Unfortunately, in the 1980's, it was common to use the term 'oriental' to refer to Asians. But that's not what the joke was.
It was a common stereotype that on Christmas the only restaurants open are Chinese restaurants and since Jewish people are not celebrating Christmas that they go eat at the Chinese restaurants on Christmas. In basis, Jewish people have to eat at Chinese restaurants because it is the only alternative available. So she came looking for Leroy, was offered "a medium sized oriental" instead and turned it down because she isn't Jewish.
This is like the stupidest joke ever and I heard it explained in commentary, where it was recognized that no one ever gets the joke. I had no idea until it was explained to me. If you have to work that hard to make a joke, it's probably best to skip it.
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megafauna005
12 years ago
I though it was just because that bimbo was such a dingbat she thought Orientals are Jewish!
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dejuanp
10 years ago
I'm guessing whomever thought that must think that Jewish people just don't cook for themselves on Christmas. And the Christmas Story family ate at a Chinese restaurant on Christmas day.
R.I.P. Michael Jackson
R.I.P. Heath Ledger
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