A Norway-based alleged activist group has deemed the lyrics for Aretha Franklin’s hit song ‘(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman’ to be offensive. Hence, they are calling for the song to be removed from music-playing platforms such as Apple Music and Spotify.
Here is everything you need to know.
Aretha Franklin’s Natural Woman controversy explained
The Trans-Cultural Mindfulness Alliance took to their social media account to slam Aretha Franklin’s 1968 hit song Natural Woman for being offensive to trans women.
Moreover, they shared, ‘Aretha Franklin’s 1968 song ‘Natural Woman’ perpetuates multiple harmful anti-trans stereotypes. There is no such thing as a ‘natural’ woman.’
In addition, the organization is requesting music platforms such as Apple Music and Spotify to remove the track from their streaming services.
Social media users react to TCMA condemning Aretha Franklin’s Natural Woman Advertisement
Many internet users slammed the Trans-Cultural Mindfulness Alliance for trying to cancel Aretha Franklin for her song Natural Woman.
Moreover, they pointed out that the cancel culture is supposedly going too far.
Meanwhile, others were divided over whether it was okay to cancel a song that was released more than fifty years ago.
A user wrote, ‘This has gone too far and you’re not coming for one of Queen #ArethaFranklin biggest hits. Am I the only one who sees this as demented?’
Another user chimed in to say, ‘So, someone heard the song and attacked trans people? What are things that never happened for $400.’
Someone else wrote, ‘It’s a great song and I’m going to listen to it right now because of this post. Thanks!’
TCMA claims the account to be a parody after backlash
TCMA updated their Twitter bio to ‘Parody/Satire’ after the tweet about them slamming Aretha Franklin’s song started going viral.
Additionally, the group noted that they aim to promote ‘cultural changes to ensure the inclusivity of trans individuals.’
In a follow-up message, they criticized new groups for ignoring that their Twitter account is actually a parody page.
They said, ‘Based on the sheer ridiculousness of the content on this page, how could JOURNALISTS not comprehend that this is parody/satire.’
Meanwhile, Franklin’s song A Natural Woman is in reality considered to be a powerful track. It includes a motivating message for masses all around the world.
Franklin performed it at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. in 2015 for an event that honored its writers Gerry Goffin and Carole King.