The Way This Dad Mocked His Son For Winning At LEGO Robotics Tournament Infuriated People So Much They Destroy Him
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It’s common to see people troll those they don’t agree with online – but trolling your own kid? Conservative radio host Jesse Kelly of The Jesse Kelly Show on KPRC-AM 950 in Houston, was held under fire over the weekend for a series of tweets in which he trolled his own son for his participation in the Lego robotics tournament.
According to Buzzfeed, the event is a competition for kids to program autonomous robots to complete tasks. While watching his 10-year-old son compete, Kelly, shot off a series of tweets that mocked the competition and seemed to allude to some embarrassment over his son’s participation. The troll job was met with a hoard of negative reactions and support for his kid. Scroll down below to read all of Kelly’s tweets and people’s reactions.
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Most people were outraged with the tweets
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In response to the outrage, Jesse told Chron.com the entire incident was a joke and that he was not sorry he had done it. “I’ll probably do it again,” he told the outlet, “I think it’s hilarious, as does everyone with a sense of humor.”
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But not everyone agrees with his sense of humor 
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Be proud of your kid's accomplishments, no matter what they are. They are doing what they want, not what you want.
These are true words. It is actually not important that with Robotics his son is engaging in an activity that required brains and has a fabulous career outlook. It is important that he enjoys it, and that should be enough for this father to respect it.
It wasn't a joke when he did it -- he just used that as an excuse afterwards to blame everyone else for failing to see the alleged humor in what was blatantly mocking and belittling his son. Pathetic.
Truer words have never been spoken. When we got our child we said "No matter what her thing in life is...even if we have no idea why it might be appealing to someone, we will support her and try not only to understand but to love it, too, because if it is her thing, we will like it for the joy it brings her." So we got to enjoy ballett and wood work so far. And when we see how much she enjoys it, we do, too.
@diane a. If that's the kind of "support" he's going to show his son...he'd be better off staying home and letting the kid go it alone. This is probably not the first time this idiot has done this to his son. Why do you think the kid told his Dad he didn't have to come. The father's a self centered prick with a poor education and a son he doesn't deserve.
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The only thing that matters is if the kid was upset or embarassed by his dad's tongue in cheek comments - I mean - the guy was THERE giving support - thats more than alot of parents would do. How can the whole internet be offended on someone else's behalf? We now know that his son is a LEGO robotics genius aged 10. I dont see a single phrase or sentence "mocking" his own son. Just someone wondering how LEGO became a spectator sport.
diane a. I never said he did. I didn't even say anything against the guy.
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@ Roger - I never said you did. This is just a guy getting a peek into a whole different world.
yes, let's risk damaging your son's self esteem and sense of connection with his father so you can tell a joke for the internet. hilarious.
I hope his son didn't see this :(
It is great example of toxic masculinity.
No Lucinda, this IS toxic masculinity. The fact that he thinks his son should be playing sports instead which is even more “traditionally masculine” is telling. On the other hand it’s great to know that more and more girls and women are interested in engineering and robotics.
@Brivid, I don't think that's toxic masculinity, I mean engineering/robotic even Lego has been traditionally "masculine" I think this father is just a shit person and feels threatened by the fact that his son surpasses. Parents get jealous of the accomplishments of their children, the ones that have to belittle their children are normally terrible parents.
In between the two kinds! And made myself happy!
It really is! And I am of the firm belief, going to college for some kids, is the way out of a tough situation. I also believe learning a trade, for some, is just as important! The world will never run out of scholars, hopelfully, and they will never run out of plumbers, carpenters, electricians and mexhanics with that golden touch! My mother told me once, as the oldest of four girls, that...it’s just as easy to marry a rich man as a poor man. I thought, hmmm that sounds dumb! Their moms will make sure they marry whom they wNt him to marry! And a poor man will marry who he loves, hopefully. I. After much thought at 14 yo, said, I’d rather marry a man that could build me a house and furniture, make me laugh and be happy. And be with me through thick and thin. College men aren’t always so great, and poor men aren’t either. But the man with a soul to create and put his visions in to reality and laugh at himself, that’s who I’d want to marry! Now, did I? Do either? No. I married one .
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Can we just stop with the gender bogus? Anyone can do football, anyone can do robotics & other tech stuff; I've seen many people with expectations that their kids of both genders will do whatever the parents want, this is a parenting problem, less of a masculinity problem; it goes both ways
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Its not toxic masculinity. Read the entire article before you comment some stupid shit. @ blugeagua your an idiot too. Women play sports as well. Boom not toxic. Stop trying to get everyone to see what your trying to see. That's not equality. That's just duschism. New word.
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It's a guy having a joke because he is bored and would rather be watching football - no need to read too much psychology into it. I would either be bored or fascinated spending an afternoon watching LEGO
Diane, I get where you're coming from. However, it's not about the fact that he's bored, it's about what he did to cure his boredom (making fun of his son) that makes me feel bad for his son.
@WhateversNotTaken Sorry for my poor choice of words. I mean that the dad shouldn't have vented his boredom by making fun of something his son really excels at and cares about.
