My Commencement Address and Response to Serena Williams

The right and wrong way to respond to Harrison Butker.

David Anderson
ILLUMINATION

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Woman in library wearing cap and gown looking out from a book she’s holding over the bottom half of her face
Photo by Jasmine Coro on Unsplash

Serena and Venus Williams, along with Quinta Brunson, had something to say about Harrison Butker’s controversial commencement address at Thursday night’s Espy Awards.

“So, go ahead and enjoy women’s sports like you would any other sports, because they are sports.” — Venus Williams

“Except you, Harrison Butker. We don’t need you.” — Serena Williams

“At all. Like, ever.” — Quinta Brunson

-Posted on X.com by Awful Announcing.

https://x.com/awfulannouncing/status/1811585393973956933

I understand their sentiment, but that was not the best approach. This kind of response was a lost opportunity. If they wanted to address Butker’s comments, they should have invited him to watch. Let him see women who excel at their chosen profession. And remind him that many of these women are themselves wives and mothers. They are examples how women can have both families and careers. If some women choose homemaker as their career, that’s fine. But they don’t have to choose one or the other. They can do both.

I’m bringing it up because ever since that speech, I’ve thought about what I would want to say if I…

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David Anderson
ILLUMINATION

David Anderson is a blogger, award-winning author, bible geek, and novice crypto investor. Doubting Thomas is my patron saint.