Radio Bans ‘Baby It’s Cold Outside’ Over Claims It’s A Rape Song, English Teacher Explains Its Real Meaning
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The Christmas season hasn’t truly begun until the decorations go up and people everywhere are debating the problematic Christmas classic ‘Baby, It’s Cold Outside.’ Well, this year one radio station took the song’s criticism one step further by banning it completely after countless listeners complained that the message behind the holiday song was inappropriate.
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But despite the outrage, one former English teacher has stood up in defense of the holiday song. In a viral Tumblr post, they explain that amid all the controversy people are overlooking, that for its time, there is something inherently feminist about it.
In the era of the #MeToo movement (and even before) it’s hard to listen to the lyrics without applying our own social subtext (super rapey), but as the author writes in their defense – context matters. The pop hit was written by Frank Loesser in 1944 and as you will read, perhaps you need to adjust your historical lens to understand the real meaning.
And many people agreed with her
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Is there anything that people can't be offended by nowadays?
They'll even be offended by your question...
I am very offended by the possibility that your reply could be offensive.
How offensive that I got upvotes.
Pigeons offend me.
Here's my take on this (If you're offended by this then so be it. Sorry but not really.): A few kids offend me=I won't have children because all children are offensive. Taking offends me because I have to be naked=stop taking baths. The air offends me because something or somebody will stink=Stop breathing. Your views offends me just because I disagree=I won't accept any other views but mine alone because you're all wrong. Your beliefs offends me because they're different than mine and because I don't believe in anything=All other beliefs are enemies because they're not the same as mine. I'm offended by your opinions because I can't accept it.=Your opinions don't matter. That's just my take on society today. "I'm right therefore you're all wrong and if you don't agree then I'll shut each and everyone of you down so that I don't have to listen to you!" That's just the way it's become. Unfortunately.
The word "nowadays" is extremely offensive Chris Gill. Are you somehow trying to imply that there's something wrong with "thenadays"?
Dunno about you guys, but where I'm from, we call them "thosadays". ;) lol
Seeing as there are 8 billion people on the planet and assuming that all of them are offended by at least one thing, it would be safe to say that there isn't a thing that won't offend someone.
Ppl would be offended if there was nothing to be offended by.
Woah woah woah, Watch it there, that question could offend someone...and so might this warning...and so might that, and that...and that too...and...well then......
for the record I'm all for removing warning labels and letting nature take it's course. Okay, at least, remove the obvious ones. 'warning, may cause electric shock'- as found on an AED.
Andrew offends me
The easily offended can even pick at Christmas carols and find dangerous connotations! I remember that when I was little and my parents had friends over, I even heard my mom say "What's in this drink" when they are laughing and having a good time. Completely innocent and fun times. Sometimes I wish the easily offended would drop over like those fainting goats!
How dare you??! I identify myself as a question mark gender, why is my kin in the end of the sentence? are we not good enough for you that we have to be put last?!
pretty sure we're still allowed to make bad jokes about the weather. At least, I hope so. "It's disgusting out there. all that sunshine. It's positively unwholesome. Gets into people brains... causes their wits to dribble out their ears."
i am offended that people are offended.
No kidding!
I don't think so.
No. I hear people were slamming the claymation Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer the other day.
Stop-motion but not claymation. Some people are just addicted to pats on the back for how woke they are. They'll be the first against the wall when the revolution comes.
As I much as I want to answer your question, I won't because I might offend these intelligent people that makes simple things so complicated just to get attention and just to be able to show that they're better than you. So, I'll just keep the answer to myself so that these fucking know-it-alls won't be offended.
NO.
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Yes, stop whining.
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Stop making the mistake of reducing everyone's observations and concerns down to "just being offended". It's shallow reasoning, intellectually lazy and misses a very important point. Cultural norms at any given point in time directly impact the actions of people in the moment and how one expects the other or themselves to react or not react. Regardless of the "context" of the time, as a culture we're much more aware of boundaries in social settings of what crosses a line from being harmlessly flirtatious to outright creepy and rapey. We're much more aware of these warning signs today. It all boils down to how people In modern-day may interpret this song to communicate an accepted practice of tirelessly chasing after someone after they've said "no" numerous times. If the song is interpreted by a male as "No, means Yes"... that could get ugly real fast. If the song is interpreted by a female that it's perfectly acceptible for men to be very persistent, then she may find herself raped
You're obviously not very bright, Jared, and stop using "rapey," it makes you look stupid even if the rest of what you said hadn't achieved that by itself.
This is from a time when conventions made it unacceptable in cinema for a lady to just say "yes I want to spend the night with you" to a man. they had to do the whole "song and dance" about it.
While in a modern context, the song is truly cringey, the subtext of the song, even without knowing what "What's in this drink?" meant in the time that it was written, is pretty obvious. They both want to spend the night together, and she's worried about what people might think of her. In a way, that's also a bit cringey through modern eyes, but hardly offensive. If we start banning every song that might not fit into modern tastes, we'll have nothing left. Grow up, people.
There's nothing at all "cringey" in the song even from a modern context. Unless you're a complete retard, or just want those pats on the back for your faux-enlightenment, there's no way you could see this as anything other than playful banter by two people who both want this to happen. Not only could she not outright say she wanted to stay, but he couldn't outright just ask her either - nor could you today, unless you want to come across as a real pig. Today's social retards raised on cellphones don't know how to do this today.
