When it comes to life outcomes, Gary Vaynerchuk is not one to blame external forces and events.
And when it comes to concerns about the potential negative impact of technology on our lives, the digital marketing entrepreneur and self-development powerhouse has the exact same approach.
"I think there is an enormous lack of responsibility. We have an unbelievable inability to take responsibility for our actions and it feels a hell of a lot better to blame technology than it is to blame ourselves for shortcomings and ignorance," Vaynerchuk told Mashable.
Vaynerchuk, who regularly shares his message of personal accountability with millions of social media followers, raises an interesting point.
Social media exists as an extension of our physical selves, a space where we can manifest impulses and needs that have always been present in a much faster and bigger capacity. Plus, it's only natural that it became a prime marketing tool for businesses and brands -- showing your product to a target market is not a revolutionary advertising concept by any means.
Things do get way more complicated when we talk about the impact of big data on privacy, as well as Facebook getting in the way of democracy. Consumers can only control so much if they don't have visibility into the bigger picture and economic forces at play.
But, according to Mashable, the Facebook Cambridge Analytica scandal has only strengthened Vaynerchuk's opinion. "People are up in arms in this situation without understanding what it actually means. For example, Visa, target and the IRS have had their information breached. Big media companies have used data around us to market to us."
The entrepreneur also mentioned that if users are concerned about Facebook, they should be equally alarmed about Google. His opinion comes at an interesting time, when prominent tech leaders like Tim Cook and Elon Musk are speaking out against Facebook's data-handling practices.
One thing is for sure, Gary Vee is never afraid to walk to the beat of his own drum and unapologetically speak his mind.
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.