Danny explores whether or not there are legitimate uses for the term “mansplaining”.
So earlier today we were all talking about Ryan Gosling in a post by Joanna. Someone mentioned the term mansplaining. Well after a while Joanna said that she would like to see a post on the word. Here goes.
First off let’s get an idea of what mansplaining is. I found what seems to be one of the oldest explanations of the term (and includes a link to a possible original source for the term) at Karen Healey’s livejournal:
Mansplaining is when a dude tells you, a woman, how to do something you already know how to do, or how you are wrong about something you are actually right about, or miscellaneous and inaccurate “facts” about something you know a hell of a lot more about than he does.
Bonus points if he is explaining how you are wrong about something being sexist!
I’m going to leave it at that. More than likely I’ll put in my two cents in the comments but I don’t want to add my opinion to the main post in that it might sway people.
So what do you think?
Legitimate term?
A term that has some legitimacy but has the potential for incorrect use?
Useless lingo that really adds nothing?
Offensive lingo that is ultimately counterproductive?
Are there other forms of _____-splaining that occur?
Photo of screaming businessman courtesy of Shutterstock