Mansplaining is a portmanteau of the word man and the informal form splaining of the verb explaining and means “to explain something to someone, characteristically by a man to woman, in a manner regarded as condescending or patronizing”.
Lara B. Sharp is a 47-year-old writer, and she was recently enjoying a relaxing day by the pool. While she was reading Rebecca Solnit’s bestseller Men Explain Things To Me, Sharp was greeted by an older gentleman who decided to inquire about the book – and then offered up some good ol’ unsolicited advice.
She detailed her experience in a Facebook post that has since gone viral:
“Scene: Pool, balding man, maybe 65 or 70 years old, with blue, bloodshot eyes, drinking from a bottle of Ensure, wearing designer swim trunks, which are half hidden under a huge, extremely brown, beer belly,” Sharp wrote.
He asked, “What’s that you’re reading, young lady?”
Sharp revealed the name of the book and what it’s about. The man replied, “Oh, so it’s a book about men mentoring women!”
M: No, not exactly. Not at all, actually… It’s actually about how men…
H: What do you do, young lady? Do you work, or do you have kids?
M: Umm, I write.
H: Oh, you’re a writer?
M: Well, I write…
H: Who do you write for, young lady? Women’s magazines?
M: Umm, no. I write for Myself. And, I’m 47.
H: You’re freelance?
Read the rest of the exchange on her Facebook post – which is hilarious and infuriating at the same time.
Like Kimberley A. Johnson on Facebook HERE or follow her HERE. Books: Peyton’s Choice (teen abortion), American Woman The Poll Dance, The Virgin Diaries. Twitter: @AuthorKimberley
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