I've insisted once or twice. But it had nothing to do with getting laid- the roads were crap, and it wasn't safe to be driving. for anybody.
You know what’s offensive in “modern context”? Using the terms retard(s) and pig (ok, maybe not pig so much). But faux-enlightenment and retard can’t be used in the same response.
No different to anyone today saying "this is strong stuff" male or female
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people who use the word cringey are truly cringey.
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We would have the songs that fit in to modern taste. The only way we wouldn't have anything left would be if nothing was in modern taste.
So they are mad by a song from an older time with a different meaning behind that words, but they are O.k. with modern rap music that blatantly disrespects and degrades women... because that makes a lot of sense.
Who says they are okay with modern rap music? The people who are concerned about the message the song is implying might also be equally concerned about the degrading lyrics found in much of our modern music as well.
Well, I haven’t heard them raising hell about those songs and demanding they be banned. Know why? They’re afraid they’ll be called racist. And they probably would be.
This song is coming from the old Hollywood days where a man and a woman were officially not allowed to be shown on a bed unless both had at least one foot on the floor - never mind being single and spending the night together. I think even a "married" couple on screen were not allowed to be shown sharing a bed.
and the feet must be on opposite sides of the bed. Wasn't it I Love Lucy that, *gasp* showed two beds pushed together, and they weren't even in the beds, and that was scandalous.
I am just weary of OTHER people telling me what I should and shouldn't be offended of. What I should and shouldn't watch, listen, read etc., etc.. I have a brain. Turns on Baby It's Cold Outside AND sings along!!!
you just got told that
I always thought of the song in this way, not rapey just super coy and flirty
I just learned something new and interesting. Thanks
I love it when we consider the conversational context when judging old music. Words and phrases change meaning all the time. Such as when gay meant simply happy.
And a fa**it was just a cigarette.
A faggot is a meatball
So this song has been around for decades and just this year we are offended by it? Give me a break! If you don’t like it, just don’t listen to it. Let me be the judge of what I want to listen to, as this song is still one of my favorites.
Well, that was educational. It makes you connect the puzzle pieces of the answers to the questions about gender roles and safety on the streets. It doesn't directly give answers, but you can get parts of the picture and have an idea. To get rid of the problem, we have to understand the problem and its root. Education is the key. Always will be.
"What to get offended about, today I wonder." "Hmm, let's see, Jingle Bells will be about..." *throws dart* "Homicide."
No no no! Animal cruelty! Only ONE horse pulling the sleigh in all that snow? And decked out in bells that might hurt its sensitive ears? Unacceptable! In fact, it's barbaric!
Rudolph the red nosed reindeer. Well that is obviously about singling out an odd looking youngster and making him do something he doesn't want to. Plus Santa was breaking about half a dozen child labor and health and safety rules. Unacceptable !
I grew up with my mom watching old movies, so this song always made me think what the guy said. She wants to stay, but she was a woman of her time, and "good" girls just didnt do that back then. It was always as simple as that, to me anyway.
In case anyone is interested, the actors are: Esther Williams and Ricardo Montalban. And the other was Betty Garrett and Red Skelton. Both scenes were well choreographed.
It was esther? I love esther williams!
My God, what a perpetually outraged society we now live in. It's like we go around seeking things to react to and to get offended over.
I don't feel that It's a song about rape, rather a woman trying to give her self permission to behave the way, she wants to!
yes, that's how the teacher who explains this song
There are so many songs out there which explicitly denigrate women, promote non-consensual sex and discuss violence, crime and other horrible things, all wrapped up in a nice little beat as entertainment, that I think I can sail past this song and not worry too much.
what bunch of crap! it is NOT about RAPE! give me a break! two people in love that's worried about what the neighbors might say is NOT RAPE!!!
2 couples = 4 people, not 2.
Read the teacher's explanation
THANK YOU! This has been driving me nuts for ages. I've never been a fan of the song, but the lyrics are pretty clear that it is about social impropriety not a refusal of advances.
THANK YOU! I feel like a lot of people ignore the original context including the film it was from, where it's REALLY clear that the woman wants to stay, but is under all sorts of social pressures to not be looked at as some sort of floozy.
The first film with it in was Neptune's Daughter (1949) and it's the MAN trying to leave. Google Red Skelton Neptune's Daughter Baby Its Cold Outside. He is so desperate to leave he ends up putting on the wrong coat and hat! His biggest freak out is what her dad might say if he is caught at her place too. That version - which has been covered and lampooned - totally destroys any notion of it being a song that oppressed women.
Why do you and everyone else only concentrate on the first part of the song? There's also a dude "trying" to leave but for some reason people completely ignore that part.
People actually thought this song was about rape? What a bunch of snowflakes...
I think I'm more creeped out by the twisted things people will come up with to justify their 15 minutes on the soapbox. Normal people just don't perv out from hearing a song and trying to shame others into your sick thinking only makes it worse.
This song is a lot less "rape" themed than most all songs written now. Can "we" as a society, please stop this "I'm offended" movement. It is pathetic and making us the laughing joke of the world.
