Will.i.am: Work for Your Dreams
Will.i.am - Chase Your Dream
Will.i.am shares an unlikely story about listening to your gut, and tells how he ultimately achieved his dream of opening up for his heroes A Tribe Called Quest.
Transcript:
"My mom said, 'You need to get a job.' I said, 'I already have a job. I'm just not getting paid yet.' My dream, I remember a long time ago my ex-girlfriend said, 'I want to take you to see Tribe Called Quest for your birthday."
"Go, go, go, go, go, go!"
"I was like 'no.' She was like, 'What are you talking about, I just want to-'. 'You can't take me to see Tribe Called Quest for my birthday. I don't want to see them.' She said, 'That's your favorite group?" I was like,'Yeah, but I'm not supposed to see them like that.' She's like, 'What are you talking about?'
"I was like, 'I'm supposed to see them on the side when we're opening up for them. You'll see one day we're going to open up for Tribe Called Quest.' "
"And it happened?"
"Right, three years later."
"What did you feel when you finally opened for them?"
"I told them that story. I was like, 'You don't understand, Qtip. My ex-girlfriend a long time ago -- I mean at the time she was my girlfriend -- my girlfriend bought me tickets and I didn't want to see you guys because I wanted to see you like I'm seeing you tonight, on the side after opening up for you guys. You guys are my heroes.' "
"That's a crazy story because-"
"Sometimes, you know, sometimes you're like, my gut tells me that it's going to be this. I see it, working on my dream, that's my job. If I'm going to pay attention to my nightmare I should be able to work on my dream. What some, one of them is going to take my energy, I'd rather give my energy to my dream than my nightmare."
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.