WILL.I.AM's comment on Einstein

[Edxu]

I'm sure that we've all seen the oddshot/heard it live by now, but what is CD's response to will.i.am's comment?

From my previous visits to CMP, whenever Will came up, the general vibe that I got was that he used to be a big supporter but lost his interest and kept coming to CMP as a favor to Dean, but this year, he seemed as hyped as the rest of us, and I think that we got to see what will was really feeling at that moment, not necessarily what FIRST asked him to focus on/talk about.

Most of the sponsors, speakers and guests say similar things about promoting STEM and their companies from a pre-written speech and that's cool, but seeing will off-script and listening to how he was feeling in the heat of the moment really made me believe that FIRST has made a difference in culture, and yesterday, Will really showed it to us.

[chamingflicken]

Originally Posted by Edxu

what is CD's response to will.i.am's comment?

Literally legendary.

[scott.smith]

Best quote 2k16. Others may disagree, but I think it really shows his passion.

[TheMilkman01]

I think it definitely was a display of passion and will go down as an unforgettable moment in FIRST, but I'm also skeptical as to if it was truly off the cuff. The general reaction of Dean Kamen, the commentators, and others seemed artificial to some degree. While I doubt everyone or even most people would know about it if – and that's a skeptical "if" – it was planned at all. He seemed to say it in a way and draw reactions from Dean and the administrator that suggest he may have playfully joked about swearing live or something earlier, and that their reactions were a product of that. Like a publicity stunt for FIRST more or less.

Don't get me wrong, I think that Will is undoubtedly invested in FIRST and whether or not the incident was planned or not, he is doing great work for the future. I wish he would have explained and gone in depth more about spreading FIRST in the ghetto and his experiences like that, but I can appreciate the notion that he was just overcome with excitement for FIRST. Also, I'm not trying to start a conspiracy or anything – I don't expect other people to jump on board or completely agree with me on this – it's just how I genuinely feel and think about it.

Either way, this should make for some good discussion.

[nerdrock101]

Originally Posted by TheMilkman01

I think it definitely was a display of passion and will go down as an unforgettable moment in FIRST, but I'm also skeptical as to if it was truly off the cuff. The general reaction of Dean Kamen, the commentators, and others seemed artificial to some degree. While I doubt everyone or even most people would know about it if – and that's a skeptical "if" – it was planned at all. He seemed to say it in a way and draw reactions from Dean and the administrator that suggest he may have playfully joked about swearing live or something earlier, and that their reactions were a product of that. Like a publicity stunt for FIRST more or less.

For that reason, I really wish I could read lips and guess what Dean said to him after in that clip...

[Gdeaver]

Hmmmmm, Ummmmm, short and concise. I've be addicted for 15 years. Tried to quit but failed.

[macman828]

Originally Posted by nerdrock101

For that reason, I really wish I could read lips and guess what Dean said to him after in that clip...

He says, "This is Representative Randy Hultgren. His is the chairman of the STEM committee."

[orangemoore]

It was not an appropriate comment for the people in the audience.

But an amazing comment about FIRST and the culture we have created.

[hectorcastillo]

I'm waiting for the t-shirt/button.

[sanddrag]

Not having been there, can someone enlighten me? If it's not something you can post, I'd still love to hear it via PM.

Edit: Got it. Thank you everyone.

Anyone remember when a former US president was at Champs? Maybe we should get back to that type of VIP instead of these "music" clowns.

[saikiranra]

Originally Posted by sanddrag

Anyone remember when a former US president was at Champs? Maybe we should get back to that type of VIP instead of these "music" clowns.

One of the main goals of FIRST is inspiration. WILL.I.AM is an influential figure in the popular culture sphere who can help bring awareness to the program more than any other figures.

Although not a totally appropriate thing to say, it really does share the sentiment most of us have about the program. This could potentially attract people who haven't heard of FIRST into our community, which is always a good thing.

[dirtbikerxz]

Originally Posted by sanddrag

Anyone remember when a former US president was at Champs? Maybe we should get back to that type of VIP instead of these "music" clowns.

First of all Will.I.AM is really not a "music clown" as you put it, he actually is a respected person unlike some other music personnel.

And also you have to understand, FIRST isn't really trying to promote itself to 30 and above year olds. It's trying to capture the attention of High Schoolers and below. A respected celebrity such as Will.I.AM will have much more impact than the president. (No offense Mr. President if you happen to have a secret account on Chief Delphi )

On a side note, I can only imagine how much more complicated everything would become if the president had to visit champs today, especially with all the security details required, and how all the open saws and hammers and shanks would be treated......

[JaneYoung]

Originally Posted by dirtbikerxz

First of all Will.I.AM is really not a "music clown" as you put it, he actually is a respected person unlike some other music personnel.

And also you have to understand, FIRST isn't really trying to promote itself to 30 and above year olds. It's trying to capture the attention of High Schoolers and below. A respected celebrity such as Will.I.AM will have much more impact than the president. (No offense Mr. President if you happen to have a secret account on Chief Delphi )

You might take a look at the makeup (and age groups) of some of the teams that are a part of the FIRST programs. International teams that are making tremendous inroads in their cultures, at no small cost. Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and private schools with religious affiliations, to name a few. FIRST is much bigger than the current U.S. popular culture trends. Way bigger. Just look at the impact of our 2016 Championship WFA.

Food for thought.
Jane

[dirtbikerxz]

Originally Posted by JaneYoung

You might take a look at the makeup (and age groups) of some of the teams that are a part of the FIRST programs. International teams that are making tremendous inroads in their cultures at no small cost. Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and private schools with religious affiliations, to name a few. FIRST is much bigger than the current U.S. popular culture trends. Way bigger. Just look at the impact of our 2016 Championship WFA.

Food for thought.
Jane

Very true, and I totally understand that, I think it's amazing. I can't wait for a future where every school in the world will have access to some sort of FIRST resource. But we also have to think about the present moment. It is facts that the United States is much more involved in FIRST than all the other Nation's combined. With a popular social figure like this you will be reaching many more people.

Now don't get me wrong, I would love it if the President took the time to come to the FIRST championship (on other thought did he make a video this year, I know he made videos the last 2 years saying good luck). There is no rule preventing both a figure like Will.I.AM and the president to come to the championships.

[Akash Rastogi]

Originally Posted by JaneYoung

You might take a look at the makeup (and age groups) of some of the teams that are a part of the FIRST programs. International teams that are making tremendous inroads in their cultures, at no small cost. Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and private schools with religious affiliations, to name a few. FIRST is much bigger than the current U.S. popular culture trends. Way bigger. Just look at the impact of our 2016 Championship WFA.

Food for thought.
Jane

Can you elaborate on your point here? I'm not getting what you're implying or what thought this should provoke.

What was your actual opinion on the statement?