Mansplaining recently made an appearance on “Jeopardy!”, highlighting its widespread prevalence in our culture. With the condescending tendency of men to explain topics to women, often disregarding their existing knowledge, it’s only fitting that this phenomenon was acknowledged on such an iconic show.
The term “mansplaining” was so relevant that it was recently added to the Oxford English Dictionary. For those unfamiliar with the concept, it is defined as: mansplain (v.): (of a man) to explain something to someone, typically a woman, in a condescending or patronizing manner. Importantly, just being a man who explains something doesn’t automatically qualify as mansplaining; the tone and attitude are crucial.
Jeopardy! Highlights Mansplaining
In an episode aired in October, the correct response to the clue “This 21st-century word describes when a man patronizingly explains a topic to a woman who already understands it” was indeed “mansplaining.” Contestant Jessica earned $600 in the “That Explains It” category with her correct answer. If you’re still puzzled about the concept, consider a few telling examples.
Take, for instance, computer scientist and professor Marissa Chen, who had to shut down a man’s unsolicited explanation about Java, a programming language. In another instance, a man attempted to explain an article on women in tech to a woman who had actually authored it. Clearly, this kind of input wasn’t needed.
The Irony of Mansplaining
Ironically, some men felt compelled to comment on a HuffPost article discussing why mansplaining was featured on “Jeopardy!”, further demonstrating the issue at hand. One gentleman seemed to believe that anyone who explains everything is merely trying to help, but that’s a flawed argument. Constantly explaining things without being asked often leads to social isolation, as people generally don’t appreciate a walking encyclopedia who dominates conversations.
Furthermore, there are those who misconstrue the dynamics of teaching. Effective learning doesn’t involve patronizing the other party. And no, men are not required to be the gatekeepers of factual information. As a professional fact-checker, I can assure you that no one wants unsolicited corrections during casual exchanges.
This particular individual certainly embodies a Men’s Rights Activist mentality. It would be wise for him to heed the advice of women, sociologists, and even the Oxford dictionary, along with “Jeopardy!”—all of which highlight that mansplaining is a genuine concern.
The Origins of Mansplaining
Additionally, it’s amusing how he presumes that every mansplaining instance includes a “well thought out opinion” from a male. Let’s be real, ladies—those are supposedly the only insights men possess. Moreover, the term’s origins trace back to an essay penned by Rebecca Solnit in 2008, titled “Men Explain Things To Me,” which was published in the Los Angeles Times.
We could continue to gather examples of mansplaining to clarify this phenomenon for those who remain confused. Undoubtedly, many men believe they are simply being helpful to women who are, in their view, misunderstanding something. However, with Trebek addressing the issue, perhaps we will witness a decline in mansplaining occurrences. Though, that seems unlikely.
Further Reading
For more insights and resources related to home insemination, check out our other blog posts, including this one about the home insemination kit, and visit RMANY for excellent pregnancy information.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the inclusion of mansplaining on a show like “Jeopardy!” is a stark reminder of its persistence in our society. With greater awareness and discussions, we can hope for a future with fewer condescending explanations.