Once more about mansplaining...

I came across a web comic today, so I thought that I would mansplain a couple of things. I'm a white male, living in what is probably one of the last few white mono-cultures left on this planet. If you care about these things then do both of us a favor and don't bother reading what I have to say.

The way that the world works is rather simple. We as humans beings are competitive by nature. Some people might not like this feature, but personally I have long since accepted that I have both aggressive and competitive characteristics.

There are two things that I would like to point out about these characteristics. In a competitive environment being socially active, vocal and dominant - up to a point - are all desirable traits. The examples in this web comic are all from a competitive environment, even though technically speaking school is not supposed to be that way. Yet, we are graded, judged and awarded based on how we do during and especially after we leave school. Therefore, it pays to be all of these things. You get better recognition, you build networks that are essential to success and you can get ahead in an environment where there are very few opportunities for a win-win. That is to say: if I win, then you lose.

Now, does the entire world work like this? Up to a point, I would argue that it does. You can create groups that work co-operatively within themselves. Effectively creating entities without internal competition. Let's call them businesses. However, in order to get into a business you need something to compete with. Unless you wish to go into entrepreneurship. Well, I'll tell you a secret. If you think that there's a lot of competition while "working for the Man", you have no idea how much more competition you will run into, if you decide to go it alone. Within companies there are structures that are built on improving the skills and effectiveness of the workforce. This is best done in teams that function well together, but in reality the thing about creating a lot of teams is that they tend to start to compete with one another. And businesses have a vested interest in rewarding those who improve themselves, compete for higher positions and put in more hours than their peers. Productivity, knowhow and a professional workforce are good for any company. I'll simply point out that such a workforce is not enough to make a successful company, but they are an essential part.

All of this then brings us back to mansplaining. The most effective way to build teams, to share knowhow and to improve the overall effectiveness of a workforce is to communicate. Talking to each other is by far the most effective means of communicating, because it encompasses a lot more information than simply the words that we speak. Written text is a very poor substitute to speaking face-to-face. Why do you think we still have classrooms and teachers? Technically speaking we don't need to. All you need is a computer with a web cam and a decent Internet access.

There is a very clear reason why face-to-face communication is so effective. We can instantly react to a large number of cues that the other person is sending. When we explain what we have learned from a person back to that person both of us are learning. This is such a basic tool that we have been doing it since forever. Monkey see, monkey do. You explain something to me, and I explain it back to you. In explaining things we increase the value of the information that we are relating. All the unimportant junk gets cut off and we are able to focus on what is more important right now. More information is added on the topic at hand. Both talking and listening are active processes, which include creating a frame of reference that is filled up with associations and important details.

When a man explains something to you they are doing you a favor. Even if you already know what they are talking about. Even if you are the very person who gave this information to them in the first place. Even if they have not added a single detail. Even with all of that they are doing something that is so fundamentally important that you should listen. Interrupt, if they make a mistake and correct them. Then allow them to continue. You should feel proud that this man is mansplaining stuff that you already know. They are reinforcing your own understanding on the topic and providing you an opportunity to keep on learning. Maybe while listening a thought pops in your mind? Something that could be improved upon. How about, instead of acting like an idiot, you open your mouth and continue the conversation?

Here's a final thought: around here everyone is treated the same. There's no equality of outcome, but there is equality of opportunity. This also means that I will walk all over you regardless of your sex or gender. I don't give a damn, because I don't see you as a man, woman or anything else. You are just another person that I'm going to work with. At some point I will not be your friend. At some point I'm going to see you as my competition. You don't coddle and speak softly to your competition, unless you wish to lull them into a false sense of security. That is a perfectly viable tactic, which works just fine.

Link to comic: http://www.upworthy.com/ever-had-to-explain-mansplaining-to-a-man-this-awesome-comic-will-do-it-for-you