General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsCNN: Who is Erika Kirk? (I gotta get this off my chest before I explode).
I wasn't familiar with her, so I watched this three minute clip. It made me want to puke. It's not that I don't feel sorry for her for having lost her husband; it's what she's spouting in the clips.
First of all, she's FIVE years older than him and she's admitting to voluntarily being "submissive" to him? Utter bullshit and I will not sit idly by and have this stuff normalized.
There is a massive movement right now to make women ashamed of being strong, tough, independent and competent. The majority of the women that I know would never consider being submissive to anyone, let alone some person who was supposed to be their equal partner and was supposed to love them. Why should we?
I am a practicing Christian and even I realize that parts of the Bible have been manipulated over the course of history to subjugate and control people. This is one of those times where I believe it happened. No loving God in my opinion would ever consider one of his creations above another. Just my opinion, and you're free to disagree. I am not here to convert anyone.
On top of this, someone like Erika Kirk could be preaching to some other woman who might be in an abusive relationship that the woman is supposed to be "submissive" to an abuser just because she's married to him? I don't think so. These people do not realize what their rhetoric can cause.
I am here to call this bullshit out every time that I see it. I will not ever stop. Women are equals and only weak willed men find that a problem. Stable, competent men welcome an equal partnership. That is what is normal and should remain normal.
I would say "rant over" at this point in the post, but I assure you that THIS rant will never be over for me.
https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/12/us/video/erika-kirk-charlie-kirk-wife-serfaty-dnt-digvid

Justice Brandeis
(270 posts)That's a common signal with those people, that crowd, that you are a good submissive wife.
Jess Piper has made some clips about this.
hamsterjill
(16,522 posts)I don't find Ms. Kirk's voice to be particularly that way, but she's giving an interview and it may be different in a different setting.
The voice you describe is evident in someone like Michelle Duggar, and that always and entirely gives me the creeps.
I'm not familiar with Jess Piper, but I will make myself familiar later this afternoon.
Thanks for your reply!
Bookreadingliberal53
(114 posts)BonnieJW
(3,003 posts)She looks and sounds like Tinkerbell, except Tinkerbell is feisty. She's a Wendy
UpInArms
(53,380 posts)hamsterjill
(16,522 posts)I spent a little time reading her stuff and I will definitely be spending more time. Shes great.
hamsterjill
(16,522 posts)I spent a little time reading her stuff and I will definitely be spending more time. Shes great.
Walleye
(42,353 posts)Blue Full Moon
(2,798 posts)Charlie and her wanted others to live by their words, while they did not.
democratsruletheday
(1,542 posts)sooner rather than later cuz she's been brainwashed to believe she needs a man to survive. Pathetic.
StarryNite
(11,821 posts)all her wealth to the new guy? Methinks not. She will just use that religious BS when she thinks it benefits her.
allegorical oracle
(5,688 posts)PortTack
(35,727 posts)Botany
(75,271 posts)
Ilsa
(63,269 posts)with the kids, she may decide not to remarry until later, unless he's very wealthy. She will have Social Security Survivors Benefits rolling in for herself and two kids. I suspect it is not insignificant. Her benefits could be at risk, couldn't they?
niyad
(127,048 posts)Several sources say the dead one was worth about 12 mil. I don't think she has to worry about help or losing benefits.
Ilsa
(63,269 posts)niyad
(127,048 posts)hate-filled scum was married. The mind reels!
Bengus81
(9,328 posts)Freethinker65
(11,201 posts)Response to hamsterjill (Original post)
PeaceWave This message was self-deleted by its author.
chowder66
(11,244 posts)In the linked video she says she went for an interview and he said "I'm not going to hire you, I'm going to date you".
He called himself a moderate compared to her (in the video). She sounds violent and ball-breaking to me.
I don't think she is "submissive" at all. Her definition seems to be that she's supportive of him.
Most partners are supportive of each other.
She went to Liberty University.
