re: Oriental-removed from its context
Actually. as is typical on these boards, things are removed from context and the point is lost. The reference was to "Worthy Oriental Gentlemen" a term of derision used by our coaliton partners, the Brits.
It seems that during their occupation and "troubles" bearing the "white man's burden" in India, the Foreign Department had received conplaints over the Brit Tommy's calling the Sepoys, nigger. Thankfully, this practice was stopped by official order.
Upon which, the hapless Indians became "WOGs," or Worthy Oriental Genlemen."
I hope this helps to derail Frank's tangenital train?
Publius