One woman who witnessed someone being victimized by an obnoxious customer channeled her outrage into life-changing compassion.
Wrong order
Feroza Syed was in line at a McDonald's drive-thru in suburban Atlanta when she saw something she couldn't believe: Someone in the car in front of her tossed their large drink at a female employee.
As Syed approached the window, the employee - named Bryanna - was covered in soda and crying. She was also six months pregnant.
It turns out the crazy customer lost it when they discovered ice in their drink.
After expressing outrage at the obnoxious client, Syed tipped Bryanna $20 and offered to contact the police.
Calling all kindness
Still furious at what she witnessed, Syed shared her experience on Facebook.
Noticing her strong reaction gave Syed an idea. Motivated to put a "smile on her face and show that not all humans are horrible," Syed asked her legion of Facebook friends if they could spare any money to help Bryanna out.
Amazingly, within 24 hours she collected over $1,600.
"(Feroza) was like ...'I have a surprise for you and I really want to give it to you in person' so I sent her my address," Bryanna told CNN.
When Syed finally presented her with the gift, Bryanna was overcome with emotion.
"She gave me the envelope and I couldn't do nothing but cry because I wasn't expecting that"
- Bryanna
Syed also shared Bryanna’s cashapp name online for others wanting to help the expecting mom.
You can change someone's story
Bryanna tells CNN that Syed has restored her faith in humankind.
"She has been a blessing," she said. "There's still some good people out there."
For Feroza Syed, it was the only right thing to do.
"When you see something like this or any situation where someone is being mistreated or harmed ... all it takes is one person to change the narrative"
- Feroza Syed
Ultimately, Syed's story shows that nothing combats obnoxious ignorance more than kindness and compassion.
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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.