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Never once made fun of his son. Read the article again Maci before making shithead comments like that.
Sadly, this is most likely. Imagine the bullies at his school reading it. :( I hope he realises how clever and cool he is.
At least when he does see it, he'll see people standing up for him against his father's "sense of humor".
I hope he did so the poor kid knows what an ass his dad is. Better to figure it out early. Although I'm guessing a kid this smart probably already knows his dad is an ass.
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Typical answer of a bully if being called out: "'T'was a joke, didn't you get it?" 🙄 No. Nobody got it because it was mean and we hope your son did not see it. No child will "understand" that Daddy makes fun of his passion. (And don't get me started on how would this father think it was a good thing to mock science in the first place..would he have written all this about a "real" sports event and thinking "Of course this is ironic, everyone will get it!"? No!)
Soooo, dad is a world class asshat. I sincerely hope the son succeeds and does very well in life. And hey, maybe the son will visit douchbag dad in the nursing home...on occasion. Jeesh….
Maybe son will create a robot replica of himself to visit dad in the nursing home.
Oh yes! that would be perfect!
His dad doesnt deserve it
I love my dad so much. He was always so interested in anything I had to say or do no matter what it was, and he would have...and did...jump over the moon for anything I ever wanted or needed. I remember once in middle school I had an orchestra thing at the mall get cancelled because the chairs never showed up. He ended up getting chairs for us somehow and saved the day. I'm not saying this dude wouldn't do the same for his kids, but I just know my dad would have never gone on Twitter to mock me...even if it was a joke.
Yo dad, if you wanna leave, just leave. Don't throw around insults just to show off your manliness- or better; your indecision ;)
Or 'attempt' at manliness.
Y'know, maybe the first one would have been funny-ish, MAYBE, if he'd stopped there, if he'd followed it up with "I kid, I'm actually really proud" or something equally humane but nope, just went on driving the point home tweet after tweet. He's bully.
This guy is now more famous for making fun of his son than his actual job
As a member of a FRC robotic team, this makes me so so sad and mad first of that poor kid and second the things that leggo robotics does for kids is awesome many of the kids go in to become great engineers
Lego robotics is something to be very proud of. This father should be happy his son is interested in this kind of activity instead of being in front of the tv wasting his time or anything else. Go go go go kid!
Hmm, gee. would I rather have a smart child that will have a good chance at a great career or a kid that plays sports that will have a 1 in 5 million chance of becoming a pro athlete?
Jesse's son will find out, he will be devastated, with his dad making fun of him for showing interest in robotics. This I hope won't change his mind about robotics, he can make a good career from building robotics. Jesse is jealous to think his son one day will be making more money then he does right now. Son to dad: Keep away from any events I go to to compete, all you care about is yourself image, sense a humor you do not have, you hurt my feelings, complete strangers support me, since you won't but rather make fun of my choice in possible careers.
Yup, a real man's man. He would probable his son was out slapping weaker people around to show he is an Alpha male. You sir are what needs to change first in this world. Your outlook and attitude are outdated and weak.
Its a lie, too, trust me, most of the other dads there are not bored, also love robotics and wish they were competing too.
Yes, why have your child gain skills for a future job in technology or robotics, all while doing something he enjoys, when he can run around in a field and clobber people over a ball?
And get concussions that damage his brain forever. Bonus! I bet this nimrod played football when he was a kid and got hit on the head a few times too many.
It's especially dangerous for a child of 10 to be playing anything more than touch football, for that very reason!
Hell if I had a kid that won a robotics competition I would be very proud. That takes a lot of hard work and many different skills coming together into one cohesive application. I would get that kid another robotics kit to expand his knowledge and if they want make a career of it.
Him being conservative has nothing to do with this. I'm conservative and even I think he was an arsehole.
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You said it more eloquently than I did. I said fuck BP and went on a tirade, haha. Yeah, the extreme political bias of this site sickens me when it gets injected into non political things. I'm, amazed I haven't see the word Trump in the comments yet, haha.
Si tacuisses, philosophus mansisses. Or modern: If only he had not tweeted he would still be considered a good father.
Or like our moms used to say: If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all.
That woyld be Thumper’s mom who said that. ;)
It is fine to be critical, but it should be substantiated.
Dixit.
Let me guess: Dad played football when he was a kid and got one too many concussions...
What an unbelieveable douche.
To anyone who got angered by Gillette ad, this right here should prove to you that Toxic Masculinity exists on a bigger scale than anyone thought, this was not a Lego competition, this was a LEGO ROBOTIC competition, this required your kid to make a robot out of legos to perform complete tasks, this required knowing how to program the robots to do these tasks and apparently since your son won he must be very talented, if this was my son I would be over the moon proud of him, you are a disgrace, and this whole "it was a joke" is what lame people say when they get called out and caught in their lies, I hope when your son is a very successful engineer in robotics that he would throw your ass in some nursing home and never visits you while you rot in there until you die.
