19 movies into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the premiere of Avengers: Infinity War’s was bound to be epic.
Bur for some, the stories told by the Avengers have a deeper, more personal side -- especially for Robert Downey Jr. himself, who plays Iron Man in the series.
The actor gave a moving speech on the inspiring power of superhero movies, touching on his personal struggles and lessons learned in the process.
The present is this moment of glory for all of us. And the future…? That is always uncertain. But looking at these friends behind me, it seems like things might brighten up after all.-- Robert Downey Jr.
Stepping up to the mic, Downey didn’t waste time before diving into his own decades-long struggle with substance abuse and out-of-control behavior, according to Entertainment Weekly.
Contrasting that dark period with the present and surrounded by his cast mates, Downey Jr. shared his hopeful outlook on the future. And it's a future that started out when he got a second chance at an acting career by starring in the original Iron Man movie in 2008.
If you play a superhero in one of these movies, and it works, you become a big star! And it… is… meaningless. Unless you use that to achieve something higher. You have to take direction from peers, and your family, and occasionally even an actual director.-- Robert Downey Jr.
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The actor took special effort to emphasize the unity and support among the MCU cast members. “None of us are in competition with each other. We are all competing for each other,” he told the hooked audience.
Referring to her as “the very first First Lady of Marvel”, Downey Jr. gave a shout-out to longtime Iron Man co-star Gwyneth Paltrow. He also made a point of talking about the growing female representation in the Marvel Universe, both in front of and behind the camera, emphasizing the need for greater equality and visibility for women in the industry.
This is the MCU, right in front of you. It’s all about fighting for equality. The whole idea is to make space for others to succeed, and exceed our expectations.-- Robert Downey Jr.
And he had more to add on the topics of equality and representation, praising the immense success ofBlack Panther. To date, the superhero movie has surpassed $1.3 billion in world-wide ticket sales, not to mention all the stellar reviews and critical acclaim surrounding it.
“[The movies] are inviting us to surrender and love and be of service,” Downey Jr. said of the power of Marvel’s superhero movies.“They are metaphors for how our world should be – or could be one day, if we fight for it.”
After all, the world could do with a couple more superheroes right now – and every one of us has the potential to become one.
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.