Manspreading
I just love some of the terms coined over the past couple of years; manspreading is possibly one of the most self-explanatory when it comes to public transport or any situation when seating options are available.
We have all been in those situations where you cannot take a seat as some douche took it upon himself to manspread at a government department, therefore, eliminating your seat. When he finally does realize that he has taken your seat in the process of making himself comfortable, you get an “oh sorry” as he closes his legs slightly while still messing around on his phone.
I was actually at a government department two weeks ago. Typically, there is ample seating available; however, at least half the seats have been eliminated with the pandemic due to social distancing. There was a heavily pregnant woman that came in; not one person offered their seat to her. I offered her my seat and stood to the side, and I must mention that apart from the pregnant woman, I was the only other woman waiting in the queue.
Riot Pant Project is an initiative to bring awareness to manspreading. Trousers and pants are printed with slogans like “stop spreading” printed on the inside of the legs. These slogans can only be seen once the women spread their legs like men tend to when occupying two seats.
I don’t think all men manspread on purpose, and I think it’s something that was picked up subconsciously over the years. Most of the time, if you point it out to them, they are surprised to realize that they are doing it. As I discussed previously in a blog, Power Pose, women often make themselves small, taking up less space, whereas most men possessively take up more space as a form of dominance.
You need to be more conscious about your approach in everything you do today; our world is becoming more inclusive, and we need to be aware of how we come across to others. There is no need to take up two seats on public transport or any seating situation. Pay attention to your surroundings and make sure you are not manspreading and inconveniencing anyone else.
I have seen many women over the years “manspreading” as well. Yes, the term is in reference to men, but many women are just as guilty. Your handbag and coat do not get preference over another human being.
I just love some of the terms coined over the past couple of years; manspreading is possibly one of the most self-explanatory when it comes to public transport or any situation when seating options are available.