In 2019, she launched the podcast Midweek Rise Up.[2] Frantzve is the CEO of Proclaim Streetwear, a clothing brand,[9] and Bible in 365, a ministry project.[12] As of 2025, she works as a real estate agent at the Corcoran Group in New York City.[13]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erika_Kirk
womanofthehills
(10,352 posts)And represented Arizona in Miss Universe
She went to Notre Dame Prep high school Has a double major in political science & international relations from Ariz State University and a Juris Masters Degree from Liberty University and perusing a Doctorate in bibical studies at Liberty University.
( interesting - Charlie never went to college)
She appears to be very busy -
Played NCAA womens basketball for Regis Univ,
You mentioned her podcast Midweek Rise Up - twice weekly , She also has a faith inspired clothing brand and the list goes on with a ministry program and a charity etc.
Sounds like he met her and was instantly obsessed with her.
She does not come off as submissive but as someone with high self esteem in interviews - like someone who knows she is very pretty, beautifully dressed & who has had a busy life.- but its that super religious stuff that flavors her life.
I looked up her clothing store - boring - mostly t shirts with bibical sayings and images. Very uncreative.
lonely bird
(2,522 posts)Sounds like being submissive to her husband was a schtick. Do as I say not as I actually do. In point of opinion, she would not have been working but staying home with the kids if she were actually submissive.
StarryNite
(11,821 posts)Truth to power.
niyad
(127,048 posts)Unlike you, however, I don't even feel sorry for her new status as widow. She knew what he was, so I would conclude that she is just as bad as he was. And now she is, by some accounts yesterday, a wealthy widow.
hamsterjill
(16,522 posts)I lost a good friend yesterday over a social media post that she didn't like about Kirk. She accused me of spewing hate. I solved the problem real quick. I deleted her comment and blocked her. But I did spend some time wondering if her comment had any merit.
Sometimes, I think I do hate them. If it's not hate, it's something very, very close. I don't like that about myself. I really don't. But how I feel about "them" is because of what "they" have done. It's not what I've done. It's them and their actions, and their need to control, etc.
I don't feel safe in my country any more. I don't feel hopeful. I can't take it for granted that tomorrow I'm going to have the same freedoms that I have today with these idiots in charge. I worry about money. I worry about healthcare. I worry about my adult child. All because of THEM. The stupid Christian White Nationalists.
I worry that all of us who believe in Christianity will be lumped into the same category as these idiots. Hell, we have been for years, and only with the likes of people like Reverend Barber, etc. has there been any differentiation in my opinion. We're not all like them.
So after yesterday's self reflection, I decided that I needed to practice what I'm preaching. Grace, compassion and truth. So I'm giving myself that today. I'm giving myself a little grace for simply being human. I'm giving myself a little compassion, and giving compassion to the likes of the DU poster whose sister is in surgery today for a brain tumor. And I'm giving myself truth. I'm not afraid to look into the mirror and see who I am. But I am afraid to look out into the world and realize who "they" are.
That tells me what I need to know about "me".
Joinfortmill
(18,894 posts)littlemissmartypants
(29,674 posts)Last edited Fri Sep 12, 2025, 04:09 PM - Edit history (1)
Hate in the same way as one would if they consumed something toxic. Like drinking poison.
You'd hate it if you ate a deli sandwich full of Boar's Head cold cuts and got deathly ill or heaven forbid, died. Or if someone else did the same.
Some things, especially things that are toxic and deadly are OK to hate.
It's a case of survival and self preservation.
❤️
drmeow
(5,750 posts)there is a big difference between hating someone for a group they were born into that they can't control and hating someone for what they do or have done. I have no bad feelings about hating Hitler, Stalin, and Pol Pot.
I don't hate my house cleaner who voted for Trump. I am angry at her and do not intend to support her anymore but I don't hate her.
