This is one of those situations where when observed at face value based on 2016's filters of political correctness the criticism could be legitimate. However, the spirit of the song is old-fashioned romantic whimsy and innocence.

The song in question is the holiday favorite Baby, It's Cold Outside. If you're not familiar with the tune here is some background. The song was penned in 1944 by Frank Loesser. It came to prominence when it was featured in the movie Neptune's Daughter.  That film was released 1949. It starred Esther Williams, Red Skelton, and Ricardo Montalban.

So what could be wrong with Baby, It's Cold Outside?

According to some the song is basically about date rape. A crime in which one person gets the other person so intoxicated, drugged, or unconscious that they become very vulnerable. In the lyrics below, the male response is in parentheses, I could see how in 2016 this could be interpreted as such.

So really I'd better scurry (beautiful please don't hurry)
But maybe just a half a drink more (put some records on while I pour)

The neighbors might think (baby, it's bad out there)
Say what's in this drink? (no cabs to be had out there)

 

Baby, It's Cold Outside has been recorded by many artists over the years.  The tune actually won an Academy Award. Personally, it's one of my favorite holiday tunes. I have to admit in my many thousands of times of hearing and enjoying this song I have never considered there to be anything sinister about this song.

Maybe I am of a generation where people treated other people with respect. A time when a gentleman would never disrespect a lady, especially to the point of taking advantage of her. Maybe my time has come and gone. That makes me very sad.

What makes me even sadder is that in today's social climate everything seems to be judged in the harshest light. I do understand the seriousness of the crime in question. I have a daughter and I worry for her safety in this sometimes evil world. However, I think Baby, It's Cold Outside should be judged based on the time it was written and the spirit in which it was written.  That's my opinion, I'd love to know yours.

 

 

 

 

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