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The people who got mad at the Gillette ad got mad because instead of making it about behaviour, they made it political. THAT'S why it was hated.
So far you're the only one who's mentioned politics. But as a matter of fact, my very conservative mother would have been appalled by this idiot for the way he treats his son.
WOW that really sickens me that a father could be so shallow.
Sooo... For him is better to have a son with a head concussion rather than an applied robotics degree... That causes him a concussion for the lack of brains... I wish I could afford those toys in my country when I become a dad. 1st world (mentally challenged) daddy problems... FOOTBALL!!!
Father, AKA, failed jock!
If my kid was in a Lego tournament, I'd be on the damn floor screaming with joy and pride. What a fuckwad.
The only way this would be a joke is if his son were in on it. Saying or was a joke was a pathetic attempt to excuse his disgusting behaviour. Shame on this guy.
This is what modern-day so-called "conservatism" is about nowadays. It's about cruelty, it's about aggressively mocking anything that doesn't align with your narrow viewpoints. It's negative to be considered smart. His stupid 'Murican flag baseball hat and faux steely tough guy expression says it all about him. Asshole.
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Clearly only conservatives can lack empathy and be dicks. Pot, meet kettle. Ultra progressives are about the angriest, meanest, least tolerant people out there.
I was raised as a conservative and I think both you and the so-called 'dad' are both jerks, too.
Please don't have any more children. I'm sure your family, including your In-laws would whole heartedly agree on.
What an asshole. The best thing he could do would be to get out of his son's life forever.
Agreed.
I hate that "Its just a joke" thing, where they then gaslight the victim into thinking they're a crazy snowflake rather than rightfully upset. My ex husband always used to say I wasn't as smart as he was because I was in the science that "doesn't use math." (I'm a biologist. He is an engineer.) He insisted it was a joke but he repeated it so frequently I know he meant it. That is what is going on in this scenario as well. It's abusive, shitty parenting. And btw kids that participate in robot competitions are badass.
So right. That's what abuser bullies do. Insult you to prove they are superior then say just joking when you object, and attack you for a lack of humor.
Ten years old and building a robotic something out of legos? When this guy was 10 years old, he was probably setting small fires and stealing cokes from the local mini mart. NBD. I am cheering for this kid. Build your dad a robot kid he can criticize and throw a football at so you can get onto bigger and better things like inventing the flying car we have been promised.
He mocks his own child's talents and achievements on twitter, where the kid is guaranteed to find it if not now, later. He claims that people who found it reprehensible had no sense of humor. We have a sense of humor, but we also have a heart, and a soul, and even if their interest aren't OUR interests, are ADULT enough to take enjoyment from THEIR enjoyment and show pride and pleasure in their accomplishments. 'It's a joke, you have no sense of humor', generally the defense of jerks.
He later told it was a 'joke' because of the negative comments he received 👎🏻
He is a true example of how NOT to be a man. Mocking your child for doing something cool that he enjoys is a true dick move. It has nothing to do with sense of humor (which I have plenty of). I only laugh at things that are funny, which this is just nothing but sad.
I never played sports, my son didn't play sports, he was always the computer geek/nerd type. He now has a degree in mechanical engineering. I'm proud as can be of him.
Some people shouldn't be allowed to have kids. I think your kid would've been better off if you'd just taken off and been a dead beat dad. At least then you wouldn't have to lie about what a douchebag you are.
Good luck to the boy! I am so lucky and grateful to have such amazing parents.
Claiming that it was all a joke may have been his way of trying to turn down the heat around something he actually believed. Joke or no joke, this is sad. How would his son react to the jokes in real life? If his father ACTUALLY joked about this? The kid would be torn!
And this is why Gillette made that commercial. When I was in high school, I got called all kinds of names by the jocks: nerd, dweeb, geek, f**got and others. Today? They call me boss. Do you
"I think it’s hilarious, as does everyone with a sense of humor." Why is that the go-to comment from trolls? So, only people with YOUR sense of humor (which is f****d up, BTW), are worth anything? What a dick. Hopefully, when he and his wife divorce, she gets custody and he only gets supervised visitation.
I can see this boy’s application essay to MIT — “I Succeeded Despite My Redneck Father”
"Got his brain from me". Apparently he took yours and grew a better one.
Mom's Brain. Duh.
This is what so-called modern conservatism is about. It's about cruelty. It's about aggressively mocking anything that doesn't align with your narrow world view. It's about anti-intellectualism. His stupid 'Murican flag baseball hat and faux steely gaze doesn't help with his overwhelming douchiness.
I remember when conservatives were the adults and respected education. How far we have fallen. William Buckley is rolling in his grave.
I'm sure Eisenhower or Gerald Ford wouldn't have made fun of their sons for taking an interest in science over athletics.
No, that's what this man and this man alone believes. You saying this is a conservative thing is as ignorant as his football/son statement. Perhaps you should examine the breadth of your own world view?
