Anonymous wrote:I don't literally think the song is about date rape, but I do think it's a song that comes from an era where the norm was that the woman's role was to say no, and the man's role was to convince her otherwise. That cultural piece has contributed to a lot of the confusion that people have about consent, which can play a role in both date rape, and the lack of consequences for date rape.
I like the song. The tune is sweet, it makes me smile. I hum along when I hear it on the radio. But it also makes me glad that I live in a time and place where I can say what I want without having to worry that I'll be judged for wanting it, and where I can also say no with the expectation that my no will be respected.
I also think that while the "say, what's in this drink?" line was innocent at the time, it makes me think of roofies.
I agree with you. I am a millenial, and I think, for someone of my age, it's very shocking to hear. I'd rather hear Ariana grande sing, enthusiastically, that "you got me walking side to side" because that confers consent and enthusiasm. The "I want to leave" and the man not letting her thing... yeah, I don't get it. It makes me uncomfortable to listen to. I don't think history will be kind to this song, though I know it has a lot of nostalgia for older folks.