Brooke Schwartz criticized her husband’s former teammate, Harrison Butker of the Kansas City Chiefs, for his graduation speech in which he urged women to embrace their roles as homemakers. In a series of Instagram Stories, Brooke expressed her disapproval of Butker’s comments, particularly the idea that the most important title a woman can have is that of a homemaker. She also questioned Butker’s quoting of Taylor Swift, calling it propaganda.
In his commencement speech at Benedictine College, Butker singled out the female audience, suggesting that women are most excited about marriage and children rather than career success. He praised his wife, Isabelle Butker, for embracing her role as a wife and mother, stating that his success is due to her fulfilling the role of a homemaker. Butker’s speech received backlash on social media, with many criticizing his views on gender roles.
Celebrities like Jenna Bush Hager and Flavor Flav spoke out against Butker’s speech, with Hager stating that Butker should not speak for women and Flavor Flav suggesting that players should stay in their lanes. The NFL also distanced itself from Butker’s comments, emphasizing that his views do not reflect those of the organization. The controversy surrounding Butker’s graduation speech sparked further discussion about gender roles and expectations in society.
Despite the criticism, Butker’s speech highlighted the traditional view of gender roles and the pressure on women to prioritize marriage and family over career success. Many questioned whether it was appropriate for Butker to make such comments at a college graduation, where students are congratulated for their academic achievements and potential career paths. The backlash against Butker’s speech reflects a growing awareness and advocacy for gender equality and women’s rights.
Brooke Schwartz’s response to Butker’s speech emphasized the importance of women having the freedom to make their own choices, whether that be pursuing a career, starting a family, or both. By condemning Butker’s remarks and highlighting the need for men to respect women’s autonomy, Schwartz brought attention to the ongoing discussions about gender roles and societal expectations. As the conversation continues, it is evident that there is still work to be done in promoting equality and challenging traditional beliefs about women’s roles in society.