You dad do not deserve a son like him. Some parents spend so much for their kids to register in robotics classes. I would love for my kids to show an interest in robotics. I have firsthand experience of how the field enriches people’s lives and quality of care in healthcare. In fact I am still in awe about those geniuses who came up with sip and puff technology as remote control for quadreplegic people in power wheelchair, or how the pupil of the eye could move a cursor in a computer, etc.Too bad that dad is not the sharpest tool in the shed that he cannot comprehend how valuable his son’s skills and interests are.
This is sad beyond words... :(
Not every girl is gonna be your little perfect pink princess and not every boy is gonna be your manly sports drink-guzzling football champ. Kids are people and have their own interests. Deal with it.
What a jerk...but the I guess he is a radio host
What a dick. I have a mother like this. Fun times.
Jesse Kelly must realize what a deeply rotten soulless monster he truly is. Why else would he seek to aggrandize himself by publicly abusing a child, his own son? Someone should call CPS.
There's little CPS can do without adding physical abuse--and his mother would have to be willing to corroborate. Most of our CPS laws need overhauling. Frankly, we need nationwide CPS laws that are the same for every state.
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You are an angry, bitter human. Maybe your own dad made you this way, but either way it's just sad.
I wonder what he'd say about my son who would rather bake a cake or make cookies than play a sport? Let the kid find his passion and he will find success.
Asshole
That guy is the definition of POS
So sad, he doesnt take time to understand
Jesse Kelly sounds like a real douche
"Hahaha, I was just joking!" is probably the worst excuse ever when being an asshat. Only asshats could ever believe others would fall for that...
Just you wait until he, too gets a Twitter. Just. You. Wait.
Ahh, the 'it was just a joke' defense. That's one very small step above the 'I have black friends' defense. Standard playbook for bullies, bigots, and toxic masculinity. Your kid builds robots. ROBOTS!! There is nothing more cool than that. Period. Now 'man up', apologize for being an ass to your kid, and maybe show some interest in what he likes, instead of wanting him to be a tiny clone of you.
I hope MIT gives this kid a scholarship so he never has to deal with daddy dearest again.
Oh no! Your son can BUILD ROBOTS and wins a tournament in Lego ROBOTICS. It's just horrible that he doesn't play a physical sport that will likely not land him a strong career and has a large risk of dangerous head injuries. Be proud of who your son is and the fact that he accomplished something good!
Oh...but he's *10* and plays with *LEGOS* and oh, whynot sports? (/s)
To anyone who makes fun of other people's accomplishments: go fuck yourself.
I was a Junior In HS...I didnt do much in school to make my parents proud(I hated HS) but I entered a speech contest for a local mens club ..won it and was going on to the next level...My father who didnt see my win went to a practice performance...and critiqued it all the way home(he was a toastmaster,) instead of complimenting me on it...I TANKED the next contest...He almost never saw my successes without making me feel like I failed at some level
the kid is obviously smart and developing further, dad obviously not
Dude you may not enjoy your sons Choosen activity but hey its not about you,
His son could very well own a NFL team someday with a hobby like that
What a douche. I'd take a smart guy over a dumb jock any day. That kid is going to need therapy and the father will probably mock him for it.
Support your kids in whatever they are passionate about. You can't force your hobbies and what you like on your kid
Just another trumpy.
Obviously in the minority's here -- I'm a big nerd, but I thought the tweets were kinda funny. It's the kind of inner monologue almost all parents have when they're forced to attend a tedious event to support their children, kind of like the guy who live tweeted his experience chaperoning his kid's field trip. This guy should have left out the part where he said he wished his kid played sports instead tho.
It would have been funny if it was about a pet. The kid is a human being who can read and who can definitely find Dad's Twitter. Moreover, there are plenty of bullies at the kid's school who can also read and who can find Dad's Twitter.
Did anyone actually read the whole article? Per Buzzfeed: "The whole thread is an apparent troll job." And everyone here fell for it.
I'll just say one thing - "according to Buzzfeed"
Who knows? His son may well be the person who designs a robotic exploration system roaming about on another planet, some time in the future. He will amaze his dad. On the other hand, yesterday, I saw a bricklayer's van with a sign on the side: "Bricks are Big Boys Leggo".
If he thought that was funny, he probably peed his pants when his idol mocked a reporter with a physical disability. I'm sorry this is your dad, little man. Move out ASAP.
I f*cking hate when people say this kind of thing and then go "oh no hahaha it was just a joke!!!"..
One tweet would have been amusing, but a running commentary? That's just trying to let others know that you find your kid's talents funny and not worth paying attention to. I bet he pays for a really nice nursing home for you and never visits.
That's not trolling, that's just bad parenting. Last I checked, trolling was usually done deliberately as a means of inciting fury in others. This guy's just being a douche.
None of us know what his relationship is like with his son. So to judge this father makes each of you no better. His posts were funny. It's not like he told his son these things directly. A sense of humor is important, especially in today's society. I have a son and I LOVE him more than anything, but I would rib my son too if that's how our sense of humor was. If he was truly embarrassed or whatever, he wouldn't have gone to the event...
