This chap tried to mansplain the difference between vulva and vagina and the takedowns were brutal
In a feature which we can probably file under ‘peak Guardian’, the paper ran a picture spread at the weekend headlined ‘Me and My Vulva’.
Me and my vulva: 100 women reveal all https://t.co/sLwnce6Myj
— The Guardian (@guardian) February 10, 2019
It prompted all sorts of responses as you can imagine – it’s been shared 35,000 times at the last count – but this one in particular caught people’s eye.
A chap called Paul Bullen said the paper had got it all wrong.
The correct word is vagina.
— Paul Bullen (@paulbullen) 10 February 2019
And he got entirely the responses he deserved.
Imagine arguing to a woman what her own body parts are called 🙄 ffs
— kate (@kathryn_stan) 10 February 2019
No, those are vulva. The vagina is the internal passage leading from the uterus. If you don’t know this at your age, any female sex partners you’ve had have my utmost sympathy.
— Deedeemarz (@deedeemarz) 11 February 2019
And here, caught by our camera trap, after 5 or 6 long seconds of waiting, we can see a beautiful example of the confidence of a mediocre white man in the wild.
— Immigrant & child of an immigrant (@ninjacodemonkey) 11 February 2019
Actually, Paul, it isn’t. It’s vulva. Trust people who’ve got them.
— Red Ryder (@CLR74) 10 February 2019
Vulva was used because it is vulvas that have been photographed and it is vulvas that are being discussed in the article/photography piece. It’s that simple. Vagina is not the correct word. Vulva, Paul, vulva. #issavulvabruh
— Transatlantic Notes (@saltwatersong) 11 February 2019
Paul, love, my 12 year old knows it’s a vulva.
Calm yourself, and maybe read a biology book.
— Karen (@ManicMippisMum) 10 February 2019
There’s another word for it, and I fear it applies to you, Paul.
— Louis Barfe (@AlanKelloggs) 10 February 2019
Except he wasn’t letting it lie there. Oh no …
And many, many exchanges later, he was still going.
It is neither polite nor respectful to correct erroneously how someone refers to their own genitalia.
— LCMKT (@wyrdsystyr) 10 February 2019
I am making a factual claim about how most people do in fact refer to their genitalia. And I am defending their use. I am taking issue with those who are telling them they should not do that. And I am responding politely to those who fail to understand what I am saying.
— Paul Bullen (@paulbullen) 11 February 2019
You, a man, think you’re an expert on how women refer to their own genitalia. I understand what you’re saying. Women are taking issue with it. And you fail to understand that. Get it?
— General Order (@13megaphones) 11 February 2019
Last word to these people, surely.
Well. Actually. https://t.co/Fn2mW7hze1
— Dictionary.com (@Dictionarycom) 10 February 2019
And someone spotted this which made people smile.
‘Certicate In Editing’ hmmmmm surely you meant ‘Certificate In Editing’ ……….. pic.twitter.com/zVLOdUSiEv
— polly molotov 1800 828 010 #WeWillProvide (@NursepollyRgn) 10 February 2019
To conclude …
Mansplaining: Collectors’ Edition. pic.twitter.com/8yTutMxuTM
— Ebony McKenna, Envoy to the Grand Duchy of Brugel. (@EbonyMcKenna) 11 February 2019
Paul sucks at cunnilingus.
— Shannon Stamey (@ShannonStamey) 10 February 2019
And etymology and biology and twitter
— steve brightman (@1brightman1) 10 February 2019
Oh, and …
https://twitter.com/Chinchillazllla/status/1094714049084956675