The drawback of society becoming more sensitive is people are more easily offended. Even innocent lyrics can seem sinister. It's one thing to remove or change truly sexist, racist, etc. lyrics to something more acceptable, but another to take a line out of context and claim it's a glorification of date rape.
Exactly
In light of what we have going on in government, I find it amusing that people would get in a tizzy over an ancient songs lyrics.
To the person who said "Now do the AC/DC song that goes "Don't you struggle, don't you fight." The song is called Let Me Put My Love Into You and the actual words are "Don't you struggle, don't you fight, don't you worry, cause it's your turn tonight." It means fighting and struggling over wanting to get nailed, not getting raped. Or you can be one of those people that twists everything for no reason and invent that the fictitious character in the song is some sort of serial rapist.
I think these people are over reacting to a song that was written over 50 years ago. If you listen to the song, in the end nothing happened. Now I know why it is on "bored panda"!
clearly people thinking it's a rape song doesn't know cold ass winter xD
Glad it was banned,now back to bitches,drugs,getting drunk and shooting in the hood.
Banning music now? I'd expect that from Russia or China, but it's sad to see it happening in the west. It seems rather Orwellian. Why can't people tell the difference between fiction and reality? And why is nobody outraged about Nabokov's novel "Lolita" where the protagonist is literally a pedophile. And many people consider it a "literary classic", but somehow get enraged by a song. I'd like to see someone try and analyze a Rammstein song like Wiener Blut.
There are lists of books that have been banned in certain areas of the US. When Harry Potter first came out people actually had book burnings for it.
The funny thing is that god and religion are never mentioned in HP. I'd like to see Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy get this amount of attention in the US since the author is an atheist and literally killed god in his books.
Oh please. The people who decided to ban this song were just dirty-minded BABIES who probably just wanted to cause an outcry. What's next?! Banning "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" because it's about kissing?! GET A LIFE!!!!!!
The lyrics clearly say that she went to his place (This evening has been (Been hoping that you'd dropped in). And while he tries to get her to stay, he never tries to force her. Throughout the song she does not express any concern about her safety or that she is being coerced. The drink he gives her may or may not be strong, but he doesn't force her to drink it. She wants to stay, but worries about how society will perceive it. Persuading a woman to stay or to have sex isn't rape, it is concern for her safety or it is seduction. Twice in the song he mentions that she came to his place. Maybe the song should be banned because she is a sexual predator attempting to seduce this innocent and upright young man into fornicating?
Funny that no feminists talks about the second half of the song.
I've heard this song hundreds of times with my grandmother growing up. Listening to it now it sounds like two people desperate to come up with an excuse to stay together for some hot loven.
Yes it's a creepy song when you think about the reality of life back then when society in general was more oppressed especially women and people of color. On the other hand, I hate that some people's solution is to ban anything that they deem inappropriate. What happened to discourse? What happened to seeking answers to questions? Why is this more offensive then anything on instagram today? I'm offended by people dumbing themselves down on social media every day, but I'm intelligent enough to know that everyone's brain is operating at different speeds and we need to use the best aspect of sociAl media, which is to connect and learn from the discourse it provides.
The song has reversed roles in the second half. Woman is aggressor/ flirt. It's a cute song about two lovers worried about what the neighbours might say. Nothing more.
So the song is only about a girl getting hit on? I think you better listen to the whole thing.
I guess "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" is about infidelity.
OH!.......Great! How about banning All the NASTY RAP Music! Talk about Rape Songs!!!!!! Let's Go ! I am Offended! I am at the End of my Rope! Stupid! Stupid People!
I find it offensive that anyone would think it's about rape. . . so stop it!
What about; "Wake Up Little Susie?" I know there are many such songs, old and new. Are we supposed to ban them all? I guess people can think what they want about any song. I'm a feminist, but this song is milder than a lot of modern day rapey songs I haven't seen banned. And the woman in the song does seem to be making excuses for staying, she's just living in an age where good girls can't say "yes". Women have always been able to say "No!" Now women can also say, "Yes!" If they want to. We've come a long way, baby. And it is cold outside.
`Come on Eileen` by Dexys Midnight Runners is about pressuring a girl to `give it up`. Next on the Ban list?
It's a great song, Kudos to bigbutterandeggman for providing some perspective. Wildadragon, you are right, the original is just fine, absolutely does not need some millennial wannabe "putting their own touch" on it.
Im so sick of this sensitive generation. You cant even go to the bathroom without offending people somehow
I don't know, it isn't my generation having aneurysm over some guy taking a knee at a football game or bitching about how "not all men ..." any time a woman says is she abused or assaulted. Calm down there snowflake, no need to get so offended.
I can see why you might be exasperated with us. Sometimes, I'll admit, I think we go too far. But I don't think pointing fingers is the best way to get your point across. My generation might be more sensitive, but we have our reasons. We want to make things better for people. If you're worried about offending somebody by going to the bathroom, then maybe you should stop and take a good long look about what you're doing in the bathroom that might make people offended.