Yes exactly. How can anyone think this man was mocking his son? It's weird humor, but I'm used to that, mocking someone to show your affection. Goodness at the office some do that all the time and one new guy wasn't used to it. You can't say that to ppl who do not understand. They get mad.
I think that if he weren't proud in the first place, he wouldn't have stayed? I mean, obviously the kid hasn't been obliged to play football, he doesn't seem to be a terrible father. Children are children, not kings, not precious little things. This kid, I'm sure, is both not traumatized, AND humble. Plus he'll know to laugh about his own self. I think people need to just cool down a bit. It's wonderful for you if you're jumping higher than the everest if your kid made an accomplishment, that's your way of dealing with it and encourage your kid and all. But not everyone has to be like you. :) I know I'll definitely not treat my children as the world 8th wonder, for they won't be. But will I love them with all I am and all my soul? Absolutely. Will I support them? Absolutely. <3
He stayed because he brought his son there, and if he'd gone somewhere else his wife would have gone ballistic on him.
I would certainly debate the statement that his son gets his brains from dad. Apparently dad thinks his comments were funny. If anyone needs proof that the kid gets his brains from Mom, that mistaken assumption is it.
Invoking the 'sense of humour' defence is how you know this guy is really, really funny.
Is this for real ?!? This guy is a asshole
The guy was making a joke. Everyone's overreacting to it. No doubt he'd be proud of his kid. I know a lot of fathers who make these jokes, and feign disappointment, but on the inside they're very proud of their kid
He was there. A dad who didn't give a fuck would not be right there with his kid. None of us have the full understanding of their relationship so none of us are informed enough to cast judgement on whether or not this was a joke his kid was in on, or if he's a giant douche.
Some of those comments on the father went to far. At least he was there for his kids. If a father didn't really care, he wouldn't show up. Also the father said it was all joke. I'm guessing this guy is really proud of his kids.
He probably was there because he had to drive the kid over and back. That's no proof of fatherhood.
The outrage culture doesn't allow for nuance, nor forgiveness. It's full of the angriest, meanest spirited assholes ever.
his pursed linguine lips speak before he even opens his mouth
Oh yeah he looks like a total douche just by that selfie he took. Yuck
Apparently this is this dad's 'shtick' and meant (emphasis on meant) to be funny/ tongue in cheek. He's still a jerk though.
I would also say that more people than ever before are pulling the "just kidding" card now that being a jerk can result in hundreds of thousands of people seeing you being a jerk. On the flipside: what is reasonable? These sorts of internet backlashes are such a new phenomenon that people are not really too conscious of what they're actually doing by adding their drop of spit in the pool.
I hope that his son understands. After all, it's his opinion that counts more than anybody else's. Would have been much better if dad was cheering him on. If I had a kid who was smart enough to compete in and win a robotic tourney, I'd be busting wide open with pride. Won't be surprised if the next thing we hear is mom is divorcing dad and getting full custody of the children...
This dad is the worst. Be happy with your kid, you terrible person.
Sad, very sad! It didn’t sound like a joke to me. I’d have gotten up and prayed like crazy my mom would be the one taking me there! Kids that do robotics, even LEGO robotics, are learning to solve very valuable issues, outside the box. They may seem like kids play and passion for now, but whoah ! Look out when it’s time for them to become something wonderful one day! Problem solving isn’t done enough by kids now a days, nor is thinking outside the box. CREATIVITY AND IMAGINATION WILL ROCK AND RULE OUR WORLD, ANS HOPEFULLY SOLVE SOME MAJOR LOFE PROBLEMS! All because they played with LEGO’s and robots! 🎁🎁🎁🎉🎊⭐️⭐️💫⭐️💫💫💫💫💫
At least he'll be able to go home and beat his wife and feel like a 'real' man...
fathers can be stupid in general
maybe needs to have a DNA test. Looks like his son didn't spring from his loins
Who is that guy?
I have a stepdad who's just like this. Only instead of machine inventions, my stepdad dislikes how I have interests in being a cartoonist.
If Mr. Kelly can't be proud of his child, at least he needs to respect his work. Mr. Kelly it seems to me like you are more focus in football, life is not at you like. Your son is much better than you.
What an asshole! If i was this kid’s parent, i’d literally burst out of pride!
Actually, he does state how smart his son is and that he won a trophy. I think this is a proud father who just wanted to roast his kid and make others laugh. It was done with love. I'm sure his son saw it, I'm sure he gets the joke. They probably joke around like this all the time. Think about the fact that he 1) Went to the tournament 2) Paid detailed attention to what was going on and 3) Made sure to share with everyone what his son was up to...including the fact that he won a trophy. I see a proud father. I don't understand how people aren't able to see the good natured, loving humor in this. You are all missing it.
What an ass! Not even shocked that he's a 'conservative'. These people should just change their name to petty, hypocritical bigots. That poor kid. Imagine having to live under the roof of someone who undermines and belittles you for being intelligent. The person who is suppised to love and nourish you, is probably your biggest nightmare and bully. Even worse, he takes it public. I can imagine his son has it much worse at home. That kid is going to own his ass, someday.
