I think “Asian” evolved to replace “Oriental” since that is no longer an accepted word to use.

While I understand why we’re trying to get away from such labels as they have historically been used in a derogatory way, it is useful when describing a person. If my white friend told me to look for his friend John in a crowd, and he described him without mentioning he’s Korean or “Asian”, I’d probably expect another white guy, since we’re both white. It’s the difference between looking for John Mulaney and John Cho.

While I hate to divide and label people based on how they look, it is a useful way to describe what someone looks like without having to teach the term “epicanthic folds” to everyone.

Wouldn’t you agree that describing John Cho as an average height guy in his early 40s with Asian characteristics is no different than describing John Boyega as a black guy of average height in his early 30s?

Give me a better term to use and I’ll use it.