Ho Unfairly Criticizes Philippine Festivals

We were most upset by the recent letter from Derek T. Ho '96, senior editor of Perspective, in which Ho described Philippine Forum cultural festivals as "masturbatory," offering nothing but "bad food, bad music, and Filipino cultural pride, all for the low price of $26,000" ("Lat Should Eat His Own Words." Opinion, Oct. 22, 1994).

We find this attack on our cultural background unconscionable and also irrelevant to Ho's criticism of David B. Lat's column. It demonstrates an insensitivity to minority concerns by Ho. To attack our culture because he disagrees with Lat's position on homosexuality is irresponsible. We resent the charge that the food we prepare and the music we play--the food and music of our parents and our community--are "bad." What right does Ho have to pass judgment on our rich and diverse heritage?

We hope Ho wasn't writing on behalf of Perspective. In any case, we demand a public apology or clarification from Ho for this attack. --Daryl J. Paraguya '96   Mary Jo Razon '96   Co-Presidents, Harvard Philippine Forum