baby it’s cold outside

By now you’ve heard the news, radio stations are dropping Baby It’s Cold Outside from its playlists as the lyrics are debated with respect to the #metoo movement. So, my question is: can #metoo go too far? I’m genuinely asking.

I admit I scoffed and said, “Really?!” I mean, come on folks, how stupid can you be? This song is from 1944 – can we apply today’s lens on a different generation? Is it really what people are making it out to be? What is the fuss about? I decided to listen to the song. Multiple times. For non-native English speakers, I can see where confusion can happen for them; these lines fit right in with the #metoo movement—

• Say what’s in this drink?
• Ah, you’re very pushy you know?
• The answer is no
• That took a lot of convincing

But there are other lyrics that add context and take away from the implication of those other lines. It’s more like a “thou doth protest too much” than ignoring the word “no”. It’s a playful exchange between two consenting adults—

• The neighbors might think
• My sister will be suspicious
• My brother will be there at the door
• My maiden aunt’s mind is vicious
• But don’t you see?
• There’s bound to be talk tomorrow
• At least there will be plenty implied

When you single something out, without considering other context, you distort intention and meaning. Just sayin’.

 

namaste