Despite backlash from many, college-educated and working women across the nation are coming to the defense of Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker after his graduation speech at Benedictine College garnered criticism for containing allegedly "sexist" remarks.
Harrison Butker's commencement speech at Benedictine College has ignited a fierce debate, with college-educated and working women across the United States rallying in his defense. Butker's words, which emphasized the importance of women becoming wives and mothers, have elicited a mix of support and criticism, sparking a wider discussion about gender roles and women's aspirations.
Following the backlash to Butker's speech, a rallying cry was issued by "Out of Context" podcast host Noelle Fitchett, calling on women with similar views to come forward. Fitchett wrote on Thursday, "Can we start a trend with women with degrees and careers but agree with Harrison Butker's speech?"
Fitchett's post resonated with numerous women, who shared their support for Butker's message. Mamavestor, a user with two Bachelor's degrees and a new job, expressed her agreement with Butker's perspective on the significance of marriage and motherhood.
Tara Ross, a retired attorney and author, emphasized her education and knowledge of constitutional history, stating that her greatest accomplishment was raising her family. She echoed Butker's sentiment, "I agree with Harrison Butker. More wives and mothers, please."
Rupali, a Johns Hopkins-educated and double board-certified physician, shared her belief that building her family was her greatest honor. "I agree with Harrison Butker! More wives and mothers please!!" she declared.
Butker's words during the May 11 commencement speech resonated with some attendees, particularly his remarks about the significance of becoming a wife and mother. He asserted that women have been subjected to "the most diabolical lies" about their aspirations.
"How many of you are sitting here now about to cross this stage and are thinking about all the promotions and titles you are going to get in your career? Some of you may go on to lead successful careers in the world, but I would venture to guess that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world," he said.
Butker praised his wife, Isabelle, for making his success possible, attributing her fulfillment to her roles as a wife and mother. His remarks were met with applause.
However, Butker's speech also drew criticism, particularly from some who viewed his comments as demeaning to women's aspirations and their ability to make their own choices. Kelly Stafford, wife of Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, expressed her disagreement.
"It is a choice. It is a woman's choice whether she is just a mom. It is a woman's choice whether she decides to be a career woman," she said. "It is a woman's choice if she decides to do both and balance and do all that. And I think for someone to get up at a commencement speech and tell women who have been working their butts off for four years, possibly paying their way and are now in debt and they're gonna need a career, that their biggest success story will be being a mom and a wife and don't get me wrong, that might be. But it's their choice whether they do that or not."
On social media platforms, the outpouring of support for Butker also encountered backlash. Kathia Woods, a journalist, responded to Fitchett's post, emphasizing the diversity of women's choices and the key role of individual preferences. "That's the issue. He told the women, who like you, were sitting in that chair because of their hard work, time, money, and tears, that they're going to end up as stay at home moms end of story. That doesn't have to be the case," she wrote.
Despite the controversy, some left-wing voices defended Butker's right to free speech. HBO's Bill Maher expressed his view that Butker's comments were not particularly offensive. Whoopi Goldberg, co-host of "The View," also set herself apart from her colleagues, who had criticized Butker's remarks.
"Listen, I like when people say what they need to say. He's at a Catholic college. He's a staunch Catholic. These are his beliefs and he's welcome to 'em," she said. "I don't have to believe 'em. I don't have to accept them... The same way we want respect when [former NFL quarterback and civil rights activist] Colin Kaepernick takes a knee, we want to give respect to people whose ideas are different from ours."
The ongoing debate surrounding Harrison Butker's commencement speech highlights the complexities of gender roles and societal expectations. While some believe that women's fulfillment lies primarily in traditional domestic roles, others emphasize the importance of individual choice and the pursuit of diverse aspirations. The discussion continues to underscore the need for open dialogue and a nuanced understanding of the experiences and perspectives of women in contemporary society.
