Mansplaining has officially hit the mainstream, having been featured on “Jeopardy!” this month. With the trend of men explaining things to women in a patronizing way becoming increasingly common, why not bring it to Alex Trebek’s iconic quiz show? It’s so prevalent that it was even added to the Oxford English Dictionary recently. For those unfamiliar with the term, mansplaining (v.): refers to a man explaining something to someone, often a woman, in a condescending manner, assuming she lacks knowledge about the subject. It’s important to note that simply being a man explaining something doesn’t automatically qualify as mansplaining; the condescending tone is what gives it away.
The Jeopardy! Clue
In a recent episode of “Jeopardy!”, contestants encountered the clue: “This 21st-century word happens when a male patronizingly tells a female about a topic she already understands.” Contestant Maria answered correctly with “mansplaining,” earning $600 in the “That Explains It” category. Still unsure? Let’s explore a few quintessential examples of mansplaining.
Examples of Mansplaining
Take, for instance, technology expert Sarah Green, who had to put a man in his place when he insisted on explaining Java, a programming language, to her. Then there’s the gentleman who tried to explain a piece on women in tech to a woman who actually wrote it. Thanks for the unsolicited advice, but we don’t need a lecture from you, buddy.
Ironically, some men have jumped into discussions about why “Jeopardy!” featured mansplaining in the first place. Clearly, they missed the point! It’s amusing how some people feel the need to explain everything, assuming they are educators when, in reality, they might just be talking too much without realizing they’re not adding any value. Pro tip: wait for someone to ask before you start lecturing!
Another example is a gentleman who seems to misunderstand the essence of teaching. Learning should never come with a condescending tone. No one appointed you as the fact-checker in casual conversations, and as someone who has worked in similar roles, I can confirm that unsolicited corrections aren’t needed.
This particular man, who seems to fit the mold of a Men’s Rights Activist, could benefit from considering the perspectives of women, sociologists, and even the Oxford dictionary on this issue. Mansplaining is a significant concern, and ignoring it won’t make it go away.
Conclusion
To wrap it all up, we could spend countless hours unearthing examples of mansplaining, explaining it to those who just don’t get it. Sure, some men may think they are being helpful, but with Alex Trebek illuminating the term, perhaps we’ll witness a decline in such behavior. Though, let’s be honest, that might be wishful thinking.
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In summary, mansplaining has become a cultural phenomenon, even making its way onto a beloved game show. With increased awareness, perhaps the tide will shift towards more respectful communication.