Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker came under fire for his graduation speech at Benedictine College, where he encouraged male graduates to embrace masculinity, criticized working women, and quoted Taylor Swift. Butker’s speech touched on controversial topics like abortion, IVF, surrogacy, and LGBTQ+ pride, leading to backlash on social media and calls for his removal from the football team. The kicker’s remarks about women’s roles in marriage and society, as well as his views on men’s importance in the home, were met with criticism and condemnation from various sources, including former Kansas City commissioner Justice Horn and OutSports.
Chiefs’ Harrison Butker Faces Backlash Over Graduation Speech
Harrison Butker, the Kansas City Chiefs’ kicker, recently found himself in hot water after delivering a graduation speech at Benedictine College that stirred up controversy. In his address, Butker made remarks that have been criticized for being insensitive and outdated.
Butker’s speech began by acknowledging the challenges that the graduates faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, but quickly veered into more contentious territory. He touched on topics such as abortion, IVF, surrogacy, and even took a swipe at President Joe Biden, drawing ire from many listeners.
Criticism of Butker’s Speech
One of the most controversial aspects of Butker’s speech was his comments directed towards working women. He encouraged male graduates to “be unapologetic in your masculinity” and to combat the “cultural emasculation of men.” These remarks were seen as dismissive of the achievements and aspirations of women in the workforce.
Butker’s choice to quote Taylor Swift, referring to her as his “teammate’s girlfriend,” further raised eyebrows. The use of this reference in the context of his speech about gender roles and expectations left many scratching their heads.
Reactions and Consequences
Unsurprisingly, Butker’s speech sparked a wave of backlash on social media. Many fans and observers expressed disappointment and frustration with his views, with some calling for him to be removed from the Chiefs’ roster.
Former Kansas City commissioner Justice Horn criticized Butker, stating that his views did not align with the inclusive values of the city. The LGBTQ+ community also felt targeted by Butker’s speech, with his disparaging comments about pride being labeled as “deadly sins.”
Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
The fallout from Butker’s graduation speech serves as a reminder of the importance of using platforms responsibly and being mindful of the impact of words. In a time where diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the forefront of societal discussions, it is crucial for public figures to be thoughtful in their messaging.
Moving forward, it remains to be seen how Butker and the Kansas City Chiefs will address the fallout from his controversial speech. Whether through apologies, education, or other actions, it is essential for Butker to reflect on the feedback he has received and consider how to better align his public statements with the values of respect and inclusivity.
