Butker's Commencement Slip-Up: When Familiarity Breeds Contempt

The NFL world has never seen Harrison Butker under the microscope as much as it has this week. The Kansas City Chiefs' kicker's commencement speech at Benedictine College sparked a heated debate, and not just among fans. Even the Benedictine Sisters of Mt. St. Scholastica, a founding institution and sponsor of the college, were left unimpressed. In fact, they took to their website to express their disappointment in great detail. But what exactly did Butker say that got everyone talking? And more importantly, why did it fail to resonate with his audience? Let's start with the main issue: Butker's speech was cringeworthy. It was a mishmash of uninspiring anecdotes and generic life advice, lacking any real depth or insight. But what's more surprising is that even the Sisters, known for their progressive views, felt compelled to speak out against it. Are they right to do so? Should we be holding our public figures to a higher standard? Butker's speech was also notable for its glaring lack of relevance to the graduating class. As one might expect, he stuck to the usual "follow your dreams" and "believe in yourself" platitudes. But what about the concerns of the young women in that graduating class? What about the issues they're facing in today's society? Where was the acknowledgment of the struggles they'll face in the workforce, or the importance of equal pay? The only decent part of the speech came when Butker quoted Taylor Swift, saying, "Familiarity breeds contempt. " It's a quote that might have suggested he respects women who work outside the home, but unfortunately, it was just a throwaway line amidst a sea of clichés. It's hard not to wonder if Butker knew the full context of the quote, which comes from Swift's song "Bejeweled. " The song, about a successful woman refusing to let a mediocre partner hold her back, is the antithesis of Butker's message. So, what's the takeaway from Butker's commencement speech? That even the most unlikely of figures can get it wrong? That we should be critical of those in positions of power? Or is it simply a reminder that even the most well-intentioned individuals can still have a lot to learn?