The song “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” has been criticized for its suggestive lyrics, which imply a scenario whereby a woman appears to be coerced by a man who might have even tampered with her drink. Its introduction to the masses came through a less than remarkable summer movie, Neptune’s Daughter, which is renowned for its own set of issues.
Released 75 years ago in the month of June, Neptune’s Daughter brought to light “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” in a setting that was far removed from the holiday and wintery context it later adopted. The film, which starred Esther Williams, was essentially a vehicle for promoting swimwear, yet it unfortunately also included racist elements. Astoundingly, the controversial song even earned an Oscar for Best Original Song.
Williams, renowned for her contributions to synchronized swimming, and Ricardo Montalbán, who was new to Hollywood, had previously worked together in films with problematic cultural depictions. Neptune’s Daughter continued this pattern, mishandling diverse cultures and indulging in a flawed rom-com plot that includes mistaken identity and cultural appropriation.
The cultural insensitivity in the film reached new heights with Red Skelton, portraying a masseur, adopting a fake Latin lover persona, to the extent that Mel Blanc performed a Mexican accent that would later be used for Speedy Gonzales, contributing to cultural stereotyping.
The song made its way into the film when the intended track was dismissed by censors for suggestive language. Hence, “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” was included instead, which, given its context in the film, came across as perplexing and out of place. The bizarre attempt to incorporate this song into the narrative serves as a disturbing highlight, particularly when one scene depicts a character desperately seeking to leave an apartment amidst persistent coercion.
Over the years, “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” has secured its place as a recurring holiday tune despite its problematic origins and lyrics. It’s a reminder of an era when media and entertainment often reflected and reinforced less progressive societal norms, some of which still resurface in modern culture, leading to ongoing discussions and critiques.
Frequently Asked Questions about “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” and “Neptune’s Daughter”
What is the controversy surrounding “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”?
The song has been criticized for lyrics that suggest a coercive situation where a woman is trying to leave, but the man is pressuring her to stay, with lines implying that her drink may have been spiked with the line, “Say, what’s in this drink?”.
Did “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” win any awards?
Yes, the song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for its appearance in the film Neptune’s Daughter.
What issues are present in the movie “Neptune’s Daughter”?
The film has been criticized for promoting racist stereotypes, cultural appropriation, and for its problematic portrayal of romantic pursuits, akin to coercion, that mirror the issues present in the song “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”.
Is “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” considered a Christmas song?
Despite its wintery themes and regular inclusion in holiday music playlists, “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” was not initially a Christmas song. It became associated with the holiday season over time due to its cold weather references.
Has “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” been banned or censored?
The song has seen fluctuating acceptance, with some radio stations and streaming services choosing to remove or alter the song in their playlists in response to public criticism, particularly regarding its lyrical content.