Intercultural Etiquette

Re “Intercultural Etiquette” (by Itabari Njeri, April 2), I am an American of Japanese descent and I have been called an Oriental, Asian-American, Japanese-American and a Sansei (third generation Japanese-American). I have also been asked if I was Japanese, Chinese or Korean and whether I knew judo, karate or could make sukiyaki (yes to all three).

Am I offended by these labels and questions? Not in the very least.

The term racist is overused, especially by political groups against their opponents in heated campaigns. It’s nice to be proud of one’s heritage, but becoming hypersensitive about it is counterproductive.

HENRY SAKAIDA

Temple City