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For those of you who don’t know, Harrison Butker is the renowned kicker for the back-to-back Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs. Although his career success is undeniable, his character has come under national scrutiny after a recent graduation speech given by Mr. Butker at Benedictine College. However, before we delve into what he said, it is important to address why it matters.
A byproduct of fame is the creation of a platform. Regardless of one's expertise in a subject, their thoughts and opinions are amplified as a result of their celebrity status. When Harrison Butker spoke at this graduation, he was not just speaking as an individual. He was speaking as the star kicker of the Kansas City Chiefs, a franchise followed by millions of Americans across various ages, races, and demographics. This situation mirrors why many Americans and people in the NFL criticized Colin Kaepernick for kneeling during the national anthem—because of the amplified impact their actions and words have due to their fame.
Yet, Butker’s actions were a lot more direct. In his speech, he specifically addressed women, telling them that the most important title they can have is “homemaker.” He started by saying, "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." In a time when women's roles in society are expanding and evolving, comments like these can be seen as a step backward. The speech sparked a significant backlash, with many criticizing Butker for promoting a dated and restrictive view of women's potential. Along with these comments, he also made homophobic remarks, argued against "dangerous gender ideologies," and urged men to "fight against the cultural emasculation of men."
As for comments made about this, Butker and his team have yet to speak on the matter. However, Jonathon Beane, Senior NFL VP and Chief DEI Officer, stated to NPR, "His views are not those of the NFL as an organization. The NFL is steadfast in our commitment to inclusion, which only makes our league stronger," emphasizing the league's dissociation from his comments.
Yet, this does not resolve the situation. What was said has already been shared across the internet, and the influence Butker has on his fans, especially impressionable young viewers, remains a concerning factor. As a result, there is currently a petition on Change.org advocating for Butker's resignation from the Chiefs, which has already garnered over 150,000 signatures.
This petition can be found here:
Article written by Harman Singh Kohli
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