Perhaps the most consistent cause of controversy in the fora at Asian Sirens is the use of potentially racist terms. So as there seems to be some confusion over what we will allow and what we won’t (and why), I thought it would be a good idea to devote a post to the subject. There are basically three categories of terms here: the ones we will allow, the ones we definitely won’t allow, and the ones that aren’t so clear-cut. I shall now give examples of each, and try to explain our policy on them.What we definitely won’t allow

This one’s pretty straightforward: the sorts of terms that racists use in a clearly derogatory way to put down other races e.g. ‘slant-eye’, ‘slope-head’, ‘chink’, ‘nip’ etc.

What we will allow

For a term to fall into this category, it has to (a) not have a good PC synonym (otherwise we will use that instead) and (b) not be the kind of term that racists have used in a clearly derogatory way to put down other races (i.e. it can’t be the kind of term that would fall into the category of what we definitely won’t allow).

An example of a term that we’ve allowed in the past – but which we now have a PC synonym for – is ‘primitive’. Although we used this term in a purely descriptive, scientific and objective way, it nevertheless caused offence to many of our readers. And given the negative connotations this term often has, that was perfectly understandable. Hence my long term plea for a good PC synonym. Fortunately (courtesy of Adam Yurman) we now have one: ‘indigenous’. Hence, we will now be encouraging people to use this term instead (where its use is necesary).

There is one other controversial term without a good PC synonym, however: ‘oriental’. In the context of a site like Asian Sirens, the use of this word is frequently necessary: for example, to distinguish the “women of oriental appearance” that we prefer here from other Asians (e.g. the very racially and physically distinct people of the Indian subcontinent). So the usually cited synonym ‘Asian’ is actually far too general, and apparently causes offence to some in the UK!

Indeed, in the UK, the word ‘Asian’ is almost never applied to the people who are the primary subject of this site (see how awkward it is to avoid this term?); they use ‘oriental’ itself almost exculsively! What’s more, this term is only considered offensive in the US (and not in any other country), despite the very large populations of this ethnic group in the UK, Canada, Australia and throughout the world. Hence, there is a huge contradiction between how this term is viewed in the US and how it is viewed in the rest of the world.

So what to do? Fortunately, new Asian Sirens member Christine – who is very well-read and knowledgeable on issues of Asian American integration – was able to cite the following from the American Heritage Book of English Usage:

It is worth remembering, though, that Oriental is not an ethnic slur to be avoided in all situations. It is most objectionable in contemporary contexts and when used as a noun, as in “the appointment of an Oriental to head the commission”. In these cases Asian (or a more specific term such as Vietnamese, Korean, or Asian American, if appropriate) is the only acceptable term. But in certain historical contexts, or when its exotic connotations are integral to the topic, Oriental remains a useful term.

Hence, backed by the authority of the American Heritage Book of English Usage (and in the absence of a good synonym), I will continue to use ‘oriental’ in the way that I have in the past i.e. “when its exotic connotations are integral to the topic”, and will allow others to do likewise.

What isn’t so clear-cut

The key term that falls into this category is ‘twinkie’. Given that it doesn’t apply to an entire race as such (only a subset thereof), it can’t really be called a racist term in the strictest sense. However, as it does only apply to a subset of a particular race, it can still be taken as being racist. On the other hand, it is often used in a good-natured way, as in “you’re such a twinkie!”. So what to do? After much consideration, I have decided on the following:

(1) Using twinkie is okay when it is clearly in a good-natured way.
(2) Using twinkie is okay when it is clearly applicable to the person in question – the only clear example I can think of on Asian Sirens so far is Michelle Malkin, or perhaps Tila Tequila.
(3) When it isn’t clearly applicable to the person in question, and it isn’t used in a good-natured way, twinkie isn’t okay.

Related terms, such as ‘AAA’ and ‘Todd’, will be handled in the same way. However, if you can think of a better way to police these terms – or indeed any potentially racist term at AS – I am very open to feedback. Post your comments below!