@J, yeah, I know we're not more sensitive in the base meaning of the word - I was just trying to directly address OP. Not sure exactly why I was downvoted, haha. Just getting pissed off about having to deal with the irony of people getting offended about "my generation" getting offended. But I certainly believe that many of the individuals in the older generations align with many of the values of the younger ones - I don't like the whole generation war going on right now, and I think we need to have some reasonable dialogue without trying to shut down each other. IDK, I'm just a high schooler, but I believe that everybody deserves a voice, so long as they are willing to take responsibility and criticism for it.
Read to the end. The author says it is "one of the best illustrations of rape culture...It's a song about a society in which women are not allowed to say yes...it's also a society where women do not have a clear and unambiguous way to say no."
Why is this about women? It's 100% equal to both genders since the same situation happens in reverse to a guy in the second half of the song. You sure you've actually heard the whole thing?
Your right I forgot about the role reversal. Ha ha. It's called flirting. I guess PC culture has killed that too.
That's because back in the old days. Women actually played hard to get... maybe she did stay after and they had a good time. But the song itself is in a teasing manner. I mean how old are you anyway?
Exactly. In the context where the ambiguity lead to men men automatically thinking no actually meant yes. If, at the time the song was written, women were able to unequivocally say yes or no, the song would be interpreted differently through modern eyes, but probably would've been banned in its own time.
I'll know it's officially offensive when one of the cool kids pulls up beside me with it blaring full blast on his car stereo.
There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with this song. Another consideration about the drink comment - double entendre, if you will - she is feeling kinda high, from her feelings about this man and him signalling he feels the same way. So, her comment about what's in the drink can also be one of the ways she signals to him that she is digging being there - as in, I am drinking lemonade but I feel all weak and dizzy being here with you, so is there something in my drink or are my chemicals churning over you right now!. So, all these people are just crazy, and frankly somewhat illiterate in comprehending the English language to interpret this song as rape.
Yup. It’s word play when people who are interested in each other might be flirting, a form of romance
It’s not a rape song for Christ sakes!!! That’s just ridiculous... there is entirely to many ❄️❄️❄️ on Twitter... they are ok with 99.9% of the rap songs that are way more “rapey” than Baby it’s Cold Outside.
Exactly that is how I have just tried to explain it -i OUGHT TO SAY NO NOT I AM SAYING NO. it's a classic and classy flirtation
This is the ultimate lame ending of the `#Me Too` bandwagon. When It started it was for a genuine and worrying reason about abuses of power in Hollywood, then it got watered down to the point of every woman who had ever had her bum touched at a Christmas party and finally we come to picking on 70 year old song lyrics. Just goes to prove that people will hear what they want and twist it to fit their agenda. Its so nice to know that female genital mutilation, human trafficking for the sex trade and the general oppression of women in countries like Yemen, Chad and Pakistan have been solved to give people the free time to be offended by a harmless song. Oh and thank goodness there are no modern songs that are blatantly about rape. Phew!
Excellent comment.
Say no if you mean no. That's the standard. The song is fine.
How can anyone think this song is about rape? Do they not understand context? Do they not understand the slang of the time? Do they not understand the English language? There is no way shape or form that this song has any rape context.
They understand. They just don’t care. They have their little ears and eyes trained to pick up any slight. And that’s exactly what they do. Only now people are done with them. We’ve let it go on for too long. They find everything offensive. Saying you’ve given birth to a male or female is offensive. You must let the child decide!! What a load! In a way, we’ve brought this on ourselves. This should’ve been nipped in the bud a long time ago. But, better late than never! It’s time to stand. And stand we shall.
Just listen to the song; or exercise your other right to choose--turn it down or turn it off!
People have nothing better to do than to pick apart a simple old Christmas song and find fault with it. Go outside and help someone, find a good cause like men in power taking advantage of their employees or police brutality or even gun control. With all the murders and mass shootings in the US you think people would find something better to complain about.
For the women who think this might make their daughters more susceptible to rape, you need to turn in your parenting card since you seem to not be using it. Parents need to stop allowing songs, movies and other literature raise their children. How about explaining that this song is just that, a song. How about explaining that this is not the norm and that it is from a different era. How about giving your children a lesson or two on self defense if you are that worried. How about teaching your children right from wrong so that she/he will never be on either side of the rape coin. And how about you get a clue and stop using others for your lame ass excuses for not being a responsible person!
I always thought he was just worried about her freezing to death trying to walk home or catching her death getting a bad cold. This was a time before modern medicine where you just took a z-pack. Maybe for once, this has nothing to do with sex but more about caring for another person's well being. Aren't we supposed to be compassionate and good natured?
My thoughts were kind of in the same line, I felt they didn’t really want to part each other’s company but that doesn’t mean that automatically they are going to have sex. You can want to spend time with someone without wanting to have sex too. In the 40 s mostly the men’s behaviour was more gentlemanly and definitely even if they didn’t want to have axe just spending the time together wous automatically having lost people think they did
axe? Jeesh. Fat finger
Jeez, people will be offend by nursery rhymes soon. These people obviously have to much time on their hands, they need to get a bloody life.
There is a fine line between attention and stalking . . . I will follow him . . . anything can be transformed when looking through today's glasses. The song came from a time when everyone was so repressed all they could do was talk about being together. And any public entertainment could only hint at being together. You either like the song or you don't. As for reality . . . does anyone really want a hippopotamus for Christmas? A White Christmas was written by a Jewish guy -- Jesus was born in a desert. If you are looking for reality, you won't find it here . . .
