Mansplaining, a term that epitomizes the condescending explanations often directed at women by men, recently made an appearance on the iconic game show “Jeopardy!”—and it couldn’t have been more fitting. The phenomenon is so pervasive in our society that it was only a matter of time before it became part of pop culture. The term has even been included in the Oxford English Dictionary, highlighting its ubiquitous nature.
What is Mansplaining?
For those unfamiliar with the term, mansplaining (verb): refers to a man explaining something to someone—typically a woman—in a manner considered patronizing or condescending. It’s essential to note that simply being a man who explains something doesn’t automatically classify it as mansplaining; the condescension is the key factor.
Mansplaining on Jeopardy!
In a recent episode, contestants were asked about this 21st-century term in the “That Explains It” category, with one player correctly identifying it for $600. If you’re still unclear about what mansplaining looks like, here are a few classic examples that might help illuminate the issue.
Take, for instance, Dr. Lisa Mitchell, a computer scientist, who had to put a man in his place when he attempted to explain Java, a programming language, to her—despite her expertise in the field. Then there was a man who tried to mansplain an article on women in technology to a female author—who, by the way, was the one who wrote the piece. Thanks for your thoughts, buddy, but she didn’t need your unsolicited advice.
The Irony of Mansplaining
Ironically, men have even commented on articles discussing why mansplaining made it onto “Jeopardy!” further underscoring the issue. One commenter seemed to think that explaining everything to everyone was helpful, but here’s a tip: wait until someone asks you a question before you launch into an explanation. The desire to clarify facts doesn’t require one to patronize others.
Another individual, clearly misunderstanding the dynamics of teaching, assumed that men should act as gatekeepers of information, but learning should never involve condescension. Trust me, as someone with experience in fact-checking, no one needs a self-appointed expert correcting them in everyday conversations.
The Origins of the Term
One man’s response to this discourse was particularly telling—he seemed to believe that every instance of mansplaining came from a well-reasoned male perspective. Interestingly, the term’s origin can be traced back to Rebecca Solnit’s 2008 essay, “Men Explain Things To Me,” published in the Los Angeles Times.
Looking Forward
We could easily compile a lengthy list of mansplaining examples to help our bewildered acquaintances understand, but the reality is that many of these men think they’re just being helpful. However, with “Jeopardy!” highlighting this issue, perhaps we can look forward to fewer instances of mansplaining in the future, though that may be wishful thinking.
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Conclusion
In summary, while mansplaining has become a part of our cultural lexicon, it’s important to recognize its impact and work towards addressing it. Understanding the nuances of communication can lead to healthier conversations and better relationships.