May 21st 2024.
During the recent episode of The View on May 16, the hosts discussed the controversy surrounding Kansas City Chiefs kicker, Harrison Butker. Butker had recently given a commencement speech at Benedictine College, where he shared his personal beliefs on topics such as abortion, euthanasia, IVF, surrogacy, and the LGBTQ community. This sparked backlash from some people, but co-host Whoopi Goldberg stood firmly in defense of Butker's right to express his views.
Goldberg, a strong advocate for free speech, stated that she appreciates when people speak their minds. She acknowledged that while she may not personally agree with Butker's beliefs, he is entitled to them. She also reminded everyone that the audience at Benedictine College, a Catholic institution, was free to disagree with Butker's views as well.
In response to Goldberg's stance, she drew a comparison to the respect given to football player Colin Kaepernick for his protests. She emphasized the importance of respecting and acknowledging different viewpoints, even if they differ from our own. Goldberg expressed her disapproval of silencing someone simply because we don't agree with them, as that goes against the fundamental principle of free speech.
Co-host Sara Haines, while disagreeing with Butker's remarks, shared Goldberg's sentiment of upholding the right to free speech. She expressed her belief that people should not be punished or fired for openly expressing their opinions. However, Haines differed from Goldberg when it came to comparing Butker's situation to that of Colin Kaepernick. She pointed out that Kaepernick was fighting for the rights of many in a social justice moment, whereas Butker's comments seemed more targeted and divisive.
Panelists Sunny Hostin and Alyssa Farah Griffin also expressed their disapproval of Butker's comments regarding the LGBTQ community. However, Goldberg reiterated her stance that it is not right to try and take away someone's job simply because we don't agree with their beliefs.
Amidst the controversy, the NFL released a statement distancing itself from Butker's remarks. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the league's senior VP and chief diversity and inclusion officer, Jonathan Beane, clarified that Butker's views do not align with the NFL's as an organization. He emphasized that the league remains committed to promoting inclusion and diversity.
In a related segment, Goldberg also shared her personal experience with using a weight-loss drug when she was at 300 pounds. She opened up about her struggles with weight and the pressure she faced to lose it. The hosts discussed the societal pressure to conform to certain standards of beauty and the harmful effects it can have on individuals.
Overall, the hosts of The View had a thought-provoking conversation about free speech, diversity, and the importance of respecting different opinions and beliefs, even if we don't necessarily agree with them. They also shed light on the pressures and challenges faced by individuals in the public eye, and the need for more acceptance and understanding in society.
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