Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker gave one of the most ugly and misogynistic graduation speeches:
"I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolic lies told to you. 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. I can tell you that my beautiful wife, Isabelle, would be the first to say that her life truly started when she began living her vocation as a wife and a mother. I’m on this stage, and able to be the man I am, because I have a wife who leans into her vocation. I’m beyond blessed with the many talents god has given me, but it cannot be overstated that all of my success is made possible because a girl I met in band class back in middle school would convert to the faith, become my wife, and embrace one of the most important titles of all: homemaker."
The team thus far has been silent about Butker's comments which don't stop with his antiquated views of a woman's role in society. He also went on an anti-LGBTQ rant. Speaking of Pride month, Butker said: “Not the deadly sins sort of Pride that has an entire month dedicated to it, but the true God-centered pride that is cooperating with the holy ghost to glorify him.”
Former Kansas City commissioner Justice Horn posted on social media: "Harrison Butker doesn’t represent Kansas City nor has he ever. Kansas City has always been a place that welcomes, affirms, and embraces our LGBTQ+ community members."
Of course, right-wing and white nationalist platforms that usually tell athletes of color to shut up and dribble are now (in this case) championing Butker's remarks. Butker represents a segment of the population that wants to go backwards, particularly with women's rights. These people are getting bolder and more hateful. The goal is to wrench power from a society that has become more pluralistic and diverse, and put it back into the hands of a small group of men. And these neanderthals aren't talking about men of color having all this power. Butker gives the entire game away with this part of his speech:
"To the gentlemen here today, part of what plagues society is this lie that has been told to you that men are not necessary in the home or in our communities,' Butker said. "As men, we set the tone of the culture, and when that is absent, disorder, dysfunction and chaos set in. This absence of men in the home is what plays a large role in the violence we see all around the nation. Be unapologetic in your masculinity. Fight against the cultural emasculation of men. Do hard things. Never settle for what is easy."
People like Butker should only feel threatened because of their ignorance and hate. There is no emasculation of men-- it's a totally fabricated thing. Men aren't losing power. Women don't need to stay in the kitchen, unless they want to. The only thing we need to be afraid of are people like Butker who want to take America back in time.
No comments:
Post a Comment