I don't hate my friend who wrote in McCain rather than vote for either Trump or Harris. I am angry at her ignorant (but typically American) attitude that "Biden didn't fix the health care system and my kids still don't have health care and Harris claimed that they capped insulin at $35 but that was only for Medicare not everyone" stupidity and her "I'm not actually sexist but Harris wasn't a dynamic enough speaker" bullshit but I don't hate her.
The Charlie Kirk's of the world who actively promote and incite hated and violence aimed at people simply for the way they were born deliberately set out to cause pain and suffering of other people. The fact that they do it in part to increase their own power and wealth just makes it that much worse. Their goal is to hurt, kill, or otherwise destroy the lives of as many people as they can - deliberately and with malice aforethought. To me they are uncivilized, inhumane, and truly evil, and I have no problem hating evil people.
lastlib
(26,674 posts)Then take a look around to Selma, Alabama.....
You can bury your dead, but don't leave a trace,
Hate your next-door neighbor, but don't forget to say grace....."
BlueKota
(4,583 posts)because I'm torn. I know as someone who was raised Catholic we are supposed to turn the other cheek and forgive. Yet, I always think when Hitler and Stalin died, were people supposed to feel sorry for their passing instead of relief that they weren't going to be around to kill anymore innocent victims? They were both responsible for millions of deaths of people, for no other reason than their own perverse world views.
Their passing didn't suddenly undo all the horrific things they did in their life & turn them into innocent souls. They used their lives to spread evil of their own free will yet others are supposed to just forget and forgive that?
Ilsa
(63,269 posts)come to their own conclusion. It can't be hate speech on your part if you are giving them factual information. If they find it hateful, that's on the RW speaker not the one quoting them.
You and I have alot of the same worries. Hang in there. We'll make it better, somehow. I'm staying hopeful, for now.
PoindexterOglethorpe
(28,069 posts)I'm also down on any and all organized religion because of the way it is used to dominate people, make them behave badly to those not of their beliefs.
Okay, so you yourself, and for the most part people here aren't that way, but I really hate the way some people think their religion should rule everyone.
hamsterjill
(16,522 posts)Honestly, I never understood why I have to "pay" to be a part of it (i.e., tithe), and I'm not one to get up early on Sunday morning and go socialize. But I am a believer. I posted this yesterday that explains how I look at it, etc.
https://democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=20623792
niyad
(127,048 posts)womanofthehills
(10,352 posts)- with an initial donation of a million dollars. I read much of Charlie Kirks wealth was connected to Turning Points - which has $100 million in revenue and assets and that she pulls in one to three million on her religious businesses.
Erica has plans to continue Turning Points so Im sure she will have lots of money.
maxsolomon
(37,337 posts)That was written by a man, no doubt, and unlikely that it was Paul. A Loving God didn't write any part of the Bible.
chowmama
(880 posts)1) I own a cast iron skillet.
2) He's gotta sleep sometime.
maxsolomon
(37,337 posts)How many assault convictions do you have?
chowmama
(880 posts)I don't make him submit, either.
hamsterjill
(16,522 posts)n/t
allegorical oracle
(5,688 posts)wonderful human being who treated women the way we want...equal. Neither of us ruled the roost -- was always a mutual decision.
hamsterjill
(16,522 posts)A partnership where both individuals bring their strengths, talents, and faults, but are equals.
Always makes me smile to know that exists. Congrats on finding number two!!!
Bettie
(18,845 posts)we each have things we're good at, things we're bad at and we still make each other laugh until we snort.
After 36 years, he's still my best friend.
calimary
(87,765 posts)We think alike, politically, and thats probably a large part of it.
I dont think I could ever have married a Republican.
Bettie
(18,845 posts)I cant imagine how hard that would be
SergeStorms
(19,736 posts)
niyad
(127,048 posts)skillets, and rock maple rolling pins in various sizes.
efhmc
(15,797 posts)maxsolomon
(37,337 posts)Ephesians is problematic, to put it mildly.
Like Revelation, it the cause of much suffering throughout history.
stage left
(3,126 posts)I am an atheist.
efhmc
(15,797 posts)Farmer-Rick
(12,061 posts)That's why I don't believe a god exists.