Sorry, dad, you don't get to keep the trophy. It's obvious the kid got his brains from Mom. You don't have any. Anyone who mocks his own child's activity, no matter how 'funny' he thinks it is, should be placed in parenting classes until he realizes just how unfunny he is. And he'd do it again? Sports? Nah; he'd just end up like dad. What a horrible thought.
The guy is an asshat
That's mocking. Not "trolling". Get it right.
shameless bully. I hope his mind and heart is open to parent counselling, even if a little bit.
Ugh, I have one of these in my house too, bu lucky he only mocks my boys to their faces and not on social media...
Mr. Kelly: Has it occurred to you that when you are old and infirm, this boy may well be the one choosing what nursing home to put you into? For your own sake if not his, it's far from being in your best interest to belittle him and his interests or talents. But then, you're a right-wing radio talker, so maybe this is a silly question.
What a douche nozzle
I think that this man Owes his kid a Huge Apology, He should be Proud that his son is so bright that he can enter such a contest instead of Mocking him and the contest. He should also be a bigger man and acknowledge that he was wrong instead of digging his heel in and saying it was a joke when clearly it wasnt. This is one of those memories that the son will carry forever.
To the football dad; No kid ever got a serious bone break or life changing brain injury from robotics.
He obviously has no use for Gillette.
Just tweeting while you should be completely paying attention to your child is a form of neglect.
Just tweeting while you should be full on paying attention to your child is neglect.
What a self focussed douche
Looks like someone wants to be the new poster child for toxic masculinity. Too bad that term only applies to plausibly human beings.
hell, if I were younger and they had this competition, I'd be right in there with him. I'm sorry this guy thinks making fun of his kid is a cool thing to do for his audience. He should only go to the vapid football games, when women have to take most of their clothes off and parade around in sexual poses to get the men in there. Oh yeah, and have $12.00 beer.
In my first year of high school, we took part in a "Robot Wars"-esque tournament. We kids built it ourselves (with teacher's guidance), and took it to a nearby university campus to battle with it. We didn't win, but it was an awesome experience getting to watch this little machine we made working and battling against others. It sucked when I moved over the summer, and my new school had nothing like that available.
This is yet ANOTHER reason I hate social media, so people like this father would have no platform. He really is a piece of work, dog doo work! ..
I actually think that it exposes rotten things like this that commonly happen but people think their experience was unique and their fault. If the kid sees these tweets he'll realize that his Father is a jealous insecure jerk and that other Fathers do not behave like this and that he was a ok kid.
I don't like his smarmy face. I don't like his smarmy pose. I don't like people who broadcast their children's lives for their own bizarre gratification. Poor kiddo will be able to read this, is probably getting bullied for this. Our role as parents is to protect and nurture our children! Only a narcissistic prick could be so heartless. :(
"Other kids play football, grunt, spit, burp fart"
If this kid does well at robotics or a similar field he could end up with an interesting, meaningful, well-paying job some day. Or there's always pro football.
asshat !
This is atrocious. How can a parent sit there and not be proud of their kids accomplishments???
He thinks that not getting a kick out of this means no sense of humor. You know, not ALL comedy acts or jokes are funny. This one was definitely a miss.
How about fuck BP for constantly putting shoehorning their political ideology into things? The fact he's a conservative has zero to do with anything. Know how I know? Because you NEVER put in somebody's political affiliation in a negative story unless they are conservative. Leave politics out of it FFS.
I mean, having a kid that can do both the brains and brawn is better than one that can only do one of those
In what world is being a jock better than an engineer in robotics??? as football player your lifespan in that game is very limited, being a successful robotic engineer is for life, the dad was not joking, one tweet might have been able to pass as a joke (albeit a terrible one) but a series of tweets was not a joke.
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Yet another "let's all gang up on someone who said something stupid on twitter" post. Not saying he was right in any way but come on.
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A whole bunch of sensitive snowflakes on here. Learn to take a joke. That's all this was.
ONE comment *might* have been a joke. It ceased to be funny when he repeated it over and over and over.
I just took it as a joke, meaning he's proud of him.
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I think this dad is just looking out for his son like hank looked out for Bobby when he entered the fashion show. Cut this caring dad some slack
You're trying too hard to get the downvotes. You're not even remotely funny or interesting, dude.
I think it’s just ‘Donald J. Trump’ with a new username. Either way, he’s just 10 year old kid who thinks they’re being cool.
Oh, this guy again.
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I know that guy is so annoying
Be proud of your kid's accomplishments, no matter what they are. They are doing what they want, not what you want.
These are true words. It is actually not important that with Robotics his son is engaging in an activity that required brains and has a fabulous career outlook. It is important that he enjoys it, and that should be enough for this father to respect it.
It wasn't a joke when he did it -- he just used that as an excuse afterwards to blame everyone else for failing to see the alleged humor in what was blatantly mocking and belittling his son. Pathetic.
