Harrison Butker's Controversial Commencement Speech at Benedictine College Sparks Debate

Harrison Butker, kicker for the Kansas City Chiefs, delivered a 2024 commencement speech at Benedictine College that has ignited a wave of reactions, with some critics labeling his remarks as "misogynistic." Delivered on May 11 to the Catholic liberal arts college’s graduating class in Atchison, Kansas, Butker's speech was described as an attempt to voice "difficult stuff out loud." He has acknowledged his reputation for speaking his mind, and this speech was no exception.

What Did Butker Say?

During his 20-minute address, Butker made several statements that have been widely scrutinized. Speaking directly to the women graduates, he aimed to challenge what he called "the most diabolical lies" they had been told. He suggested that instead of focusing solely on professional achievements, they should be excited to embrace the "vocation" of homemaker, citing his own wife, Isabelle Butker, as an example. He noted that Isabelle’s life "really started when she began living her vocation as a wife and as a mother," and claimed that despite not achieving her career dreams, she has no regrets. In his words, "Isabelle’s dream of having a career might not have come true, but if you asked her today if she has any regrets on her decision, she would laugh out loud, without hesitation, and say, ‘Heck, no.’"

Butker also urged the male graduates to be "unapologetic in your masculinity" and to resist what he termed the "cultural emasculation of men."

The speech spanned a range of topics, including pride, birth control, COVID restrictions, "dangerous gender ideologies," and Catholic principles. He criticized the concept of pride as celebrated during Pride Month, advocated against birth control and abortion, and expressed disapproval of IVF and surrogacy, which he described as playing God with childbirth. Additionally, Butker expressed his affection for the traditional Latin mass and criticized the current state of the priesthood, lamenting that some priests prioritize hobbies or appearances over their spiritual duties.

Public Reaction and Tellwut Poll Results

The response to Butker’s speech has been mixed. In a Tellwut poll of over 2,600 people, 50% of respondents found the speech disrespectful to the graduating women, while 30% disagreed and 20% were unsure. Tellwut member chloe2000 says "Love this guy!! Such a great speaker and I agree with him!! A woman's highest calling is a biblical role of wife and mother. Liberals are just mad because he is conservative and right." and member star_stitcher5 makes a compelling argument, writing "He is entitled to his opionion just like everyone else is. He's not wrong in what he said about women. Women bear the children and raise them. They are the mothers of the future. There is no job more important to humanity than the raising of healthy, well balanced children to adulthood. No matter what else they do in their lives, that is the most important. Jacqueline Kennedy once said that if you fail in raising your children, nothing else you do matters very much (paraphrasing). I agree with that." On the other side, member Milanim says "It is time that he realize that women and men have the same opportunities in life and are not bound to the archa que roles of the dinosaur era." and member annabanana33 commented "I feel so sorry for all of the women who were forced to listen to this scumbag degenerate speak at the most important time of their lives. The college failed women that day, & men too. "

When asked whether politics should have been excluded from the graduation speech, even though it was delivered at a Catholic school, 62% of participants said yes, politics should be left out, 23% said no, and 15% were unsure. Susandawn commented "Politics doesn't belong in most ceremonies! Both women & men should be able to follow any career path that they choose! Some men are better suited to be the main parental care giver, whatever works best for everyone involved! " while keepitreal says "Butker presented his Catholic world view at a Catholic University commencement address; this is not even newsworthy."

The poll also queried whether respondents thought the NFL’s response to the speech was appropriate. Half of the participants (50%) agreed with the NFL's reaction, 22% disagreed, and 28% were undecided. Tellwut member Davkar stated "I see no reason why the NFL felt it had to comment about the speech beyond "Harrison Butker gave a speech in his personal capacity," . The speech was given at a private Catholic college in Kansas and probably it found a receptive audience, at least amongst the faculty. Only if he wore his team uniform would the NFL have cause to comment." and prettykitty commented "Not a Chiefs fan but if this is what he believes and it was stated without malice, then the NFL was correct in addressing this was his view and not that of the NFL. It's a small private college that had to know what they were getting."

Conclusion

Harrison Butker's commencement speech at Benedictine College has clearly sparked a significant debate, highlighting the diverse opinions on the intersection of personal beliefs, gender roles, and public discourse. The varied reactions reflect broader societal discussions on these critical issues, underscoring the complexity of addressing such topics in public forums.