Mansplaining: why women hate it

Recently I was working my regular serving job when one of the new employees needed help with an order. I explained where to find what he needed and made sure he understood what I had just shown him. I felt good knowing I had just helped him learn something when seconds later a male coworker appeared to re-explain everything I had just said, but in his words.

Therefore, a prime example of the worldwide phenomena known as “mansplaining.”

Mansplaining is when a man tries to explain something, typically to a woman, in a patronizing or condescending manner.

But why is it so hard for men to comprehend there is a difference between simply explaining something and mansplaining?

It is so simple, that there is even a diagram you can check out to see if you are a mansplainer yourself.

While some may argue this is just reverse sexism, I hate to break it to you, it isn’t. The term “mansplaining” may seem nonchalant and comical, when it really is just meant to call attention to the frustration women, and some men, have with sexist norms.

It may seem like a simple fix by just “responding the way men respond,” but in reality that doesn’t solve the issue.

Men far too often acknowledge their wrongdoings but fail to actually enact any change to prevent it from continuing to  happen. But change is what needs to happen for mansplaining to end.

When you think about it, mansplaining is a social norm that is enforced in a variety of cultures. Men are always viewed as superior in every way, so it makes sense they try to dominate something as simple as a conversation.

So how does society go about this much needed cultural shift?

Well for starters men can come to terms with their mansplaining tendencies. Society also has to stop rewarding men for their male communication norms, like mansplaining, and stop punishing women who develop the same tendencies. And the one that is most crucial, is to teach the new generations proper communication skills.

It may seem simple, but society needs to learn how to respect others while talking. This can be accomplished by not interrupting whomever is speaking, actively listening, and not mansplaining.