Robert Downey Jr.: Never Give Up
Robert Downey Jr. - Never Give Up
Robert Downey Jr. recounts his struggles with drug addiction and incarceration, and says the most important thing is to decide to get better, and to never give up.
Transcript:
Robert Downey Jr.: Prison culture is really something that's hard to explain. It's opened my eyes to a lot. I think first it was just kind of a shock as I really ... I don't know why, but for some reason I expected that I was going somewhere and it was like, "The treatment center that is next to the prison." When I got here and it was like, it was a prison yard. Came here and I was like, "Wow." You see razor wire fences, you see a lot of correctional officers. Some armed, some not. All of whose job basically, is to protect society from you for the time being. And that sends a message. It's not a self-esteem builder. I had to look at that too because I have been called a menace to society.
Judge: I'm running out of resources to keep you out of State prison. I'm going to incarcerate you in a way that's very unpleasant for you. I'm doing that because I believe, if you understand that's where you're going, maybe it will save your life.
RDJ:It's like I have a shot gun in my mouth and I've got my finger on the trigger and I like the taste of the gun metal.
I had no intention of making my public, my private life and my career so very difficult. And yet I believe, as I sit here today that I hope it's for some higher purpose. It's easy to embrace hopelessness when things seem insurmountable, and yet it's actually just a matter of time until all of the elements come together for things to be alright. I believe that most difficult situations will resolve themselves if you are persistent and if you don't give up entirely. And that's what I never did, I never gave up. It's not that difficult to overcome these seemingly ghastly problems. You just have to-
Oprah:You are saying that it's not that difficult?
RDJ:No. What's hard is to decide. Most difficult situations will resolve themselves if you are persistent and if you don't give up entirely. And that's what I did, I never gave up.
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.