Truer words have never been spoken. When we got our child we said "No matter what her thing in life is...even if we have no idea why it might be appealing to someone, we will support her and try not only to understand but to love it, too, because if it is her thing, we will like it for the joy it brings her." So we got to enjoy ballett and wood work so far. And when we see how much she enjoys it, we do, too.
@diane a. If that's the kind of "support" he's going to show his son...he'd be better off staying home and letting the kid go it alone. This is probably not the first time this idiot has done this to his son. Why do you think the kid told his Dad he didn't have to come. The father's a self centered prick with a poor education and a son he doesn't deserve.
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The only thing that matters is if the kid was upset or embarassed by his dad's tongue in cheek comments - I mean - the guy was THERE giving support - thats more than alot of parents would do. How can the whole internet be offended on someone else's behalf? We now know that his son is a LEGO robotics genius aged 10. I dont see a single phrase or sentence "mocking" his own son. Just someone wondering how LEGO became a spectator sport.
diane a. I never said he did. I didn't even say anything against the guy.
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@ Roger - I never said you did. This is just a guy getting a peek into a whole different world.
yes, let's risk damaging your son's self esteem and sense of connection with his father so you can tell a joke for the internet. hilarious.
I hope his son didn't see this :(
It is great example of toxic masculinity.
No Lucinda, this IS toxic masculinity. The fact that he thinks his son should be playing sports instead which is even more “traditionally masculine” is telling. On the other hand it’s great to know that more and more girls and women are interested in engineering and robotics.
@Brivid, I don't think that's toxic masculinity, I mean engineering/robotic even Lego has been traditionally "masculine" I think this father is just a shit person and feels threatened by the fact that his son surpasses. Parents get jealous of the accomplishments of their children, the ones that have to belittle their children are normally terrible parents.
In between the two kinds! And made myself happy!
It really is! And I am of the firm belief, going to college for some kids, is the way out of a tough situation. I also believe learning a trade, for some, is just as important! The world will never run out of scholars, hopelfully, and they will never run out of plumbers, carpenters, electricians and mexhanics with that golden touch! My mother told me once, as the oldest of four girls, that...it’s just as easy to marry a rich man as a poor man. I thought, hmmm that sounds dumb! Their moms will make sure they marry whom they wNt him to marry! And a poor man will marry who he loves, hopefully. I. After much thought at 14 yo, said, I’d rather marry a man that could build me a house and furniture, make me laugh and be happy. And be with me through thick and thin. College men aren’t always so great, and poor men aren’t either. But the man with a soul to create and put his visions in to reality and laugh at himself, that’s who I’d want to marry! Now, did I? Do either? No. I married one .
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Can we just stop with the gender bogus? Anyone can do football, anyone can do robotics & other tech stuff; I've seen many people with expectations that their kids of both genders will do whatever the parents want, this is a parenting problem, less of a masculinity problem; it goes both ways
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Its not toxic masculinity. Read the entire article before you comment some stupid shit. @ blugeagua your an idiot too. Women play sports as well. Boom not toxic. Stop trying to get everyone to see what your trying to see. That's not equality. That's just duschism. New word.
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It's a guy having a joke because he is bored and would rather be watching football - no need to read too much psychology into it. I would either be bored or fascinated spending an afternoon watching LEGO
Diane, I get where you're coming from. However, it's not about the fact that he's bored, it's about what he did to cure his boredom (making fun of his son) that makes me feel bad for his son.
@WhateversNotTaken Sorry for my poor choice of words. I mean that the dad shouldn't have vented his boredom by making fun of something his son really excels at and cares about.
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Never once made fun of his son. Read the article again Maci before making shithead comments like that.
Sadly, this is most likely. Imagine the bullies at his school reading it. :( I hope he realises how clever and cool he is.
At least when he does see it, he'll see people standing up for him against his father's "sense of humor".
I hope he did so the poor kid knows what an ass his dad is. Better to figure it out early. Although I'm guessing a kid this smart probably already knows his dad is an ass.
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Typical answer of a bully if being called out: "'T'was a joke, didn't you get it?" 🙄 No. Nobody got it because it was mean and we hope your son did not see it. No child will "understand" that Daddy makes fun of his passion. (And don't get me started on how would this father think it was a good thing to mock science in the first place..would he have written all this about a "real" sports event and thinking "Of course this is ironic, everyone will get it!"? No!)
Soooo, dad is a world class asshat. I sincerely hope the son succeeds and does very well in life. And hey, maybe the son will visit douchbag dad in the nursing home...on occasion. Jeesh….
Maybe son will create a robot replica of himself to visit dad in the nursing home.
Oh yes! that would be perfect!
His dad doesnt deserve it
I love my dad so much. He was always so interested in anything I had to say or do no matter what it was, and he would have...and did...jump over the moon for anything I ever wanted or needed. I remember once in middle school I had an orchestra thing at the mall get cancelled because the chairs never showed up. He ended up getting chairs for us somehow and saved the day. I'm not saying this dude wouldn't do the same for his kids, but I just know my dad would have never gone on Twitter to mock me...even if it was a joke.
