The slippery slope is strong in this thread.
Yes, yes it is. I had mixed feelings about starting this thread. I honestly found the article and issue interesting and relevant to recent discussion here on ENWorld and in society in general. But I knew this would draw out the trolls and the gatekeepers. Sigh, looks like I was right in spades.
Most of the ignorance shown in this thread is from folks who didn't bother to even read the article that I linked. Maybe before you post again, read the article this time guys?
If you think this is an example of so-called
white outrage . . . you are wrong. A group of Asian gamers are making this request of WotC.
If you think this is an example of WotC bowing to PC pressure, you are at least premature, as WotC hasn't responded yet to this request. So, wrong again. And if you are the kind of person who tosses around terms like "PC" or "SJW" when discussing making D&D more inclusive, I've got no respect for you. None. Gah, the book burning references in this thread are what I truly find offensive.
If the FACT that the term "oriental" is found offensive by Asian-Americans and the FACT that Asian-American gamers, and others, have found the stereotypes of Asian culture in the 1E "Oriental Adventures" problematic is news to you . . . well, I understand that. It's easy to miss stereotypes and racism when you don't live that experience.
But now you know. And this issue is not new, folks have expressed concerns with this product for years. We talked about it right here on ENWorld back when the 3E "Oriental Adventures" was released. There's a reason why the book didn't make it to 4th or 5th editions. If you continue in your belief that this isn't really a problem . . . then you are a part of the problem.
If you think this is all about one word, about the title . . . you are wrong. The word IS a problem, but so are the stereotypes of Asian culture riddled throughout the book. There is literally NO ONE who is only upset about the use of just the word "oriental" in the title.
Not ALL Asians or Asian-Americans find the term "oriental" offensive. And like most racial slurs, it didn't start out as an offensive slur, but became one with how the word was used against Asian peoples. So put your dictionaries away, please. The use of "oriental" as a racist slur is somewhat outdated now, but still found offensive by SOME, not ALL. But how many Asians does it take being offended before it becomes wrong to use?
@tommybahama I hear you and respect your experience that you don't find the term offensive, but you don't represent all Asians. Neither do I, I'm as white as they come. But I listen.
For those dismissing the concerns others have about racial slurs and stereotypes . . . disagree, fine. Dismiss? Screw you. Our hobby doesn't need your selfish gatekeeping.
For those criticizing others for their grammar and syntax . . . double screw you. You do realize that many folks who post here on ENWorld do not have English as their first language, right? We're not all from America and the English Commonwealth. And more than a few us who are struggle with effective writing. Mocking that . . . Christ.
For those who think WotC's best option is to ignore the problem and it will go away . . . not bloody likely. Regardless of your position on the issue, WotC will need to deal with this. And it's unlikely they will simply leave it alone. Neither should they.
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@Reynard I'm disapointed with ENWorld of late. White fragility indeed. That's a relatively new term for me, but it fits perfectly. There's a lot of good folks who post here, but everytime we try to discuss making D&D more inclusive, the trolls and gatekeepers crawl out. I think I need a break from this place for a while.