What the a reaction to Kendrick Lamar’s new song about his trans family says about our culture

Lamar raps “Auntie Diaries” from their record album “Mr.

Morale & the Big Steppers”.

He defines his cousin and uncle as crucial figures in his family’s life.

They are also trans.

The reaction to the track has been highly divisive: Though Lamar’s being praised for acknowledging trans people in an optimistic way, he’s being sharply criticized, too.

Some listeners took problem with Lamar misgendering his relatives — Lamar uses both “he/him” and “she/her” pronouns interchangeably for both family.

Other criticisms point out his utilization of his cousin’s former name and repeated use of an anti-LGBTQ slur.

Lamar sings, “My auntie ended up being a man” and states he took pride in their uncle’s transformation as a teenager.

He later on states within the song that his uncle ended up being the “first individual (he) seen write a rap,” presenting him to the art he’d eventually take over.

Lamar additionally mentions their “favorite cousin” and their transition and exactly how he “still loved” them, though the relationship between the two was strained for a period of time because his cousin “wasn’t comfortable” around him.

Lamar repeatedly uses the f–slur throughout their discussion about Lamar’s homophobic past.

At one point, Lamar says “I said the f-bombs”, later recalling an event where a White fan utilized racist language onstage as he rapped to Lamar’s song.

Jem Aswad, an assortment music critic, praised “Auntie Diaries,” as a strong and genre-shifting statement about transphobia and Lamar’s views.

However, the track received mixed reviews from listeners.

Many criticized it to be “transphobic and selfish” by Lamar, whom centered himself on a story about trans family members when using inaccurate pronouns over repeatedly and a slur.

Others defended the track as Lamar showing straight back on their life and his love of his family members.

Some others felt that the song, while problematic and not perfect, had been nevertheless meaningful because a Rapper of Lamar’s calibre — he could be the only real individual to own won the Pulitzer for his work — stated they help trans people.

Preston Mitchum had been the Trevor Project’s manager of advocacy and government affairs.

He discussed their blended responses towards the song.

He tweeted, “i’m thankful that he talked for love and acceptance of trans sibs — even though that they had to admit what culture did first.” The [slur] has thrown me down, as it’s not their word to use.

He made their point.

“The song premiered at a contentious time for trans people’s liberties: in accordance with one report at the time of March, states had introduced more than 200 bills aimed at LGBTQ people, particularly trans young people.

While reviews for the much-anticipated “Mr.

Morale & the Big Steppers”, are still to arrive, “Auntie Diaries,” is one of the most popular tracks.

Lamar has just announced that he is touring the world to promote their record album.

Its scheduled for July..

Adjusted from CNN News