Some people just like to get their knickers in a twist, no matter what you say.
My advice is this:
You can’t necessarily know someone’s level of knowledge on something. If you feel like you want to be a smartass or show off your knowledge, then go ahead. Someone may say “Oh, really? I didn’t know that”, and some may say “yeah, I knew that”. - it’s all good. Some might even respond and/or disagree with you and expand your own knowledge.
If someone accuses you of “mansplaining”, then perhaps spend your time with other people…
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I think people are projecting a little. Just like the meaning of abstract art, which has more or less the same meaning as the patterns of Rorschach ink blot test images, people are projecting their own issues into interpreting the cartoon.
But that is just my opinion.
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Off topic. Jimmy Carr has a really great sense of humor. I’ve actually been watching a quiz show recently with him hosting. And i do agree that it’d be nice to have more female comedians around, there’s a few i really really love and would not mind having more wickedly funny ladies doing standup.
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I’m pretty sure I understand what this cartoon means, I’ve been on both sides of that transaction. But explaining the cartoon seems pretty pointless, if people don’t get it, then having it explained to them is unlikely to help.
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I can’t remember where I first heard it but I’ve become quite fond of using the portmanteau “condesplain(ing)” because it works equally well for all people and just sounds nicer to my ear than regular old 'splaining. 
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double edged lightsaber
you mean double-bladed 
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Oh for fuck’s sake.
This comic is what all the hullabaloo is about???
If that image or its brief content is actually upsetting anyone, then such individuals have way too much free time on their hands, seriously.
There so much other more important stuff to be concerned with right now.
And here’s a pro-tip for everyone out there who has ever been accused of “splaining” of any sort: if you can refrain from talking down to others in general, you can usually avoid being labeled as a such.
However, if you make it your habit to condescend to everyone you speak to, then:
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I’d make a comment here, but then I’d be “mansplaining.”
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manloudlyrefraining isn’t a whole heck of a lot better though…
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Try starting every sentence with “I wonder if” or “it could be” for a whole day. Just try it.
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I disagree with this, as it negates intent or competency on the part of the artist. I would say most abstract art is created with a great deal of purpose.
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Only if you’re talking down to other people who deserve better consideration than that.
It couldn’t be any worse than starting off every sentence with “Well, actually…”
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or possibly they have a normal amount of free time, on their very tiny hands?
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Where does a mansplainer get his water?
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has anyone tried a double blind experiment, to compare the artist’s intended statement with the interpretations of others viewing the work?
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Possibly.
I just know when I read the title I was expecting something much more incendiary than the innocuous comic above.
That’s an old one.
*lolz
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I do not think that’s not how art works. I am quite sure that is not how art works. To my knowledge, art is not quantitative.
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I was referring specifically to abstract art. I understand that the artist is likely making a specific statement with all the blobs and shapes, but is it likely that anyone else can look at the piece and tell what that statement is, without some hints?
I don’t know; the fact that some artist feel the need to title their works, and others seem to understand these titles, might indicate they progress beyond the randomness of inkblots. I also never could get 100% behind reader-response criticism though, seems a bit solipsistic to me. YMMV.
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