Laowai, is the term offensive?

Fatdragon (UK)

Some people are oversensitive about terms which define them. I incorporate the term laowai in the name of one of my email boxes so I certainly don't consider the term offensive. It's how it's used that can make it offensive e.g. "Effing lao wai!" could be considered offensive unless it was coming from someone like an Australian where it would probably be considered a term of endearment. Personally, as a laowai, I am who I am. Labels will not change who I am. I just hope that people are handing out the correct labels in my direction. Fatdragon - proud to be a laowai.

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The original piece: http://bbs.chinadaily.com.cn/thread-879259-1-1.html

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