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Abdul Hakim-Shabazz is a guest columnist for the Indy Star newspaper1. Not a conservative as some would define it, he none-the-less voices rather conservative opinions concerning a number of issues. One being the near hysterics of some in the MeToo movement over the holiday classic, “Baby, It’s Cold Outside.” Mr. Shabazz voicing the opinion that being hypercritical of mores΄ and attitudes decades removed from our own, often expressed onscreen and through music, can be downright silly, not to mention unfair and even irresponsible.

Any balanced examination of the afore-mentioned song convincingly repudiates the claim that it promotes date-rape as its lyrics depict a man trying to convince a woman to stay in out of the cold and spend the night with him. The woman, rather than expressing fear of the man, seems rather tempted but hesitant because of her real fear of what her friends and family might think if she does. In response to this hyper-sensitivity, Mr. Shabazz rather facetiously offers up a few other well-known seasonal songs in danger by those he characterized as Social Justice Warriors. (Mark Franks, another Indy Star contributor, describing many in this movement as the Choir of the Continually Offended.2) “Do You Hear What I Hear”, offending the hearing impaired. “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”, being insensitive to women. “There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays”, disrespecting the homeless. And the “Twelve Days of Christmas”, for promoting self-indulgence.

One other seasonal classic that was criticized was, “Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer”; being accused of promoting bullying on one hand and male chauvinism on the other. Apparently the whole point of the song/movie being missed – how poorly Rudolph was being treated – while the comment by Rudolph’s dad to his mom about finding their little runaway being “man’s work” was entirely blown way out of proportion. (And then there’s the Omaha principle who actually banned candy canes from his school because of their shape – J – possibly seen as alluding to Jesus.)

To be sure, neither Mr. Shabazz nor myself are claiming all the concerns of the MeToo movement or any others seeking fairness and justice for all are bogus or over-reacting. But the climate being created is such that everything and everyone is suspect today while being a victim of someone or something is the norm. (Mr. Shabazz’s article, “Tis the Season to be Deeply Offended” speaking to this past holiday season but equally applicable to our country’s general “season” of discontent as well.)

For instance, college kids demand “safe havens” on campus to be protected from programs or lectures challenging their preconceived ideas and understanding of issues. (Which has long been held as a primary function of college, not brow-beating students into conformity, but broadening their minds with new and different ideas and experiences that might change their understanding of issues, or just as likely reinforce their beliefs through gaining a fuller understanding of the positions of their “opponents” views; often mitigating the hurt feelings and misunderstandings common to any debate.)

Another example would be the men/boys and occasionally women too often tried and convicted of political mis-steps and sex-crimes of varying degrees in and through social media – some of which have been committed and deserve their just due – before all the facts are known and even in spite of real evidence to the contrary. (Again bypassing a near sacred tenet of our legal system, that there is a presumption of innocence until proven guilty, an integral part of due process.)

Black Lives Matter has become a celebrity focus, and certainly no black person should lose their life to a cop – black or white – unnessarily. Nobody does. Everyone deserving the full protection of the law. (Including the cops.)

Alcohol and drug addiction is another cause celebreʹ, but characterizing it as a disease and absolving people of any personal responsibility for its cause and effects as well as its cure often proves utterly unproductive in alleviating it. (Creating safe houses where clean needles are dispensed and users are monitored – not to facilitate a cure but to provide safety in shooting up – to my mind is an example of misplaced compassion.)

Illicit sex, by either gender – among gays or straights – the commercial sex industry, which at times includes sex trafficking – is certainly a cause for concern. But often rather than calling it what it is; dangerous, self-serving, illegal sin – we enable people in the continuance of a lifestyle even as we attempt to save them from its consequences. (Handing out condoms to kids and young adults not teaching them responsible sex but often encouraging experimentation.)

The cause and effects of homelessness are being debated and studied and needs our attention; but in a reasoned, seasonable fashion. Accompanied with the realization that some homeless people are so by choice; they being unwilling to make the changes only they can make to rectify their situation.

And no, I’m not trying to blame the victims here. Especially as Christians, we must be compassionate, understanding, patient, supportive and helpful to the needy. (See Matthew 25:31-46) But we must also be discerning so that we genuinely uplift those in peril rather than enable bad behavior. The risk of being taken advantage of is real, but worth the risk. Our benevolence, well-received or not, often having unforeseen consequences. (See Hebrews 13:1-3!)

Paul’s instructions to the Galatians reverberates throughout time and sets the tone for the church past and present. “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” Galatians 5:6 As, “The entire law (of do’s and don’ts meant to lead us to “right” living and loving deeds) is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:14 The presence of God’s Holy spirit in our lives enabling us to express ourselves with, “…love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22,23

1Mr. Shabazz is also an Indy attorney as well as the publisher of IndyPolitics.org

2Mr. Franks serves as the adjunct scholar at the Indy Policy Review and is the Vice Chancellor at IUPUI – Fort Wayne.

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