the intersectional feminist

Let me tell you, as a woman, I’ve seen my fair share of mansplaining. It's a strange phenomenon that can happen in any situation, from the workplace to the bar. Mansplaining is when a man, usually with good intentions, tries to explain something to a woman in a condescending manner, assuming that she knows less than he does. This behavior is so ingrained in some men that they don't even realize they're doing it. But fear not, my gendered & non-gendered friends, there are ways to tackle mansplaining with humor and intelligence.

 

The first step in dealing with mansplaining is to recognize it. It often starts with a phrase like, "Let me explain this to you," or "You probably don't know this, but..." If you hear these words, you may be about to experience a mansplain.

 

Once you've identified a mansplain in progress, it's time to respond. One effective method is to ask a question that shows you already know what the mansplainer is telling you. For example, if a man is explaining how to use a piece of equipment to you, you could ask, "Oh, is that the same as the one that's been sitting in my garage for the last five years?"

 

If you want to be more direct, you can simply say, "Thanks, but I already know this." This response is a polite way to shut down the mansplain without causing a scene.

 

But why stop at polite? If you're feeling sassy, you can always use humor to put the mansplainer in his place. For example, if a man is explaining the concept of the glass ceiling to you, you could say, "Oh, I get it! It's like the glass ceiling in your head that's preventing you from seeing how patronizing you're being right now!"

 

Another tactic is to turn the tables on the mansplainer. If a man is explaining how to cook a certain dish to you, you could say, "Actually, I'm the one who taught my husband how to cook that!" This approach not only shuts down the mansplain, but it also reinforces the idea that women are just as knowledgeable and capable as men.

 

Of course, not all mansplainers are created equal. Some are genuinely trying to help and may not realize they're being condescending. In these cases, it's okay to gently educate them. For example, you could say, "Thanks for explaining that, but I actually have a lot of experience in this area. Maybe we can share our knowledge and learn from each other."

 

In the end, the most important thing is to stand up for yourself and not let mansplaining go unchecked. By using humor and intelligence, you can shut down mansplaining in a way that's both effective and entertaining. And who knows, you might even get a few laughs out of it. So the next time you encounter a mansplain, don't be afraid to respond with a witty comeback. After all, laughter is the best medicine – especially when it comes to mansplaining.