Apparently, the popular Christmas hit, "Baby, It's Cold Outside," is inappropriate. Those opposed to the song claim it promotes date rape.

But Why? Why Now?

The song dates back to the 1940s, and things were way different back then. The song might not seem appropriate based on our current social perspectives. But at the time, there was nothing wrong with the song.

There's Even A Radio Station That Has Banned It

The bone of contention is that the song features a male singer who is trying to dissuade the female character from leaving.

Sure, that seems a little off in today's culture. But at the time, this was quite provocative.

It was considered scandalous for a woman to be alone with a man in the same house or room past a certain time.

So, the song challenged the social norms of the time in a positive manner.

Today, Nobody Cares When A Woman Leaves A Man's House

The woman in the song doesn't really want to leave. She only insists on it to avoid causing a scandal. These days, she would have no such issues.

At the time, everyone was curious as to what a woman was doing. She clearly says "There's bound to be a talk tomorrow." Her concerns are how society might look upon her on discovering that she is leaving a man's house after a night there.

So, the man is not trying to 'trick' her so he can take advantage of her, but challenging her to go against social norms.

And then again, the song gets to a point where the male singer takes on the verses of the female and vice versa.

The video also shows there is a clear attraction between the two.

Nobody is uncomfortable with the other in the song. The only issue is how society might look upon the two if they spend the night together.

Whatever Is Going On Here Is Consensual

So, taking one line: "what's in this drink?" to claim the song promotes date rape is misguided.

The woman is not suggesting that the man has put anything in her drink.

If you were to brush up on your history, you would learn that this was a pretty popular phrase at the time. It was meant to show that the effect a drink was having on someone was making them do or likely to do something unexpected.

In other words, the woman is suggesting she feels persuaded to stay, although a woman in her position would not do that to avoid being viewed negatively by society.

In a way, she is excusing herself in case she does the unthinkable and stays.

View The Song In Consideration Of The Time's Social Culture, Not Today's

Sure, today the song seems to promote date rape. But then, women have the freedom to be wherever they want at any time of the day.

But in the 1940s, it was unthinkable for a woman to be alone with a man under the circumstances described in the song.

Both are trying to challenge the social norms that held them back at the time. So, if anything, the song promotes women's rights. We don't need to read more into it.