Next they'll ban Frosty the Snow Man because of gender bias.
Surely that`s Snow Person ?
I've seen it on tv on I don't know where, w the woman singing baby it's cold to the guy. Was she gonna rape him? No. It's a song!!
Me: "Well, it's December. I really don't think 2018 can get any more ridiculous." SJW's: "Hold my beer....."
Nah. SJWs not only wouldn't drink a beer, they'd be offended if you did. ;-)
The 'politically correct' people, who are always ready to resist to any and everything no matter what, are often very superficial in their analysis. Thanks for explaining the situation in its original context, which should always be done!
The radio station and the whiners are total idiots
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I think this whole made up issue is just another reason for the leftist to be outraged and further destroy Christmas.
And this leftist thinks you're a moron, because nobody's trying to "destroy Christmas", and nobody other than a few overly sheltered products of helicopter parenting is offended by this song.
A bunch of ridiculously dirty-minded people who need to get over themselves!
Been thinking about this some more. So it's a rape song because the guy is singing it to the girl to get her to stay, but not when the girl is singing it to her guy so she can have her way with him. It's only a rape song when it's the guy trying to get her to stay. Give me a break people.
Whats happening with the other couple then?? They seem to be forgotten in the whole equation. Typically not taking all the facts into account, (or the joke), just the ones that suit your argument!!! 😫😟
Thank you! At least one other person has heard the entire song.
Ah, you're very pushy you know? I like to think of it as opportunistic I simply must go (Baby it's cold outside) The answer is no (But baby it's cold outside) So even if we go with cute inside jokes from the 40's lets be clear a reputation ruined could alter the woman's life significantly which she alludes to MANY TIMES where he has nothing to loose.
This article is the "stripper pole workout" of female agency.
"i do it for myself!"
Only reason I am offended by this song is after hearing it 30 time you start to sing with it. I hate hearing the same songs always around this time it gets boring after a day we need more songs but written like historical songs like this one.
This again? Might as well add this bit of Drama to the Christmas traditions. This is the 3rd year in a row some uneducated idiot is crying foul over this song. Applying today's distorted standards to something almost a century old is the definition of retarded. It was a completely different culture and society back then.
There's a German kids song from 1997 that is really cute, it's a girl talking to the man who lives in the radio (you must be really small). But if you think about the text a little bit more it's about a guy asking a little girl if she's going to school and to exchange pictures. Sometimes songs are just songs. (Rolf Zuckowski - Du da im Radio)
I get the historical context of the song and I understand why some would want to listen to it, but I don't understand why it's a Christmas song that they play everywhere. If anywhere it should be played in modern history classes to explain the time it was created. The song has no lines talking about Christmas or the holiday season other than it being cold.
Reading this while listening to Idina Menzel & Michael Bublé version XD come on, this song is awesome! Kudos for that perfect explanation!
Casey Wilson is everything that is wrong with the world today.
Context is so important.
'In the summertime' by Mungo Jerry. "If her daddys rich, take her out for a meal. If her daddy's poor, just do what you feel"...
"do what you feel", as in don't take her out cuz she's not rich? Oh wait, you're assuming you know the meaning of the lyric and that it's sexual.
Those who think it's a rape song are usually the perpetrators of rape as an excuse to become the victim for glory.
K H A N ! ! ! ! ! ! !
K H A N ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
Seems to me that she ought to get a life, and she is quite correct she is disturbed nothing else better to do ban everything then there will be nothing left to be disturbed about, enjoy
Nothing but a bunch of little babies looking for shit to complain about, I'm sure we can looking unit 1000000 diff songs and find shit about so we can ban them from world cause someone twisted shit around so it sounds like a rape.. Omfg ppl
if you white and rap can't say the N word but if black no problem talk about rap 90% is degrading to woman and police and yes this ok too the PC world of today is so FUCKED UP I DON'T care any more who I piss off so Baby It's Cold oOut there is my rape anthem so get the FUCK over it ASSHOLES
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Better check out Snoop The Chronic track 16, Digital Underground, Chainsmokers, or Shaggy. This song nothing more than typical boy chase girl musical like Grease, Chicago, Nine, or Bond girl.
We might as well ban all music since someone, somewhere will find something offensive about it. If they don't like it, change the damn station.
This song was written in a time when men were gentlemen and women were expected to be virginal before marriage. Women didn't have to worry about their safety, for the most part. I remember my parents stating that "anyone out after midnight was up to no good anyway". And men, I mean REAL men, could control themselves, never would step over the line.
It took people this long to get offended? There are worse songs out there!
I'm one of those hypersensitive types, and I really don't think this is offensive. You can find rape symbolism in just about anything, including Little Red Riding Hood, if you look hard enough.
And yet we're not complaining about Santa Baby at all?
It's not the song that should be banned..it's the video depictions of the song. I dare anyone saying that this is a song about rape to listen to the words with their eyes closed. Hollywood took the song and put their adaptation of it on the silver screen..and incorrect interpretation. This song was supposed to be about innocent flirting between two lovers to hide their attraction by coming up with excuses for their promiscuity.
