Mansplaining, defined as the explanation of something by a man for a woman in a condescending or patronizing manner, is unnecessary. Examples include, but are not limited to: a gamer boy explaining Fortnite to a professional woman gamer, a man explaining birth to a pregnant woman or a recently-viral example being a man explaining how to get the proper golf swing to professional golfer and golf coach, Georgia Ball. Men have mansplained menstrual cycles, hockey and even psychology to me (a psychology major). The problem with mansplaining that is being frequently talked about on social media platforms like TikTok, is the condescending tone in which men explain things to women. 

The concept of mansplaining goes far deeper than just listening to a boring lecture: it is centered around a man’s ego. Some men believe a woman could not possibly possess the same knowledge as him. Mansplaining is rooted in misogyny and a superiority complex. I do not call it mansplaining when my boyfriend explains his video game to me in a kind tone because I do not know a single thing about video games, but a man flat out explaining the birthing process to a pregnant woman is a prime example of disrespect. I cannot imagine a woman explaining football to a male football player because they lack the audacity to do so. However, some men feel entitled to give their unsolicited advice to any woman. 

The irony of mansplaining is that men would never mansplain to each other because they have an unsaid respect and admiration for one another. I do not believe that all men have that same admiration and respect for the women that are their peers. Of course it is okay for men to explain things to women, but there is no need for men to talk down to women when explaining something that they already know. Some can say it makes a man feel smarter to explain something to a woman and think the only reason she understands it is because he explained it.

If this is the case, those men need to find something else to boost their confidence in their mental ability. An even more helpful tactic would be asking if a woman wants advice before giving any or explaining something to her. While I may be talking about mansplaining lightly, it can be a very damaging matter. For instance, in a workplace dominated by men, a woman falls victim to becoming a target for mansplaining. If these powerful men are explaining things to women in a condescending tone, it can make those women feel belittled or like they are not good enough. When we take this topic to a professional setting, it becomes detrimental to a woman’s well-being and confidence. Hopefully, the newer generations of parents will raise men to feel best without making a woman feel stupid.

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