Laowai, is the term offensive?

Canney (US)

"Laowai" refers to people who come from out of China. It's a common word for Chinese people to use. For Chinese, they think it is normal, because it is just a name to describe a person that is not Chinese. I don't mind this word, but I do mind the gestures or actions used when they say "laowai". When a foreigner walks on the street, there is no need to keep pointing at them or to draw attention to them when shouting "laowai" out. It's quite rude. Doesn't matter if it is because of curiosity or what, I think we humans should respect each other.

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