By Joe Rector
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.