The 'outrage' over the song not being played on one local radio station is even more laughable than the 'outrage' over the song itself that caused it to not be played on one local radio station! Outrage... everywhere!!!!!
There is a very well known song that goes "voulez-vous coucher avec moi ce sois" . Do the narrow -minded persons with nothing to do know about it?
Casey Wilson Is a Nut Case! She is A Phyco! She needs a straight jacket and sent to Syria
Ban this song then ban every Rap song on earth! Also ban every love song too while you are at it! This is a Bunch of Crock! It needs to be burried along with the one who started it!
Casey Wilson Is a Nut Case! She is A Phyco! She needs a straight jacket and sent to Syria Also all the ones declaring this is abunch of liberals that need to be deported to Syiria
One of the most obnoxious things I hear constantly these days is people unnecessarily starting their sentences with the word "So"...... This "Former English Teacher" actually makes that the first sentence of his little piece here. Sorry, this paper gets an "F".
I can't wait 'til the overly-zealous people of the world start denouncing Eartha Kitt singing 'Santa Baby' as being totally incorrect for portraying herself as (gasp) a gold digger
Boo to the radio stations that don't have the balls to play it. Bunch of sheep
Who wrote the song? Ask him! Who sang the song? Ask him! Is this the song that Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett sang for a commercial last year? Ask them!
There is nothing wrong with "Baby, It's Cold Outside", but there is plenty wrong with the #metoo movement and others who think this song should not be played. What about Rap? They don't have the guts to stand up to the Rap music industry that puts out songs glorifying rape and calls women vulger names. These "insulted" people are phonies and troublemakers. A Charlie Brown Christmas and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer are now on the list of racist and insulting material. We have to stop giving in to idiots. Play the song because the vast majority of the people want to listen to it and ignore those "insulted" frauds who are trying to have things their way. George Vreeland Hill
If you actually listen to the song, you'll hear her make excuses to stay twice (more if you count the above examples). Not much of a rape song when the women is CONSENTING to staying. Honestly, my problem is she smokes. Bad message for the kiddies. And yes, that's one of her excuses to stay. Maybe half a cigarette more. as for the drink, I always thought it was more a fun peppermint twist. Nah, just that it was a new drink to her.
It also is worth noting that Frank Loesser wrote the song for his wife and himself to sing at a housewarming party. THere's nothing rapey about its origin or intentions.
I remember the song quite well. It wasn't big band so it wasn't high on my list, but the words and music fit together very well. We had a lot of silly songs back then like " Mairzie Doats" so this was just another in a wide range. For youngsters to go back in time and make judgment calls on cultures of which they know virtually nothing is not only pointless, it's defeating. It removes any clues as to how they got where they are. They are probably equally unaware of the nuances of their own culture.
I suspect many of them would be unaware of where their arses are if their heads weren't up them.
I hate Christmas songs, but, If you don't like the song, change the station or hit mute. Otherwise, let the rest listen to what they want without your ridiculous interpretation.
Hey all you freaking liberals out there... LET'S BAN ALL THE RAP SONGS THAT ARE TRULY ABOUT TAPE AND VIOLENCE!!! How about this all you freaking liberals who complain about EVERYTHING OFFENDS ME!!
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Cool, I guess because I like the song I'm dumb enough to get raped? No, I'm an adult and perfectly capable of leaving even if pressured and not putting myself in a position to avoid unwanted sexual advances. The song is silly and cute and about a girl who really does want to stay and is playing hard to get. I play these games with my husband ALL the time! No man, based on a stupid Christmas song should be uncontrolled enough to be abusive. The song doesn't encourage it and if it offends your sensitive mind... you don't listen to it. Any radio station scared enough of 1 listener to take a loved song off the radio, better look out for the majority of listeners who, I am positive, outnumber those offended. Come on you guys, are you really so bored you have to actively cause drama?
My only beef is this song honestly has nothing whatsoever to do with "Christmas". It's not a Christmas song!
Another example of too many people with nothing important to do. He's not physically keeping her there, and if she doesn't like the drink, she doesn't have to drink it. She can get her coat and leave, but obviously, she doesn't want to. To everyone who thinks this is about rape, grow up and get a life.
I've always thought it was totally "rape-y." But this is the "Kavanaugh" world, now, so it's totally fine.
Seriously? Could all the crazies with nothing better to do than be offended by the most benign of things get something better to do, please?
Love the song... 2017 makes people, overly-cautious (and I understand why) miss this lovely, romantic, pretty song. NEVER equated it to RAPE!
PRAISE THE LAWD!!!! Here I sit on my lower middle class sofa breathing a sigh of relief. At last a breath of fresh air. No more 'you offended me so I'm gonna prosecute' culture
This is SO ridiculous! Firstly, this song was written in the 1940's and had an entirely different meaning at that time. Only this year has anyone tried to make something out of it that was never intended. Secondly, the second half of the song was reversed, with the man singing the protestation parts and the woman trying to get him to stay. Does anyone listen to anything in context anymore at all? Thirdly, the song takes a bit a talent to do correctly - it was fun, playful, and very well done. I am just really tired of people trying to place meanings that just are not there. PLEASE go find something to do in life rather than looking for a monster in every corner where none exists ~~
Has anyone else watched the video, & saw the Reversed version that suggests a deliberate decision to make it fair, & innocently flirty?
dude: hmm my social media isn't popular, *listens to radio*. Oh i got an idea
Modern sjw's are idiots who won't understand the valid explanation...
