An unfortunate truth about the internet: it's full of trolls and users who leave mean comments.
But one Twitter user claims he responds to hateful messages by trying to see how fast he can change their mood.
Because when all is said and done, sometimes people on the internet are having rough days and they turn to becoming aggressive and mean online as an outlet.
Unfortunately, minorities are often targeted online and are on the receiving end of nasty comments, trashy responses, and flat-out racism.
But one Twitter user has opted to take the "turn that frown upside approach" and try to change people's moods. And you know what? It works...
How One Twitter User Deals With Hateful and Racist Messages
Twitter user Abdul Dremali, a marketing consultant from Boston, says he often receives rude messages on the platform but uses the simple act of kindness to reverse his fortune.
In a now-viral tweet from 2018, Dremali says his "favourite thing in the world" is responding to hateful messages in order to see how fast he can change his bully's moods.
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He documented one specific heartfelt interaction where he was sent a racist message on Twitter where he was aggressively told to "shut up" and was told to "go back to wherever he came from," coloured in with some unwanted expletives.
How a Racist Internet Comment Turned Into a Truly Heartfelt Interaction
Dremali not only took the time to calmly respond to the hateful and racist comment from another Twitter user named Michael, the Bostonian opted to take the higher road and offered his bully a compliment.
Specifically, Dremali told Michael he looked "really nice" in his profile photo.
Michael immediately changed course, admitting he's actually "pretty nice" and was just feeling sick, as the reason for his racist outburst.
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What's more, Michael also then complimented Dremali back, saying he liked his facial hair before admitting, "I wish I had some."
Dremali responded with another quick tooth polishing trick and Michael had further questions.
The Twitter User Who's Using Kindness to Make a Difference on the Platform
Dremali's "favourite thing" trick clearly works. Michael continued to ask the Twitter user where he could purchase his teeth whitening polish and Dremali told him where to get it.
Michael then apologized for having "been rude," and wished Dremali a good night.
"Sleep well homie," responded Dremali, "love u."
In classic reply lingo, Michael said "love u to" and ended with the abbreviation "gn" for "good night."
Once the tweet started to go viral, Dremali shared a selfie of himself with a thumbs up in a Boston Bruins hockey jersey. He said other Twitter users were filling his DMs with "the nicest messages as a response to this."
He admitted that he hasn't spoken to Michael since their heartfelt interaction and believed he changed his name after millions of people on the platform saw his racist outburst.
Even so, Dremali took the high road, handled the interaction like a champ, and even got his bully to change course and give him a compliment in return.
Kindness is so disarming and powerful. All of us know that, but reminders like these sure are helpful.
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.