Western religions (which began in the Middle East, definitely east of most of us), and How the West Was Won? And who says north goes at the top?

Of course east and west are subjective. I don't mind calling anyone what they prefer to be called. It's just an honest question about a racial term, and one that seems less merited than others.

Tyrphanax said:

If someone were to say Oriental, I wouldn't think of a Pakistani or Indian person. That was mah point there.

Well, I wouldn't today either. But I remember the first time I heard that was the preferred method. I was sitting in my Algebra I class my freshman year of high school, '96 or '97. I heard this very reason given for it:

xhonzi said:

I've also heard that "Oriental" refers to "things" (noodles, furniture) and "Asian" refers to people... but that doesn't seem to be very consistent.

But to me, African does not just refer to rugs and food, but people native to Africa (including Arabs). I don't get what made "Oriental" pejorative. Apparently in the UK it is not. But back to what Tyrphanax said, if you had told me someone was Asian prior to that Algebra class, I would have considered Russians, Middle Easterners, Indians/Pakistanis, and "Orientals."

In the end, it's not like it's a big deal. I was just asking.