Thanks to one group or another, Christmas celebrations are
now under attack. Even with enormous amounts of energy spent to stay out of the
fray, I’ve finally had enough. That means I’m coming out with guns blazing.
In 1964 when I was twelve, the special “Rudolph the Red-Nosed
Reindeer” aired during prime time. It was an animated show that featured the
reindeer, Santa, Cornelius, and Hermey. The original song
fit the narrative;
however, an elf wanting to be a dentist, a prospector, and a surly monster, and
a doe girlfriend were added to the show to more fully develop the plot.
After 54 years of airing a Christmas special that adds to
the season’s joy and brings memories rushing back to millions of adults,
critics have now decided what is a favorite program for many of us is nothing
more than a display of bigotry, racism, homophobia, and abusive behavior. Give
me a break.
Yes, plenty of those things exist in our world every day,
and each of us should do his best to fight those social ills. With that said,
it is absolutely absurd to view “Rudolph” and attempt to convince the public
that it’s filled with such terrible things. Surely these evaluators can find
something better to do with their time than to bash a children’s Christmas
show.
If that weren’t bad enough, another group has attacked the
Christmas song “Baby It’s Cold Outside.” A Cleveland radio station banned the
song as too offensive for 2018 airing. The Urban Dictionary tags the song as
the “Christmas date rape song.”
The 1944 song lyrics present a man who is trying to keep his
date from leaving. She says “no” to all of his objections until the end when
she decides to stay for a little longer. How in the hell is that “date
rape?”
What critics are saying is that women are helpless beings who are incapable of
saying “no” and meaning it. In no place does this song present the idea that a
man sexually attacks his date. He does what men have done for years: tries to
sweet talk women. I figure women are truly wise enough to keep from being
tricked by that.
Folks, all sorts of bad things exist in our world. They have
for all time. I despise racism; homophobia is a ridiculous reaction to those
who live different lives; abuse of wives, children, workers, or animals is
abhorrent. Rape is a crime that should be taken seriously and one that our
court system must address with swift punishment.
What is unacceptable is the rise of something that is every
bit as harmful to our society. Political correctness is a result of overly
sensitive reactions to events, words, or programs. Sure, some things just
shouldn’t be said, and some things shouldn’t occur. The kicker is that these
people who make a living as world-wide censors are causing all of us to trip
over ourselves to keep from hurting anyone’s feelings. They go to battle over
such ridiculous things as labeling a child’s Christmas program or a Christmas
season song as wrong, hurtful, and unacceptable. Who died and made them the
final authorities over what is appropriate?
Okay, some of you find programs on television or songs on
the radio offensive. I agree that you have the right to that opinion. At the
same time, millions of folks love those same things. How can the problem be
settled? Don’t tell me that my children shouldn’t be subjected to such things;
that’s a ton of bull poop, and you don’t get to make that decision. If these
critics are so upset about “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” or “Baby It’s Cold
Outside,” they have a remedy available. Turn off the television and don’t watch
or hit switch on the radio to a different station and don’t listen.
Leave my Christmas season and favorites alone. I assure you
neither of them promotes any kind of social or criminal intentions in my life.
I hope critics can figure out a way to enjoy at least one part of the season
without being offended. If not they will find the world in which they live is
cold outside.
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