What is in the weight of words? When someone gives a speech, are we as members of the public meant to hold the speaker accountable for their thoughts? Or, should we cast the meaning aside, considering it to be nothing more than a lavish spectacle?
Words Without Power
There is a well-known adage quoted by many, that starts with “sticks and stones”. However, others subscribe to an equally relevant saying “say what you mean, mean what you say.” Carrying this view, however, is rapidly becoming outdated due to the rise of public forums.
Cheap Talk
In the modern digital landscape of the media, words are no doubt in a greater abundance than ever before. This overindulgence of content can lead people to feel that meaning behind what people say has been cheapened.
Media Gone Mad
Debates over the regulation of speech and consequences of speaking out are more relevant than ever. Otherwise, humanity will lose itself to the spiral of misinformation and rhetoric before it even understands what is happening.
Benediction Gone Bad
No example is more timely than what is currently going on with Harrison Butker. Butker, the kicker for the Kansas City Chiefs, has gotten himself wrapped up in a scandal after delivering a fiery commencement speech at Benedictine College.
Less Than Motivating
The NFL player made several tasteless comments during his speech on May 11, 2024, leading to public outrage. Much of his time addressing the graduates focused on encouraging women to forgo their professional pursuits and become stay-at-home mothers.
Old School or Outdated?
Butker commented that while some of the female graduates “may go on to lead successful careers in the world,” Butker “would venture to guess that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world.”
Targeting Queer Rights
His tirade continued, pointing to the queer community as his next target. He referred to the LGBTQ+ community as committing “deadly sins”, noting that men should “set the tone of society, and when that is absent, disorder, dysfunction and chaos set in.”
Under the Microscope
Word of what is now being referred to as the “Butker Scandal” spread quickly, garnering criticism from many top-tier celebrities and corporations. Sarah Kate Ellis, president and CEO of GLAAD, was joined in her critiques with stars Whoopi Goldberg and Maren Morris.
Low Expectations
After the backlash, many turned to the NFL for a public statement in regards to the inflammatory speech. A statement was offered by Jonathan Beane, Chief Diversity Officer to the NFL, though many are disappointed with the response.
Need Some Distance
“Harrison Butker gave a speech in his personal capacity,” Beane voiced to Outsports. “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.”
Who’s Top Priority?
Beane’s statement seems to appease none who were upset by the statement. Many feel that his remark is empty and dismisses responsibility for the player’s speech. It appears that the NFL is more concerned with covering their own skin than standing against Butker’s views.
Quiet on the Field
As for the response of Butker’s team, no official statement has been made available. Justice Horn, the previous chair for the Kansas City LGBTQ+ Commission, is not simply letting the silence go on unchecked.
Calling Out Chiefs
Horn posted online that “Members of our community deserve to know the values of this organization — an organization we all pay for. This is a time for the team to lean in and embrace the community, not remain silent when groups of people are being harmed here locally.”
Wide Range of Emotions
While official statements from the team have yet to be released, individuals have taken their own stance on the matter. The responses range from full-on support to downright disgust for Butker’s comments.
Heiress Airs Opinions
Gracie Hunt, the heiress to the Kansas City Chiefs appeared on national television and showed her support for the football player. Hunt made her comments on an episode of Fox & Friends, painting Butker’s message in a positive light.
Cementing Bias
Hunted noted that “I can only speak from my own experience, which is I had the most incredible mom who had the ability to stay home and be with us as kids growing up,”.
Reflecting a Nation
Concerns over Hunt’s public painting of Butker as a good guy continues to outrage fans, both local and national. Scandals like this highlight a degree of political polarity within US borders, and with little guidance on how to deescalate before tensions rise too high.
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This post first appeared on Pulse of Pride.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / rarrarorro.