What kind of god would allow that crap to be written in his name? Many of the other religions are the same way. It's all about control.
kimbutgar
(25,967 posts)hamsterjill
(16,522 posts)And she will obediently comply...for the right amount of money, of course.
sop
(15,939 posts)SouthBayDem
(32,913 posts)Unless you are thinking restitution?
Joinfortmill
(18,894 posts)These people are so unlikeable, it's hard to find any sympathy for them. That said, there is no place for murder in civilized society.
littlemissmartypants
(29,674 posts)Where and when that "civilized society" existed. I'm having trouble finding the evidence.
drmeow
(5,750 posts)(i.e., passing the civil rights act, passing laws against marital violence and rape, etc.) the Reich wing makes it their unrelenting goal to undo it as fast as possible.
Removed from rhetoric, humans want a more civilized world (fair, egalitarian, more equal than it is, safer, etc.) - if we could muzzle the extremists, we might actually achieve it - too bad muzzling the extremists is almost impossible in today's day and age!
niyad
(127,048 posts)creeksneakers2
(7,804 posts)ms liberty
(10,570 posts)
SKKY
(12,646 posts)...and will move to Florida.
Totally Tunsie
(11,163 posts)
niyad
(127,048 posts)Dulcinea
(9,083 posts)
pat_k
(11,707 posts)Some on "our side" need to do a much better job of making it clear that it is Christian Nationalism that we oppose, NOT Christianity. In America, people can believe whatever they want. But it is Un-American to pass laws that impose our beliefs on people who do not share those beliefs.
Something I posted earlier in another thread:
https://www.democraticunderground.com/100220634332#post6
This is why I tend to use the term "Christianist".
Figarosmom
(8,387 posts)Women preaching being submissive and women pimping.
hurple
(1,344 posts)Was when I met a wonderful woman who had been married before I knew her. But, she left that marriage because he beat her (to the point she was once hospitalized.)
My church refused to accept our relationship because that was not grounds for divorce in their interpretation of the Bible. And the preacher actually told her that she should have been more submissive to him.
I never went to another church again after that meeting...
3catwoman3
(27,664 posts)eff right off.
Tree Lady
(12,692 posts)I met in church young when I was 20. The kids were 2 & 4, I went for counseling and he basically told me divorce was a sin and to go back to my husband. I did after he got off drugs and I told him if he ever did again I would leave him.
I wish I had better advice to just go, wasted time in my life. I ended up leaving him when kids were 10 & 12 when he got back into drugs.
After we got back together I did it for kids & church only felt nothing for him, and I left the church within a few years.
It does nothing but harm to encourage women to stay in a bad marriage.
TNNurse
(7,403 posts)I suspect she will make being a martyr her career and will do well financially. Professional victim is apparently a job.
niyad
(127,048 posts)from the early years of feminism's second wave.
Puppyjive
(824 posts)Our son was born when I was 35. So prior to those years, who should I have been submissive to? I dated guys that were complete jerks on every level. I never submitted to them. I needed to support myself. I didn't want my parents to support me, so I joined the military. Just because your single, doesn't mean you don't need to keep a roof over your head.
radical noodle
(10,396 posts)you should have gone to college for a "Mrs. degree."
mb40
(1 post)He also said in that same letter that it was far better to not marry. Something along the lines of its better to focus on serving the Lord instead of a husband(or wife). Funny how this movement ignores that advice and ostracize unmarried women.
RussBLib
(10,107 posts)too much Christian Nationalism spilling all over
Crunchy Frog
(27,896 posts)dawn5651
(722 posts)FakeNoose
(38,573 posts)I've known liberal, D-voting couples in which the wife is older. However they make it work is fine with me.
But if Erika Kirk was and is constantly referring to Charlie's judgment, abilities and his feelings, and she has no input at all, that's not a partnership of equal adults. It's a daddy-daughter relationship, or there's some other kind of unequal dynamic going on. Some girls were raised to behave this way, and in many cases their mothers and/or older sisters were also like this.
