Susannah Leisegang's Experience at Harrison Butker's Commencement Address
Susannah Leisegang, a recent graduate of Benedictine College, found herself in the midst of controversy after NFL player Harrison Butker delivered a commencement address that sparked polarizing reactions.
Butker's speech, which took aim at various social issues, left Leisegang and many others in the audience feeling shocked and dismayed.
In a post on TikTok, Leisegang shared her candid thoughts about the event, revealing that while "a lot of the men" in the audience seemed "excited" by Butker's controversial comments, many of the women present were taken aback.
Describing the experience, she expressed her strong disapproval, stating, "Yeah, it was f---ing horrible. Some of us did boo. Me and my roommate definitely did."
Leisegang's account of the event shed light on the stark divide in reactions among the audience. She recounted how, despite her own and her roommate's disapproval, there was a standing ovation from the majority of attendees, with only a small group of women joining them in their dissent.
Acknowledging that Benedictine College is known for its Catholic and conservative values, Leisegang nonetheless condemned the overwhelmingly positive reaction from the men in attendance, labeling it as "horrible."
She described how many of the men expressed enthusiastic support for Butker's remarks, while most of the women appeared bewildered and troubled by the content of the speech.
The fallout from Butker's address has extended beyond the confines of the college campus, drawing attention from the NFL as well.
In response to the controversy, the NFL made it clear that they do not align with Butker's "views" expressed during the graduation speech and reaffirmed their commitment to "inclusion."
Leisegang's account serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of public speeches and the diverse range of reactions they can provoke.
Her experience highlights the importance of fostering respectful and inclusive dialogue, especially in settings as significant as a college commencement ceremony.
As discussions surrounding Butker's speech continue to unfold, Leisegang's perspective offers valuable insight into the complexities and implications of such public statements. It serves as a call to action for individuals and institutions to carefully consider the messages they convey and the impact they have on their audiences.
In the aftermath of this divisive event, it is evident that the reverberations of Butker's words have left a lasting impression on those who were present.
Susannah Leisegang's candid account stands as a testament to the power of individual voices in shaping the narrative surrounding controversial public discourse.
Her willingness to speak out against what she perceived as harmful rhetoric serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding values of respect and understanding in all forms of communication.
Ultimately, Leisegang's experience at Harrison Butker's commencement address serves as a poignant reflection of the complexities inherent in navigating differing perspectives and opinions within society.
It underscores the need for empathy, open-mindedness, and constructive dialogue as essential components of meaningful and respectful interaction. As this story continues to unfold, it prompts us to consider the profound impact of words and the responsibility that comes with using them wisely.