‘Mansplaining’ Not Actually a Thing, Explains Local Man

Local man and UCC student Diarmuid Lyons, 20, has been busy explaining the concept of ‘mansplaining’ to his female classmates this week.Nicole O’Leary, 19, a sociology student who has first-hand experience of mansplaining, described the phenomenon in a statement to the press.“Mansplaining is basically when a man explains something to a woman in a patronising way – usually something she already knows.”Mr. Lyons interjected at this point, adding: “Well, actually, it’s when a man explains something in an exaggeratedly simplified and easy-to-understand way to a woman, and is perceived by her and others to be condescending.”The concept of ‘mansplaining’ has entered the public consciousness in recent times due a growing understanding of how widespread the phenomenon truly is. Mansplainers are generally regarded as arrogant and lacking in a sense of irony, according to Miss O’Leary.“It seems to me to be an example of these men simply trying to show off their knowledge of a particular subject, despite usually understanding it on a superficial level. It definitely seems to stem from prejudice – believing a woman couldn’t possibly grasp the mechanics of a particular subject or argument.”When pressed (lightly) for a statement, Mr Lyons responded thusly:“Well, actually, I’ve read one or two posts on Reddit that explain why mansplaining isn’t a thing, so I believe you’ll find that I have more than a ‘superficial understanding’ of the subject. Also, I don’t think women can’t understand the concept; just that their own prior study, knowledge, and experience of it needn’t be taken into account if I, a man, have what I perceive to be the correct opinion on it. I’d hardly call that ‘ironic’, love.”Miss O’Leary and her fellow classmates have all publicly stated that the practice of mansplaining is “at once patronising, disheartening, and intensely irritating”, with Conor Redmond (20) adding “it’s very disappointing to see your friends being used as a platform for some sadcase to show off how smart he thinks he is”. Mr Lyons responded by saying “well, that’s his opinion”.“I think this kind of person will always exist,” Nicole O’Leary went on to say to reporters as Diarmuid Lyons made his way out of the conference room. “I think he’s just very arrogant and perhaps a bit sexist.”“Well, actually,” Mr Lyons screeched from outside, “you’re going to need facts and figures to back that opinion up, love!”