I saw some people on Reddit discussing whether someone was being orientalist, and I agreed they were simply by using the phrase "zen-like concentration". I'm not offended by them using this term, I just find it stupid. "Zen-like" has absolutely no meaning, but gives an air of eastern spirituality and mysticism. I personally think you should only be able to use that phrase if you can give a detailed and verifiable explanation about the differences between zen-like concentration, huayan-like concentration, mahasthabir nikaya-like concentration, and chan-like concentration, as well as recognize that the last one is exactly the same as zen.
And why is it only ever "zen-like"? I'm sure everyone would find it strange if Asians suddenly started to use the terms "seventh day adventism-like" or "independent fundamentalist baptist-like" to refer to the elements of American culture they find exotic.
Yet no one ever calls being slapped with a stick a zen-like experience.
Someone in this thread said...
I'm American that's how I think most Americans certainly look at the word/concept. And most Americans never bother to learn anything and have no curiosity so they do and say things without thinking and without caring.
Well I think we should change the definition so that it means being hit with a stick in an unwelcome manner.