Charlie Brown, Rudolph, this song, where will it end?
Does it help to learn that Frank Loesser wrote the song for his WIFE to sing with him in a duet at parties? Because that was the origin of the song.
FFS. They want to ban this, and not 90% of the rap tunes out there? I guess we should ban Elf too. F'n idiots.
What about this song and/or video makes it a Christmas Carol????
I don't think anyone's saying the song actually has anything to do with Christmas. It's just become a holiday tradition. How that came to be is anyone's guess.
The year we are living #mertoopidly. I mean do these idiots of the MeToo crap wake up every morning passing Inventory about what they can get offended today? And to think that i called myself a feminist...these metoo imbeciles aren’t feminists, they are self hating humanoids in need of a good f...k.
How about these f-ing snowflakes start getting offended by rap music. The stuff in rap music makes this song sound like a Christmas Carol? Why don't these idiots just get a life?
You all are retarded.
let's spike a few drinks and get everyone in the merry spirit. It's a song. We have way worse playing on the radio with 2018 music.
My opinion, yours or not, argue or not (which I won't), its a nice Holiday song to listen to. For all these years people have thought it was great. And now all of a sudden, someone who just has to cause a brouhaha wants to start a problem and rally against a Christmas song. Face it people there are alot more things in this country to "bitch" about than a Christmas song. Take the new governor elect of Illinois, his first priority is legalize marijuana, hey we have way to many problems for that to be a priority.
LOL The final comment there in the article .
Reply to the former English Teacher: I first heard the song in my teens back in the 50's? Liked it b/c it was edgy and sex was a no man's land...both dangerous, taboo and came for some with exile and worse. The 'what's in my drink' had a slyer meaning...as in 'are you topping up my drink when I am not looking?' So I had a different take on it, but then I am female and wary about men's wiles. Further there were things called Mickey Finn's or aphrodisiacs that we 'heard of'. Later it was 'funny cigarettes referring to weed, but that's a whole other story. I always thought the woman in the song liked the guy, worried that she may go too far...she has no doubt that he will 'go all the way' as we called it..but all those other things I mentioned were a barrier still in her mind. Age didn't matter either as lots of women were still virgins late in life. So I differ somewhat with your interpretation, and feel the guy could have been 'likkering' her up, not too rapey, but cagey nevertheles
Couldn't finish my comment above. Read a statistic about my generation, born in the 30's...that most US children were conceived during such boozy encounters whether the couples were married or single. Shotgun weddings! And people were so puritanical about sex..don't know your age, but it was medieval. I am glad I lived to see less fear and taboos and consensual sex being widely taught and practised.
What's "Christamy" about the song? And is that Lucille Ball in the first part?
Just wondering. What is Christmasy about this song? And is that Lucille Ball in the first part?
OMG... these people have nothing to do. Let ‘me’ find you something to do! Go look for your brain; it’s most likely stuck way up your arses! Like we say in Miami, “que mano ‘e come-mierdas... LOL! WOW!
Bs
I'm still trying to figure out why this is considered a "holiday song"? It just mentions cold weather, nothing about any holiday. Same with "Winter Wonderland", "Sleigh Ride", and "Jingle Bells"--why don't they play all winter long? Just my $0.02.
This is ridicules, it's a fun song and to Ban it common, there is no reason . The Me To movement is going to far.
Fucking snowflakes get offended at the stupidest things... get a life.
It's so silly.. And as a fan of hip hop I find this hilarious.
Wes yes
To this article's writer and/or editor, kudos on correctly using BOTH "it's" and "its."
beautiful song,read into what you want,,it's lovely...stop the madness song we won't have music or be able to talk....
Ah get a life-it's a classic song-the nitwits that wanna read too much into a song like this,spend too much time spankin their monkeys-these radio stations that ban this song yet continue to play rap music speaks volumes-Maybe next they'll wanna ban Tom Jones' recording of Delilah because a lyric of the song is" I felt the knife in my hand and she felt no more" while I'm on a roll perhaps these holier than thou self appointed censors better listen to the lyrics of the classic lullaby "rock a bye baby"-In closing I say - take your pontificated asswipe opinions regarding specific songs that send you running to your safe spaces and put put em where the sun don't shine
i am offended by your comment
I THINK THE PERSON WHO STARTED THIS WHOLE THING IS SERIOUSLY BORED TOO DEATH!!!
But most rap songs are ok and not on the ban list... #metooexceptrapmusic
What if Aziz Ansari does a modern cover of this song ?
Politically Correct BS. It's a Romantic Duet. He's trying to convince her to stay in a cute way and she agrees it's cold out side ( ; . As much as PC people hate to admit it some women still like to flirt and be pursued a little. Many women want to feel wanted. Men too. It's called harmless flirting.
this song has nothing to do with rape...And its a shame you let some idiot tell you what you can play it.. freaking nuts... grow some some balls and play it.... Its a Christmas song about to adults having some fun time not RAPE...You guys play music about sex and people killing people and you want play Baby its Cold....What is this world coming too.....>>>>>?????? Grow the hell up
they need to grow the hell up... if you don't like it don't listen to it.....there is a lot worse songs out here ,,, they are idots…..You need to band those songs so our kids don't hear crap like that.....and for the record that song says nothing about rape.. its to adults having fun....
