4 ms·
What is the purpose of the word "mansplaining" in the opening paragraph? It sounds like the author is claiming sexist dismissiveness while offering no evidence
by thufry 13y ago
What is the purpose of the word "mansplaining" in the opening paragraph? It sounds like the author is claiming sexist dismissiveness while offering no evidence of such.
- akuchling 13y agoShe quotes the host of the show as saying "Julia, Julia, Julia. You aren't seriously suggesting that Vladimir Putin and the Russian government did not have complete, total, absolute control over the outcome of Edward Snowden entering that airport in Moscow?" That certainly sounds dismissive and infantilizing.
- 81289h1221dj0 13y agoMaybe. But I can't see how this is related to her being a woman.
- thufry 13y agoSure, but I see people going at each other like this all the time on TV, regardless of gender - we no longer have the mutual respect of the Edward R. Murrow days. I think this is actually how Bill O Reilly speaks to every single one of his (predominantly male) guests.
- 81289h1221dj0 13y agoThank you. I just came here to complain about this as well. I've heard the term 'mansplaining' before. In fact I even read a comment where someone was attacked ("You're mansplaining 'mansplaining' to me.") because he commented on the term. The very _concept_ of explaining is now suspect. God help us.
- IvyMike 13y agoObviously we can't know O'Donnell's motives for being condescending and dismissive. But that's just another reason that's a bad idea to be a jerk--people might misattribute the motivations behind your dickishness.
- thufry 13y agoThis is why I personally refuse to engage in any discussions about race or gender issues except online. Low reward, with a high risk of a career-ending brand as a sexist or racist asshole.