Chiefs Harrison Butker quotes Taylor Swift and gets backlash for conservative and derogatory comments about female students

Chiefs player sparked controversy and received tremendous backlash as a reaction to the comments made during his speech at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. College is one of the most prominent conservative colleges in the country,

The fast-growing college is part of a constellation of conservative Catholic colleges that "tout their adherence to church teachings and practice," being part of the Catholic Church in the United States. The school additionally gets a high ranking from the Cardinal Newman Society - a group that brings Catholic schools "faithfully Catholic education."

In his speech, Butker criticised the LGBTQ+ community, abortion, and President Joe Biden and highlighted the importance of stereotypically conservative gender roles. He used Taylor Swift's lyrics from the song "Bejeweld." The singer is unmarried, does not have children and was chosen by Time magazine as the Person of the Year. Furthermore, he also targeted the lockdown measures during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He started the speech by connecting... traditional gender roles with Taylor Swift's lyrics. As he quoted "familiarity breeds contempt," the kicker further elaborated on the role of motherhood, marriage, and family has, contrasting it with the role of workplace and life experience.

His words about women in the workplace became especially infamous. He addressed female graduates 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." Interestingly, he admitted that his wife, according to him, had started fully enjoying her life after becoming wife and mother, and thus, the most crucial part of her experience is connected to gaining "one of the most important titles of all: homemaker." Especially striking for the critics was the fact that he stated those words during the ceremony proclaiming academic success and achievement, simultaneously diminishing and belittling the experience and hard work of female students. Sam McDowell in the Kansas City Star commented, "Women listening in the audience, rather than being rewarded with a diploma on graduation day, were made to listen as he promoted the role of homemaker — not as an acceptable choice, but as their duty as a husband’s servant."

Moreover, Butker also offended IVF, surrogacy, degenerate cultural values," "dangerous gender ideologies," and "the tyranny of diversity, equity and inclusion." Even President Joe Biden was personally attacked during the speech. Kansas kicker said the President was "delusional" and that "Our nation is led by a man who publicly and proudly proclaims his Catholic faith, but... has been so vocal in his support for the murder of innocent babies," making the additional room for further, unrelated statements connected to his personal beliefs rather than the academic achievement of the students.

The harmful comments that he operated on consisted additionally of a statement concerning the LGBTQ+ community and Pride Month. The player addressed Pride Month as a "deadly sin sort of Pride that has an entire month dedicated to it."

The controversies do not end here. One of the strongest reactions to Butker's speech was a result of the quote from Taylor Swift's song "Bejewelled," which is also a common phrase. He said:

Taylor Swift fans—Swifties—are especially troubled by two aspects of the quote. On the one hand, Swift's fanbase finds using the term "teammate's girlfriend" to address one of the most successful contemporary musicians and Time Magazine's Person of the Year incredibly disrespectful.

On the other hand, people found the issue with quoting her to strengthen and highlight his values, which are contrary to the values and worldviews claimed by the majority of Swift's fanbase. Swifties point out that Taylor Swift is also unmarried and does not have children; yet, it would have been impossible not to call her successful.

An online petition to dismiss Butker for "discriminatory remarks" has already been issued and has been signed by almost 180,000 people.

The NFL distanced itself from Butker and his comments. Johnathan Beane, NFL senior vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer, said in a related statement on Thursday that Butker's "views are not those of the NFL as an organisation. The NFL is steadfast in our commitment to inclusion, which only makes our league stronger."

A former NFL cheerleader for the Kansas City Chiefs, Stefanie Hills in her TikTok took a stand and commented on Butker's speech. She said: "The best part of your speech when you said 'stay in your lane' ten plus times. Bro, take your own advice." Additionally, Vicki Chan, a doctor, and TikTok creator in her short video asked Butker "What does your mom think about your little speech, Harrison?"

College football coach Lou Holtz, however, praised Butker for his speech, thanking him for "standing strong in your faith values." "Your commencement speech at Benedictine College showed courage and conviction and I admire that. Don’t give in," Holtz wrote on X.

Furthermore, T. J. Moe, NFL wide receiver for New England Patriots, also praised Butker for the comment, claiming nothing stated by the footballer is controversial and people who claim otherwise "are evil."

Kansas City Chiefs officials have not yet released an official statement concerning the petition or Butker's speech in general.

Source: BBC, Fox News, Page Six, Sportskeeda, Newsweek, NBC, Sky Sport, ABC.NET.AU