For centuries, women have been forced to try and prove themselves at home, in the workplace, and in everyday situations. Social structures as well as individual men constantly perpetuate the concept that men are more powerful and knowledgeable than women in certain subjects.
So men use the act of “mansplaining” to assert their dominance and reinstate their intelligence when speaking with women. Mansplaining is when a man explains something in a condescending or patronizing way to someone, usually a woman.
Most males have mansplained before in their lives to women that they love and care about, even without noticing it. Mansplaining is a form of sexism, though not ever man that happens to participate in this act should be considered a “sexist.” It has negative effects on the women who are victims of the act.
Women are forced to overcompensate for their voices being ignored or talking over by speaking loudly and are then criticized for being overly vocal and “unladylike.” Mansplaining can decrease the self-esteem in women and in effect, cause an unhealthy and uncomfortable environment for the surrounding people.
From adult professional women to young girls in school, women from all over the world can attest to having been “mansplained to.” One women, in an interview with The Chicago Tribune, confessed to having a boss that continuously mansplained to her about women’s health, which, because he was a man, he actually knew nothing about this subject. The woman testified that when she wore flat shoes to work, she was informed that heels are actually better for her health than flats. He had obviously not experienced the excruciating pain that comes with wearing heels for more than thirty minutes!
Patterns of mansplaining the menstrual cycle to a woman are far too frequent to count. Men have been known to elucidate to a woman on her period that it is the sole reason for her mood. Obviously, not all mansplaining makes sense.
In a classroom setting, women of all ages have experienced the phenomenon of a "mansplanation". In one researched class, a professor would only acknowledge answers when they were reworded and spoken by a male student in a confident manner. He said that this would “prepare the girls for the future.” Especially in a discussion based and male dominated setting, females are forced to experience being talked over, ignored, and even shushed.
Understanding and accepting that mansplaining is a real thing is the first step in getting rid of it. Men must be aware of the tone of voice that they are using and the way that it may come across to the receiver of the information. Hopefully, as the amount of women in the professional world and in leadership positions increases, the occurrence of mansplaining will decrease.
