[quote=flu]For example, how is a white person suppose to know calling someone “oriental” is racist? If it happens, is that considered “threatening”?[/quote]
Through education. Of course no one can ever know every single cultural nuance and avoid offensive words completely. But at least make an effort to lower the percentage. If a white person calls someone ‘oriental’ and doesn’t know that it is racist, they should be educated of that fact. Once they are, if they continue to use the word in a derogatory manner, then it is no doubt considered “threatening.” Hell, I didn’t even know that it is racist — thanks for educating me! Not that I ever use ‘oriental’ to describe people anyway. But at least I know for sure not to use it if the desire had ever crept up.
In this case though, the onus also falls on the offended to educate. I’ll be the first to admit that both sides are at fault here. If the offended doesn’t make an effort to make it known that they are offended, how will the offender know otherwise?
I suppose you can argue “but I didn’t know that calling blacks monkeys was offensive.” Well now you do. Are you still going to use it?
