How about some sense with our sensibilities?
I was going to try to refrain from weighing in on this politically correct nonsense that comes to light seemingly every holiday season.
Every year it is suggested that “someone” somewhere is telling us not to say Merry Christmas and then the social-media universe goes berserk.
As far as I know, nobody has ever insisted that we not say Merry Christmas. It is just a friendly greeting, like “have a nice day."
Say it. Don’t say it. Not a big deal.
What tipped the scale was this craziness about the song Baby, It's Cold Outside and the suggestion that someone in this age of #MeToo suggested it was about date rape or sexual harassment.
What gave it legs was when some radio stations pulled it from their playlists. All because of a few complaints. Ridiculous.
It’s a story as old as time. It was written in the 1940s. A guy is trying to get a girl to stay at his house longer than she should and using all his charms while trying all the tactics.
That used to be called flirting. That used to be how dates went. Romantic negotiation.
If you hear the lyrics differently, I think you are reading too much into it.
It got me to thinking what should offend me/us and what probably should not.
Not offensive: Christmas specials featuring Rudolph, Frosty, Santa or any number of elves. Any scary or violent scenes were not real. Children knew the difference. Good always won. Lessons were taught.
Offensive: Children in lockdown around the world cowering in fear from real bad guys with real weapons. Good doesn’t always win. Lessons seem never to be learned.
Not offensive: Old idioms like “putting all your eggs in one basket," “bringing home the bacon” or “beating a dead horse." If I say them it doesn’t mean I don’t love animals.
Offensive: PETA members or vegans who judge my bacon-laden meals. Go ahead and bring home the broccoli for all I care!
Not offensive: Nativity scenes, candy canes, Santa Claus, etc.
Offensive: Giant Scroogy corporations laying off thousands of people pre-Christmas. Their timing and callousness offends me. Refugees tear-gassed at an American border. Cruel and offensive.
A journalist killed and dismembered, in an embassy, and nobody held to account. Beyond offensive.
There is much to be outraged about in this world and in this current political climate.
I know we all have different standards and beliefs. There are different things that push our buttons.
The bottom line is that a million things can offend us if we let them.
Maybe sometimes we are looking too hard.
You don’t like a song? Change the channel.
You don’t care for certain phrases? Don’t say them.
May I suggest a few key words for what should be a kind and compassionate season?
Ignore, overlook, rise above.
I’m quite sure this blog will offend someone.
I guess my goose is cooked.
