Outrage has been building following an address by Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker at Benedictine College where he criticized President Joe Biden, the COVID-19 response, and various political, religious, and cultural issues. Among those upset with Butker’s comments is Brooke Schwartz, the wife of former Chiefs offensive lineman Max Schwartz. In a series of Instagram posts, she accused Butker of being anti-LGBTQ and antisemitic. She also took issue with Butker’s statements about women, particularly when he referred to his wife as a homemaker, expressing disgust and disbelief at the messages being portrayed to young women graduating from college.
In his speech, Butker made controversial statements about women, suggesting that they are more excited about getting married and having children than pursuing successful careers. This drew further criticism from Schwartz, who questioned the appropriateness of Butker’s comments and expressed support for women’s freedom to choose their own paths. Schwartz also criticized Butker’s use of Taylor Swift lyrics in his speech, noting the singer’s differing political views from the Chiefs kicker. The NFL issued a statement distancing itself from Butker’s remarks, emphasizing the league’s commitment to inclusion and stating that Butker’s views do not represent those of the organization.
Schwartz indicated that she was expressing her opinion on Butker’s speech despite staying silent on previous comments she disagreed with. She acknowledged that her comments would likely be controversial but felt compelled to speak out against what she viewed as harmful and backwards messages being conveyed to young women. Schwartz expressed support for women’s autonomy and criticized Butker for attempting to dictate women’s roles and choices. She also highlighted the importance of respecting women’s decisions and rejecting attempts to impose outdated gender roles on women.
Butker’s controversial remarks have sparked a debate surrounding gender roles, women’s empowerment, and the responsibilities of public figures in shaping societal attitudes. Schwartz’s criticism of Butker’s speech reflects broader concerns about the impact of harmful rhetoric and the need for greater sensitivity and awareness in public discourse. The backlash against Butker’s address highlights the importance of promoting inclusivity, diversity, and respect for all individuals, regardless of their gender, beliefs, or backgrounds. Moving forward, discussions about gender equality, women’s rights, and the role of public figures in influencing societal norms are likely to continue shaping public conversations and advocacy efforts for greater equality and empowerment.
