Shin’s ‘Asian’ bill has point worth attention

Published 9:00 pm Sunday, May 6, 2001

You’ve probably said the word a dozen times without ever thinking about how it is spelled.

Whether in jest or frustration the phrase, "I’ve been gypped" is still tossed about in every day conversation. But take a closer look at the word and you’ll notice the spelling is uncomfortably similar to the word Gypsies. That’s because it refers negatively to Gypsies, much like a similar negative term referring to Jews.

Now that you know this, will you continue to use the phrase?

Sen. Paull Shin is fighting a similar battle in the Legislature. He wants to replace the word "Oriental" with "Asian" where it occurs in a few state statutes and encourage local governments to follow the same path. While the issue of political correctness raises the ire of many, this is a matter of common sense and respect. If anything, our state statutes should use the most appropriate and respectful terms in reference to various groups of people.

Oriental isn’t a term that accurately describes all people from Asia. It is more appropriately used for rugs and, possibly, food not humans. Oriental comes from the word "Orient," which describes the sun’s eastern rising. Occident refers to the sun’s western setting.

How would white people feel if Asian people referred to all Europeans, Americans and Canadians as Occidentals? "Hey honey, are those Occidentals moving in to the Chin’s old house?" Most of us wouldn’t even know what the word meant.

Shin’s bill sped through the Senate unanimously but hit apparently impassable hurdles in the House. Republicans there said legislators don’t need laws to make sure they use the right words. Fine, legislators can say what they want. But our state’s statutes should reflect appropriate terminology. And, the House members have picked a rather strange fight.

Shin isn’t whining. He is putting himself on the line over a matter of a few words but a significant amount of respect. It’s no wonder he told a reporter he felt numbed by the whole thing.

Unfortunately, Shin’s effort may go too far when it comes to its practical aspect, changing the title of Oriental medicine. That would force some Asian business owners with the word "Oriental" in the name of their business to find a new name. Assuming Shin tries again next year with the bill, he may want to broaden their role in deciding how to refer to their specialty and leave it fully up to the appropriate businesses to decide. They might well come around to his view.

In time, the word "Oriental" may be phased out of our language. Asian may not even be an appropriate term down the road. Meanings change. People often take perfectly acceptable words and use them in negative ways until the word has only a negative connotation. That’s unfortunate. But it doesn’t excuse any of us from the need to practice sensitivity and respect.