4 Awe-Inspiring Facts Everyone Should Know About Anthony Bourdain’s Life
Following news of the death of celebrity chef and travel journalist Anthony Bourdain on June 8, 2018, it's important to take a moment to celebrate a life centered around more than food. Anthony Bourdain's life celebrated people and learning.
Warning: This article addresses substance abuse, self-harm and suicide.
Food Was More Than Nourishment for Bourdain
From the earliest days of his TV career, Anthony Bourdain approached food in a way that was almost singular for his time.
It wasn’t just about taste or presentation. And it certainly wasn’t all about fine ingredients. For Bourdain, food was a gateway into other cultures, histories and experiences. Food was a conversation-starter, a means to connect with other people, and a classroom.
Food was always a story about a people’s past, present and future. It was political, social and economical. Bourdain always looked at the personal and collected history reflected in a dish or a culture’s cuisine.
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Whether it told a story of repression, a prolonged state of poverty or a deep cultural appreciation of a community before individual needs, food told story. And for Bourdain, getting to the heart of that story was the ultimate goal.
Anthony Bourdain Was Never Afraid to Look at the Darker Side
Bourdain was never afraid to look into the mirror, recognize the error of his ways and strive to do better. He acknowledged his years-long struggle with addiction, and his complicity in the macho culture of the food and restaurant scene that allowed predators to go unpunished for years.
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He also often spoke of his own privilege, and that of most westerners, compared to many of the places his travels took him. Witnessing hunger, poverty and war, Bourdain spoke of the necessity to treat local cultures with respect and humbleness, to partake when invited, but never assume, intrude or glorify. He wasn't afraid to question his own impact on places he visited, and on the people he met.
Anthony Bourdain Was an Ally in the #MeToo Movement
As the #MeToo movement spread, and gut-wrenching stories of abuse and assault emerged, Bourdain became one of the strongest and loudest male voices in support of the women who previously suffered in silence.
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As accusations surfaced against fellow celebrity chef Mario Batali, Bourdain immediately cut ties, and minced no words in calling out abusers.
Actress and girlfriend Asia Argento was one of Harvey Weinstein’s many victims. When she came forward with her story, Bourdain stood steadfast by her, encouraging her and many other victims, showing unrelenting support.
After Argento’s Cannes speech, in which she told a stunned room that Weinstein had sexually assaulted her at the festival’s 1997 edition, Bourdain told IndieWire, “I was so proud of her. It was absolutely fearless to walk right into the lion’s den and say what she said, the way she said it. I am honored to know someone who has the strength and fearlessness to do something like that.”
He Encouraged Audiences Not to be Afraid of 'Others'
Bourdain relished the opportunity to immerse himself in other cultures, or at least peek behind the door of otherness. He always urged readers and viewers to go out, unafraid, into the world, to meet and learn about different cultures. That's because, at the end of the day, we are all the same.
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Whether it was about enjoying a fusion dish at a five-star hotel, comfort food munched down during an Indian cricket match, or a bowl of noodles in Hanoi with President Barack Obama, the lesson at the end of a day was always remarkably simple: All of us just want to be safe, loved and happy.
We all want to enjoy a good meal, drink and good conversation. There's no need to be afraid of each other. We can choose not to be afraid.
Do we really want to travel in hermetically sealed popemobiles through the rural provinces of France, Mexico and the Fareast, eating only in Hard rock Cafes and McDonalds?
Or do we want to eat without fear, tearing into the local stew, the humble taqueria’s mystery meat, the sincerely offered gift of a lightly grilled fish head? I know what I want. I want it all. I want to try everything once.
ANTHONY BOURDAIN, KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL
Editor’s Note: Struggling and feeling hopeless? You are not alone. Please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
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.