'Speak English Or Don't Speak At All' - Woman Attacks Man At Denny's, Instantly Regrets It
Heart overcame hate when a community rallied around one if its own in the face of one unhinged woman.
Foreign threat
26-year-old Monir Omerzai has been a proud Canadian citizen for over 15 years since immigrating to Alberta from Afghanistan.
He was out with some friends at a local Denny's restaurant, talking smack after an intense night of video gaming when things got ugly.
Unbeknownst to them, speaking their mother tongue angered some people, like Kelly Pocha of Cranbrook, B.C.
She recalled to CBC news that the men "started talking in their own language" and began laughing, which she thought was directed at her. The disturbing events that followed were captured on video.
Turning back at the men, Pocha pointed her finger at them saying "Speak English or don't speak at all," and that she's not "one of your Syrian b*tches right now."
Show of solidarity
The video went viral, prompting a backlash against Pocha. She was fired shortly after (though she has since been rehired), while Denny's apologized for the incident.
The ugly incident also prompted calls from community leaders for us all to do better.
The CEO at the Centre for Newcomers Anila Lee Yuen was one of them.
"I'd like to see people having conversations, in a less public kind of a sphere, where people can talk about the impact that that really had, where it's not necessarily blaming as much as it is dialoguing, to be able to come to a joint understanding."
- Anila Lee Yuen
Lethbridge Police Chief Rob Davis says that the public reaction is a positive sign.
"If we as a society stand up for one other and stand up for what's right in this country, I think that's a step in the right direction," he said.
We're all in this world together
Omerzai has been overwhelmed by the positive vibes.
"It's beautiful support, it's amazing," Monir Omerzai told CBC News.
"It's amazing how there are so many good people out there. I am just thankful I am in Canada. There are still good people out there, and I believe in that, big time," he added.
Pocha had since said that had been drinking that night and that she would "take it back, I would. But I can't," adding that she'd like to apologize to the group.
Omerzai has some precious advice for those like Pocha and everyone.
"Have more friends from different cultures. Get to know them, talk to them, sit down with them. You should get to know people before you judge them."
- Monir Omerzai
He's right: you fight ignorance and hate with respect and understanding. If you do, you'll realize that in the end, we're all just here with a short timeshare on earth. Let's spend time spreading smiles and not tolerate hate.
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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.