I'm a baby-boomer and this behavior was expected among younger women in the 1950s and 60s, not so much in the 70s and 80s.
hamsterjill
(16,522 posts)In a normal situation, the older person would be more experienced, etc. I happen to know one couple where the wife is 12 years older than the husband and they also do just fine. She worries about "looking older" than him, but that's just superficial. Their relationship is sound in my opinion. They have twin boys and they shared the chores during their upbringing.
I'm a late-end baby boomer myself and I know what you're saying about the history. But that still doesn't make it right. We don't want to go back to that crap. Women were powerless and stuck in relationships with no way out many times. It wasn't all Donna Reed and Father Knows Best. There was a lot of excused and/or hidden abuses and a lot of unhappiness.
I pity the women who haven't had the opportunity to make decisions for themselves, make mistakes, learn from those mistakes, have freedoms, etc. I see SO many young women today on social media glorifying having a bunch of kids. And that IS their choice and their right. But what are they going to do when the husband decides their bodies are fat and flabby from childbirth, they're tired all the time from juggling six kids, they are disinterested in him from their weariness, and he goes looking elsewhere? It does happen, you know. They will have no work experience and no independence. And they will be stuck. That's what men like Charlie Kirk want. They want women to be dependent. Independence scares them.
I totally and completely disagree with Charlie Kirk about women being able to "go back to their careers". I've seen women attempt that too many times and be denied the opportunity because others in their field were more qualified and knowledgeable when these women chose to try to start again. I'm sure there are success stories, but I'm not aware of many in my own circle of friends and acquaintances.
Guess you and I were lucky to have lived through the 70's and seen the positive change!!!
FakeNoose
(38,573 posts)I have several woman friends who took time off to raise their families, and then tried to resume their careers. For most it was disappointing to learn in their middle age that there was no "fast track" open to them, and many were relegated to minor roles in their companies. I've always tried to give encouragement to these "back to work" mothers, but it isn't easy.
niyad
(127,048 posts)DanielCronk
(2 posts)Sorry, but you have not read the Bible - it is the source of most of this horror.
hamsterjill
(16,522 posts)What exactly is your point? I guess I'm missing it.
niyad
(127,048 posts)chose to castigate her? Not really a good look.
yellow dahlia
(2,969 posts)Republican Stepford Wife Barbie. Aaaargh!
niyad
(127,048 posts)hamsterjill
(16,522 posts)I thought the same thing. Always blonde, always long hair, thick makeup, etc. Yech!
Bread and Circuses
(1,122 posts)OK,
Yes I know they say that a woman submits to a man per God
or whatever .
BUT, seriously
.i suspect theres a lot of implied threats if the Christian women dont obey.
llmart
(16,800 posts)hamsterjill
(16,522 posts)And I happen to believe that you will be just fine!
I have no desire to push my beliefs on anyone. We all go our own paths and we should respect one another for the right to choose that path.
MorbidButterflyTat
(3,646 posts)Everyone knows what Kirk was, of course his wife would be outrageous.
But other people's choices whether hypocritical or not, are not gonna wreck my day or make me explode.
I know of no movement to make women ashamed of being competent...? And I know of no women who would be. I guess that's another right wing thing I have no interest in getting upset over.
No one can change anyone but themselves. Trying to or thinking you can or should is a useless waste of time.
hamsterjill
(16,522 posts)I guess it takes all kinds to make the world go around.
I think you've over-reacted a bit to my comment about "explode". And honestly, I wasn't that familiar with Charlie Kirk before he was killed. I had heard of him, but I hadn't followed him. So, I wasn't familiar with his wife either.
Have a great evening!
kwolf68
(8,136 posts)Is horrible, but I wanted Kirk to keep spouting off that women had no choices in their life, that their station was pre-ordained simply because they had a vagina. I am fine with Kirk promoting it, because it's twisted draconian shit. And I am also fine if he found a lady that on her own free will chose to be "sub" to him. If she wants that and is good with it, go for it.
