Manspreading

Thursday, 2024-2-1, Word of the Day: Manspreading

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WotD: Manspreading

Let’s talk about manspreading the bane of all public transit riders.

Manspreading is a term that has gained increasing attention in recent years, particularly in the context of public transit.


It refers to the practice of men sitting with their legs spread wide apart, taking up more than their fair share of space and often encroaching on the personal space of others.


While some may argue that manspreading is a harmless habit, others see it as a form of gender-based aggression that reinforces patriarchal norms.

One of the most significant issues with manspreading is the discomfort it can cause for those around the person spreading their legs.

This is particularly true on crowded public transportation, where space is at a premium, and people are often forced to stand or sit near strangers.

When a man takes up more than his fair share of space, it can make others feel cramped, uncomfortable, or even physically trapped.

Another issue with manspreading is the way it reinforces gender stereotypes.

The practice is often associated with traditional ideas of masculinity, with men encouraged to take up as much space as possible to assert their dominance.

This can create a hostile environment for women and other marginalized groups, who may feel as though they are being crowded out or excluded from public spaces.

There are also safety concerns associated with manspreading.

When people take up more space than they need, they can anger others, which may lead to violence against the spreader.

Public transportation is already uncomfortable, but tempers may flare when certain people make it even more.

So, guys, when you’re on public transport, keep’em together. 


Flesch-Kincaid Readability Test

This post is understandable by someone with at least a 9th-grade education (age 15).  

On the Flesch-Kincaid reading-ease test, this post scores 57.  

The easier a passage is to read, the higher the score on a scale of 0 – 100. 



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