I am throwing caution to the wind.

I first became aware that there was an issue from reading a TLT right here in TheLatest on December 7, cleverly titled Baby, It’s Cold . . . Go Home Now! Gabriel Perez reported:

“Back in 1944, when people had a sense of humor, a songwriter by the name of Frank Loesser wrote, Baby, It's Cold Outside, a fun, flirtatious, song which was featured in a 1949 film by the name of Neptune's Daughter. The song was so popular the film won an Oscar for best original song."

Okay, so far, so good. But what was all the fuss about?

“So, you may be wondering what all the fuss is about. Well, a small controversy started when a radio station in Cleveland called WDOK decided the song was offensive, removing it from their yule-tide playlist. The station's host explained that he was taking the #MeToo movement into consideration.” 

Then this morning I received a different online newsletter in my email (whose name shall not be mentioned – I didn’t ask for it; it just arrived) with an article called Kiss the Song Buh-Bye. As reported:

“Partially in response to heavy scrutiny amidst the #metoo movement, many radio stations have pulled the plug on the classic Baby, It's Cold Outside Christmas song.”

Who knew Cleveland could be a trend setter?

I can't take it anymore. This is where I draw the line. So, here goes. This happens to be one of my favorite songs (Frank Loesser is a genius, but that’s neither here nor there – shows: Guys and Dolls, How to Succeed in Business; songs: Two Sleepy People, What are You Doing New Year’s Eve?, Slow Boat to China - Oh Frank, now I get what that was really about, you devil.)

I’ve written multiple feminist-minded TLTs. Nevertheless, I want to plainly and unequivocally state that in my view the song in question is not about date rape, nor is it manipulative, assaultive, demeaning, harassing, or anything else the #metoo movement might want to call it. 

(Okay my millennials, maybe you should read and listen – you don’t want to miss out on one of life’s true pleasures).

This is a song of seduction -

which is consensual (do I have to point out that she voluntarily stays - for how long we don't know).

Ricardo and Esther are both adults and they both know exactly what's going on. (That's the fun of it). And frankly, there is nothing like a good seduction, well-played and well-received. It’s an art form which, I daresay is nearly extinct, and in the interest of global bio-diversity we should do whatever we can to preserve it!

Granted, like any other art form, it requires both experience and wisdom not to bungle it, which is why we should watch and learn.

Or would you prefer this?

Hence, thank you Frank Loesser; and to radio stations everywhere, keep playing that song.

(No wonder Cleveland has such a bad rep.)