Yo dad, if you wanna leave, just leave. Don't throw around insults just to show off your manliness- or better; your indecision ;)
Or 'attempt' at manliness.
Y'know, maybe the first one would have been funny-ish, MAYBE, if he'd stopped there, if he'd followed it up with "I kid, I'm actually really proud" or something equally humane but nope, just went on driving the point home tweet after tweet. He's bully.
This guy is now more famous for making fun of his son than his actual job
As a member of a FRC robotic team, this makes me so so sad and mad first of that poor kid and second the things that leggo robotics does for kids is awesome many of the kids go in to become great engineers
Lego robotics is something to be very proud of. This father should be happy his son is interested in this kind of activity instead of being in front of the tv wasting his time or anything else. Go go go go kid!
Hmm, gee. would I rather have a smart child that will have a good chance at a great career or a kid that plays sports that will have a 1 in 5 million chance of becoming a pro athlete?
Jesse's son will find out, he will be devastated, with his dad making fun of him for showing interest in robotics. This I hope won't change his mind about robotics, he can make a good career from building robotics. Jesse is jealous to think his son one day will be making more money then he does right now. Son to dad: Keep away from any events I go to to compete, all you care about is yourself image, sense a humor you do not have, you hurt my feelings, complete strangers support me, since you won't but rather make fun of my choice in possible careers.
Yup, a real man's man. He would probable his son was out slapping weaker people around to show he is an Alpha male. You sir are what needs to change first in this world. Your outlook and attitude are outdated and weak.
Its a lie, too, trust me, most of the other dads there are not bored, also love robotics and wish they were competing too.
Yes, why have your child gain skills for a future job in technology or robotics, all while doing something he enjoys, when he can run around in a field and clobber people over a ball?
And get concussions that damage his brain forever. Bonus! I bet this nimrod played football when he was a kid and got hit on the head a few times too many.
It's especially dangerous for a child of 10 to be playing anything more than touch football, for that very reason!
Hell if I had a kid that won a robotics competition I would be very proud. That takes a lot of hard work and many different skills coming together into one cohesive application. I would get that kid another robotics kit to expand his knowledge and if they want make a career of it.
Him being conservative has nothing to do with this. I'm conservative and even I think he was an arsehole.
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You said it more eloquently than I did. I said fuck BP and went on a tirade, haha. Yeah, the extreme political bias of this site sickens me when it gets injected into non political things. I'm, amazed I haven't see the word Trump in the comments yet, haha.
Si tacuisses, philosophus mansisses. Or modern: If only he had not tweeted he would still be considered a good father.
Or like our moms used to say: If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all.
That woyld be Thumper’s mom who said that. ;)
It is fine to be critical, but it should be substantiated.
Dixit.
Let me guess: Dad played football when he was a kid and got one too many concussions...
What an unbelieveable douche.
To anyone who got angered by Gillette ad, this right here should prove to you that Toxic Masculinity exists on a bigger scale than anyone thought, this was not a Lego competition, this was a LEGO ROBOTIC competition, this required your kid to make a robot out of legos to perform complete tasks, this required knowing how to program the robots to do these tasks and apparently since your son won he must be very talented, if this was my son I would be over the moon proud of him, you are a disgrace, and this whole "it was a joke" is what lame people say when they get called out and caught in their lies, I hope when your son is a very successful engineer in robotics that he would throw your ass in some nursing home and never visits you while you rot in there until you die.
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The people who got mad at the Gillette ad got mad because instead of making it about behaviour, they made it political. THAT'S why it was hated.
So far you're the only one who's mentioned politics. But as a matter of fact, my very conservative mother would have been appalled by this idiot for the way he treats his son.
WOW that really sickens me that a father could be so shallow.
Sooo... For him is better to have a son with a head concussion rather than an applied robotics degree... That causes him a concussion for the lack of brains... I wish I could afford those toys in my country when I become a dad. 1st world (mentally challenged) daddy problems... FOOTBALL!!!
Father, AKA, failed jock!
If my kid was in a Lego tournament, I'd be on the damn floor screaming with joy and pride. What a fuckwad.
The only way this would be a joke is if his son were in on it. Saying or was a joke was a pathetic attempt to excuse his disgusting behaviour. Shame on this guy.
This is what modern-day so-called "conservatism" is about nowadays. It's about cruelty, it's about aggressively mocking anything that doesn't align with your narrow viewpoints. It's negative to be considered smart. His stupid 'Murican flag baseball hat and faux steely tough guy expression says it all about him. Asshole.
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Clearly only conservatives can lack empathy and be dicks. Pot, meet kettle. Ultra progressives are about the angriest, meanest, least tolerant people out there.
I was raised as a conservative and I think both you and the so-called 'dad' are both jerks, too.
Please don't have any more children. I'm sure your family, including your In-laws would whole heartedly agree on.
What an asshole. The best thing he could do would be to get out of his son's life forever.
Agreed.