In an era of female empowerment and cultural reflection on gender inequality, women are fighting back against condescending male voices. Our favorite author known for her depiction of strong female literary figures has stepped up to the plate once again.
J.K. Rowling defended a first-time author whose book announcement on Twitter was overshadowed by a condescending male Twitter user who epitomized “mansplaining,” or explaining something to someone, typically a woman, in a condescending or patronizing manner.
Laura Kalbag, author of “Accessibility For Everyone” shared the news of the upcoming release of her debut book last week.
If you missed it:
I’ve written a book! It’s coming out very soon, sign up to get it firsthttps://t.co/y0sMW97Xyjhttps://t.co/sWWrIFzQub
— Laura Kalbag (@laurakalbag) August 18, 2017
While some fellow Twitter users responded with congratulations (as is the socially respectable response), Erik Spiekermann responded by downplaying Kalbag’s achievements.
Actually, you wrote a text. It took a few other people & skills to make that into a book.
— erik spiekermann (@espiekermann) August 18, 2017
Pointing out the “incorrect” term ‘Book’, Spiekermann educated Kalbag on the fact that she alone didn’t write a book as editors, bounders, and more had a hand in producing the piece.
this tweet is such a breathtakingly perfect textbook ACTUALLY that I’m almost impressed pic.twitter.com/BWVT083JJW
— Leah Reich (@ohheygreat) August 19, 2017
Kalbag responded kindly, apologizing for her language (though she had absolutely nothing to apologize for).
Sorry, I’m so new, I’m still learning the correct language. Nothing I wrote, let alone the book, would be worthwhile without other people.
— Laura Kalbag (@laurakalbag) August 18, 2017
Other users, notably our girl J.K. reassured Kalbag that she did in fact write a book and needn’t apologize.
Congratulations on writing your first book, Laura. Other people edited, copyedited, proofread, printed and bound it. You wrote. Be proud x
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) August 19, 2017
In addition to Rowling, critically acclaimed feminist writer Roxane Gay, who just released “Hunger,” also offered words of support to Kalbag.
You absolutely wrote a book. And congratulations on the accomplishment.
— roxane gay (@rgay) August 19, 2017
Many users called out Spiekermann for his mansplaining and inappropriate timing of his response.
Why? Just, why?
Literally *zero* people read that & thought she was including any book making tasks beyond the colloquial use of authorship.— Jacques Favreau (@betaorbust) August 19, 2017
She said she wrote a book, she didn’t say she made a book. Also wtf is your problem? CONGRATS LAURA THAT’S AMAZING! @laurakalbag
— Nat Cuddy (@picklepickle87) August 19, 2017
He eventually apologized to Kalbag and deleted his original comment. Though he changed his perspective or at least appeared too in the face of overwhelming criticism, his mansplaing still stepped on Kalbag’s career huge moment.
Writing a book is a huge accomplishment and announcing it to the world is a special moment for an author. Having someone step on that moment, especially someone who is wrong nonetheless, is a dreadful experience. Kalbag’s positivity through it all and the support she garnered from the Twitter community especially published writer’s offers a positive ending.
Featured image courtesy of The Independent