<p>Pointing out a reality is not insulting. Young women today at Mount Holyoke, using the term “ho” as part of referencing themselves, is a generational difference that points to the way things have changed. I have several recently retired Mt. Holyoke faculty as friends, and they point out many ways students there are very different from students of twenty-five years ago. If it’s true, it’s true. That’s all. What is wrong with pointing out to students that “ho” is derogatory, and maybe they should think about that? Mt. Holyoke women are very bright, but not perfect, and maybe some will rethink the MoHo usage. That would be wonderful. I give those who take this seriously “Kudos”. I am so very proud of being an alumn that anything that reflects poorly on the college, or connotations about the students there, pains me very much - right down to my core, honestly. I also don’t think our responses were “over the top” as you write. Mt. Holyoke women have always been, or were traditionally, very deep thinkers, aware of things typical people may not recognize or choose to ignore. That is what makes the caliber of the college what it traditionally has been, and why so many alums go on to accomplish so much. That we would read into the MoHo nickname something others may not see is just part of who Mt. Holyoke women are!</p>
<p>ConcerndDad, consider this: MoHo luckily has a spelling connection, which I can see is why it became popular, but we do still need to recognize when words can be taken other ways, or give other images, and may not be the best word to use. Would students laugh at StaffordSluts, or SkinnerSkinheads? NO! They wouldn’t tolerate those names. Those of us who are maybe a bit sensitive and afraid of desensitization of many things in this day and age don’t ever want to see anyone tolerate such language just because times may change. MoHo just brings that up.</p>