We have a difference of opinions that's likely grounded in different experiences. I do feel like I see men talking to women like this much more frequently than the other way around - but I'm not about to suggest that my experiences are more valid than yours. You could well be surrounded by nicer people than I am, or I could be a grump who reads the worst in every interaction. Lots of potential variables in play.Gorrath said:It's mildly sexist pejorative that has no linguistic use because it is premised on a lie. Specifically, the whole idea of "Mansplaining" is that men have a particular knack for explaining things in a condescending manner to a woman because he assumes she doesn't know about certain "man things" things due to her sex. If this was something only men did, it would be a fair term. However, men and women both do this. To invent a word for this act that clearly suggests men are the only culprits or even the primary culprits reinforces a gendered stereotype. I would say anyone who professes a desire to downplay or eliminate gendered stereotypes and who uses the term is either a hypocrite or are laboring under a false apprehension that the stereotype is actually true.Elijah Newton said:What a bizarre coda. It's mildly pejorative at worst and fills a linguistic niche, so it's useful. Sheesh, dude...Gorrath said:and "mansplaining" is a bullshit, sexist term.
I appreciate the clarity of your writing. Nicely put and thanks for taking the time to respond.