That nerd is right. So is Andrew Rannells. Everyone else deserves a slap.
Thank goodness for that English teacher! Seriously, people will get offended by anything these days! Just enjoy the holidays for Pete's sake!
Did SHE decide to stay or not?
This tune is a great tune, just two people wanting to stay together. on the other hand "Ain't Nobody's Business" should be banned... every time I hear it, it makes me angry. "But I'd rather my man would hit me Than follow him to jump up and quit me Ain't nobody's business if I do I swear I won't call no copper If I'm beat up by my papa Ain't nobody's business if I do"... Seroiusly!! :-(
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vj_C0vqUZzs&fbclid=IwAR0gn-i0DP1XZqLXHs2qKj6rbDXMnRUbb00_C4kmsG0kVY8EJfjv3319wDQ
It seems that there are people that get offended by everything nowadays. The song is not a rape song. It's MUTUAL sexual flirting. This was written in the 40's by a husband and wife! Some people are draining the life out of everything! CHANGE THE STATION if you don't like it! http://frankloesser.com/news/213-baby-its-cold-outside-the-real-story-of-the-song
Damm, you american puritans are becoming similar to nazi germany
Such a steaming pile of bullshit. It is a song about two people flirting. Who could see this as a rape song? That's just bullshit. Grow up - not everything is offensive - and if you're offended - just don't listen to it Why ruin it for reasonable people who like it because it is a cutesy little song?
I support the METOO movement but this is like "Picking fly shit out of pepper." It's an innocent little song. I see no one bitching about the woman trying to seduce the man in the second half of the video.
Are you kidding me. There a lot of songs that you can take and twist. I love this song and would never think that.
Go read youtube comments of Nicky Minaj and similar singers who openly display their sexuality and see all the abuse coming from so called modern world men calling them names just for saying Yes instead of making excuses like in this video.. I really see no point in playing this in this day of age as so many still think that this is how women are supposed to be when it comes to sex
And yet these morons from the me too movement clearly have no issue with rap music which is so offensive & demeaning to woman.Not to mention the violence content.IDIOTS!!
Ricardo Montalban and James Cagney? I never knew they did these songs. I like how they flipped it.
Where is their “ outrage” over the outright rape and demeaning of women in modern day songs? Yeah I didnt think so.....
And it's not a Christmas Carol. It's not even a Christmas song. It's just a winter song.
Now listen to this!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sr56-wLBEZA
Seriously? Learn cultural history, it's not about rape at all.
Didn't a female help write it?
They say Rudolph is about bullying..predujice....Horse Hockey....try to decipher some rap saying to kill cops.. black power..fuck this and that.....that's ok....are you all insane? In my youth, If you play some old lp albums back words it says to worship the devil? My phono does not run backwards......none do....sick fucks then..sicker fucks now. Yet it's ok to teach our kids that cross dressing is a good thing and socialism is the answer.
I think your a dumb ass baby! Here’s your dam trophy!🏆
'Santa Claus is coming to town is about a guy who wears a red suit who likes to stalk children
I thought it was also about rape but never said anything(because that's a way to start a family convo "Hey, I think the song "baby, it's cold outside" is about rape! what do you guys think?) anyway but it being explained like that makes more sense tough
Times have changed. This song was made in a time when these types of things were socially acceptable. The bible mentions the trading of cattle and slaves, and yet clearly many years have passed since it was written. If something is offensive to you, that's fair enough, but also don't be ignorant, not everything is made to BE offensive. Also it's just a song that was written a long time ago, there are a lot of other areas in history we should look at first if we really wanna call things out for there offensiveness. Time to move on maybe and not just block out the stuff you don't like?
I'm betting those PC, or overly sensitive people or feminazis think Peggy March's hit "I'll Follow Him" and The Police's "Every Breath You Take" are stalker songs.
'Every Breath You Take' is about a stalker. Sting himself explained that. It isn't a love song, and he's a bit surprised anyone would interpret it that way.
Modern day youth - offended by everything. It's not about Bill Cosby morons....she wants an excuse to stay. Also, you would have never had parents if rape was truly 1 out of 2 men in that era....what idiots.
Bill Cosby disagrees
whats songs next to get banned get over yourself
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You want a song a song that sounds "rapey"? Listen to Possum Kingdom by The Toadies.....
OMFG! Really?! It's not about rape at all. This is stupid. This has gone waaaay too far.
People get over it it's just a song a Christmas song get over it
What is it with everyone getting offended by modesty?? So the songs now says that everyone sings along to like it's the gospel is so much better?? Come on....
So Lady Gaga Sings and it's empowering, but the older version then offensive.. People get over it.
Is Nirvana's song "Rape me" banned?
This song is really nothing in comparison to Face by Sevendust.
When at the end of the song when both man and woman sing together, "Ah, but, it's cold outside." ,That makes anything that happens consensual.