Mansplaining

[digitaldiscipline]

Every so often, I tell the people who call me for help that I have no fucking idea how to fix their problem. I don't typically use that terminology, since it's frowned upon, but the sentiment is there.

"However, because I sound like I know what I'm talking about, that's all you're really after."
"It is?"
"Yep. Reassurance that it's in good hands. Even though it totally isn't in any hands right now."
"Ummmm..."
"So I am going to throw this at somebody else who can actually do something about it."

Comments

[angledge.livejournal.com]

I am a woman currently overseeing a crew of 18-22 men, & reporting to male-only client representatives.

When I am reporting results or outlining a schedule, I drop my voice into the lowest register that still sounds natural for me. I have found that this gets my ideas taken more seriously.

When I need assistance, I use my usual range. This brings manly assistance.

[etcet.livejournal.com]

That's... both fascinating and disappointing. *boggles*

I apparently just naturally sound like I know what the fuck I'm talking about, which gets inconvenient when I'm, you know, standing around in Target and have no idea where the housewares section is and someone thinks I work there and can tell them where to find the towels (true story).

[drcuriosity]

I sometimes get more authority than I deserve simply by being able to speak well and sound like I know what I'm talking about. Even when I'm saying explicitly that I don't know what I'm talking about. Of course, sometimes that means that I get alpha-male wannabees trying to challenge my authority when I'm not professing to have any, too.

It annoys the hell out of me sometimes when people look past skilful and knowledgeable female colleagues for my opinion. I make a point of directing their enquiries back to the best woman for the job, but I shouldn't have to.

[etcet.livejournal.com]

Precisely.

But anyone who tries to end run around me or jump over my head will quickly find out that they cease to exist from the knees down whether I have the answer or not, because my team is the conduit through which your fucking needy-ass bullshit will flow, and if you're a whiner or a dick to work with, you'll find we can assist you correctly but glacially, and will absolutely fucking do so, because people who aren't jackwagons are more pleasant to work with.

[drcuriosity]

Word.

[fitfool.livejournal.com]

I would find such honesty very refreshing!