Cohousing-L Mailing List: Is the term cohousing hurting us?

[Susan Johnston (sjohnsto]

I think we should direct our energy toward something more constructive
than worrying about the word, "cohousing."  The name may not be great, but
we're kind of stuck with it; it's not going away.  Furthermore, the
"sense"  and associations of any name tend to change over time to fit the
perceived qualities of whatever it is the name refers to.  We ought to be
showing people what cohousing is, and how positive and wonderful it can
bem and eventually the name, "cohousing" will be an exciting and much-loved
buzzword! 

Names seem to work this way.  Would you like two examples? 

When I was in second grade there was a boy named Horace in my class.  We
all thought that name was just grotesque.  At the beginning of the year,
everybody mocked him, and ran around the playground making puking sounds
like this, "Hhhhhh-o-o-a-r-r-r-u-s."  Horace, in fact turned out to be a
really great guy.  He was smart, energetic, friendly, and was a master
joker.  By Halloween everyone really liked him.  The name entirely ceased
to have any negative "sense".  It just referred to a really great guy.  The
name was transparent, and our awareness was focused on the boy it referred
to, and what a great guy he was. 

In Canada, they have a grocery store chain called "Overwaitea."  When we 
Americans go up there we hoot and holler in amusement and disbelief that 
they could have such a stupid name.  We wonder if they sell anything but 
glazed donuts, Fritos and frozen pizza.  Our Canadian friends are rather 
surprised at our interest in the name.  They don't think of it the way we 
do anymore.  To them it's a very well known and very, very successful 
supermarket chain, with an impeccable reputation for quality and service; 
that's all.

What's in a name? 

A rose by any other name would smell as sweet... 

And Horace is my brother-in-law now!

Now, let's get on with generating more great positive stuff for the world 
to see, so when they hear the word "cohousing" they tingle with excitement!

I like the shortened name, "coho" a lot.  Out here in the Northwest it 
makes us think of wild Coho salmon.  Beautiful fish.

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Susan E Johnston - Flying Fish Private Expeditions, Inc - sjohnsto [at] wln.com
                         Have a defining moment.
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