Mainstream Media vs. US Citizens:
The Clash Over Feminist and Non-Family Values
Geno Giovanni 6.11.24
Harrison Butker, the Kansas City Chiefs kicker, recently delivered a commencement speech at Benedictine College that has ignited significant controversy and backlash from mainstream American media outlets.
In his speech, Butker emphasized traditional gender roles, suggesting that women should prioritize marriage and motherhood over careers. He also criticized LGBTQ+ rights, abortion, IVF, and surrogacy, framing these issues as contrary to traditional American values.
The mainstream news media in America and organizations condemned the commencement speech. MSNBC, The New York Times, and ABC’s The View quickly labeled the Butker remarks "Controversial" and "Polarizing."
The NFL Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity and Inclusion officer, Jonathan Beane, distanced the league from Butker's views. He stated that his perspectives do not represent those of the NFL. The Kansas City Chiefs echoed this sentiment, emphasizing their commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The backlash against Butker's speech highlights a broader trend in mainstream American media, which tends to lean towards left-leaning values.
For instance, MSNBC has cultivated mostly liberal women following, particularly during the Trump presidency, with its audience shifting to 54% female between 2015-2018. The New York Times and NPR also saw mainstream outlets with predominantly liberal audiences.
This often leftward lean [is reflected] in the media coverage of social issues, such as gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and reproductive rights.
One reason for this left-leaning bias is the media needs to cater to its audience, which increasingly consists of liberal, affluent, and educated individuals. According to Pew Research, women are more likely to identify as Democrats, with 51% of women favoring the Democratic Party in contrast to 42% of men.
This demographic shift stands among younger women, with 40% of women aged 18-29 identifying as liberal. Media outlets, driven by market forces and subscription models, naturally align their content to resonate with these audiences.
A Morgan Stanley study forecasts that by 2030, 45% of prime working-age women (ages 25-44) in the U.S. will be single and childless, up from 41% in 2018. This demographic shift was propelled by delayed marriage, higher education levels, and more women remaining single into their 50s and 60s.
This trend will likely further influence media content and coverage as outlets cater to the evolving preferences and values of the audience. The controversy surrounding the Harrison Butker speech underscores the ideological divide between mainstream media and a segment of the American populace that holds traditional values.
While the mainstream news media is left-leaning biases motivated by the need to cater to its growing liberal audience, this has led to a perceived lack of choice and diversity in viewpoints. As the demographic landscape continues to shift, with more women remaining single and childless, the media centered on feminist and non-family values is likely to intensify.
For those who do not subscribe to these mainstream views, the rise of alternative media offers a platform to preserve and promote traditional values, balancing the dominant narratives. This growing diversity in media voices is essential for a healthy, pluralistic society where all perspectives can be heard and respected.
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