I draw the line at legislation.
Funny thing is the ONLY possible way Kirk's dreams of "women at home in the kitchen" could EVER be realized would be with a guaranteed minimum income. Only way. Many families need two bread winners. That's not even taking into consideration women should fucking have the choice how they live their lives, with who and what model.
SleeplessinSoCal
(10,275 posts)She's way too filled with retribution against who she's decided is her enemy. Whether or not it is.
Queso Delicioso
(73 posts)an idiot with terrible taste in men.
hamsterjill
(16,522 posts)Did I really say that? Of course not!!! LOL
Aussie105
(7,187 posts)That's all I need to know about her.
How does a reasonably well to do country like America breed individuals and families like this? Mind boggling!
mdbl
(7,303 posts)Early on they realize their weird cult-like behavior can make them rich. Then the meme turns into a bizarre reality in their minds as if it's all normal. Same process with these religious cults.
RVN VET71
(2,999 posts)means, umm, different things out in the world than obeying the will of the Creator and loving God through their husband. Look it up.
tonekat
(2,342 posts)She was totally indoctrinated by her husband.
Screw her.
Kammer
(116 posts)100%
SunSeeker
(56,620 posts)Even though she waited until 31 to get married, she lectures women to to get married well before 30 and have lots of babies. She tells women they can't have a carreer and marriage, but that is exactly what she did, earning a masters degree, starting a clothing line and religious podcast, among other entrepreneural ventures.
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/charlie-kirk-erika-kirk-first-public-remarks-fatal-shooting_n_68c4a04be4b0efc9da5fcb0f
This all comes down to grifting. Her right wing religious shtick sells to the proles, and she intends to mine it for all she can.
Nixie
(17,837 posts)work. So who is going to take care of her toddlers. She has $100 million from grifting, so it looks like shell be hiring nannies. Rules for thee, but not for me.
SunSeeker
(56,620 posts)She and her husband jet setted all over the world for their business and political ventures. She did not stay home with the babies.
When she got off Air Force Two with JD Vance, she did not have her babies with her.
Nixie
(17,837 posts)This is just more evidence of their grifting. Shes too important to take her own advice.
hamsterjill
(16,522 posts)Thank you for your post. It is absolutely true and correct! Well said!
Response to hamsterjill (Original post)
Name removed Message auto-removed
ClaudetteCC
(94 posts)Consenting adults should not easily be swayed by 'movements' to do something not in accord with their nature.
justsomeguy01
(25 posts)It seems many "adults" are scared traumatized children PRETENDING to be adults.
In the case of Maga's, often desperately yearning to belong to a "strong" group that claims to care about them. And within which they can disappear and just be part of the crowd - with no agency or thought.
Boys play-acting at being men by being loud, aggressive, having loud cars, responding with rage to many interactions, plus many other un-wise behaviors.
Same for women, but manifests a bit differently.
Preface : I almost never mention anybody's appearance. But this was "striking".
I was at the gym as Ms. Kirks image was on the big TV's in front of me. I looked up, saw the split screen with a fox "host" on the left, and what I assumed was a still photo of some Maga woman on the right. Eventually she blinked. Otherwise it could truly have been a still image of a mar-a-lago maga woman - complete with all the fillers, injections, procedures, etc Then she started talking. Until the blink - which took a while - I truly had not realized that was a live shot of a guest.
Texin
(2,800 posts)may be stronger than men inasmuch as her creator made women strong enough to carry her offspring to term for nine months and give birth. Most men I've known get a low grade fever and they act like they've got the bubonic plague and are about to die. Some guys get a paper cut and get light headed from the sight of blood. Can anyone really imagine a man being able to handle menses every moth with the attendant blood and monthly physical changes that accompany that? And for more or less 20-30 odd years? Only to be followed by all the fun times women go through with menopause which can last for a decade?