LZ Granderson, an award-winning journalist and former radio co-host of Keyshawn, recently shared his thoughts on Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker's controversial commencement speech.
Granderson joined the All Facts No Brakes podcast to discuss Butker's polarizing remarks, shedding light on the impact of such a speech on the audience.
During the podcast, Granderson delved into Butker's comparison of Pride Month to a deadly sin and his apparent encouragement for women to return to traditional gender roles.
He expressed his surprise at Butker's choice of topics, particularly in light of the significance of Pride Month and the progress made in gender equality.
Granderson highlighted the issue not as a problem with Butker's personal opinions, but rather with the University's decision to invite him as a commencement speaker.
He emphasized the responsibility of educational institutions to consider the impact of speakers' messages on their students.
Granderson questioned whether Butker's speech was intended to inspire and uplift the graduating class or if it served as a platform for his personal viewpoints and political commentary.
As someone who has experience as a commencement speaker, Granderson underscored the importance of drawing from personal experiences to inspire and motivate students.
He expressed disappointment in Butker's choice to use his platform to criticize and chastise, rather than offering words of wisdom and encouragement.
Furthermore, Granderson expressed his concern over Butker's injection of political commentary into his speech, particularly his remarks about President Biden and his faith.
He questioned the relevance of such topics in a commencement address and pointed out the hypocrisy in Butker's selective vocalization on certain issues while remaining silent on others, such as scandals within the Catholic Church.
Granderson also addressed the broader issue of individuals fixating on external matters, such as Pride Month, rather than focusing on their own lives and personal growth. He emphasized the importance of self-reflection and individual development, criticizing the tendency to dictate how others should live their lives.
As an educator himself, Granderson shared his dismay at Butker's disregard for the significance of his role as a commencement speaker.
He highlighted the impact of Butker's words on queer students, progressives, and non-MAGA individuals, as well as the demeaning effect on hardworking young women who had earned their degrees through dedication and perseverance.
In conclusion, Granderson's reaction to Harrison Butker's commencement speech reflects a deep concern for the impact of such messages on young audiences.
He underscores the responsibility of speakers to inspire and uplift, rather than criticize and demean, and advocates for a greater awareness of the influence of words on impressionable minds.
