Kaitlyn Bennett

Kaitlyn Bennett: the millennial bad apple

MADDY GLEASON Head Editor

An American woman, infamous for her offensive interviews and extreme political notions. You may have seen her jaw-dropping interviews around various social media platforms; you also might have heard that she defecated herself at a frat party. It’s Kaitlin Bennett - extreme gun rights advocate and ardent disputent of women’s healthcare rights. In the past few months, Bennett’s extreme sentiments have surfaced on platforms like Tiktok, twitter, and have recently made the news. Bennett is a 2018 graduate of Kent State University, and takes to college campuses to interview, or rather forcefully interrogate, students regarding their opinions on abortion, gun rights, transgender issues, and other similar topics. The gun-slinging internet pariah owns Liberty Hangout, an online organization dedicated to promoting extreme, and frankly dauntingly conservate libertarian ideals. When Bennett approaches someone of contrasting opinion, she adopts an accusatory tone of voice and claims that their opinion is “not an argument,” or that the opinion is “disgusting.” That’s not to say that those who argue with her are completely respectful, though. Many passing college students stop to confront her about her blasphemous ideals and do not always do so very amicably. In fact, a crowd favorite is to bluntly ask her if she defecated herself at a college fraternity party. This is in fact true, but unfortunately, not always relevant. So while those opposing her could employ a more professional attitude, they are not the problem. Instead, it lies with her constant disrespect and close-minded methods used to attempt to forcefully change the minds of those around her. When Bennett engages with an interview subject, she typically selects those who either confront her, or, the common alternative, those who appear more liberal, or ‘communist,’ as she likes to label them, based on their dress or physical appearance, which is a problem within itself to hand-pick subjects with the sole intention of berating them for

20 June 2020

differing views. Engaging in an amicable and productive conversation about politics is a very healthy activity; it can open minds and broaden horizons of the individuals involved. The issue I take with Bennett is her immediate disrespect to those who attend a LGBTQ+ rally, protest access to semi-automatic weapons, or participate in similar activities. It’s especially concerning that Bennett selects settings for her interviews that she knows will instill an offense to her presence. She attends Gay Pride Parades and pesters the attendees with questions, implying that transgender or gender-fliud individuals are predators. She struts around college campuses in a Native American costume to see if anyone will take offense. She insults her interviewees for being homosexuals and calls them commies. She confronts a 5-year-old girl about the criminality of abortion. The list goes on. Lucky for us, the list of people that tolerate her is something that does not go on. Seen in her popular videos, her interviewees are fed up with her BS, and at least in my opinion, emerge victorious because they are able to talk to Bennett without smacking her with their protest signs. So while Bennett’s methods are incredibly belittling and frustrating to watch, she has a right to her opinions and a right to interview whoever she wants - it’s unfortunate, but it’s not going to change. So if you see Bennett in her bright orange truck or strutting through your town, you might want to avoid her. But if you’re feeling particularly argumentative, approach her, but don’t expect her to treat you like a human being. And watch out - she carries.