What would it sound like if we talked about male historical figures the way we talk about female historical figures?
That’s one of the hilarious satirical questions posited by @manwhohasitall — a Twitter account that parodies ridiculous gender stereotypes by flipping the roles. Things like “What if dads heard the stupid advice that working moms hear?”
The latest satirical role reversal came in the form of this question:
My friend is a history teacher. She's compiling a list of great historical figures and she needs a male to add to the list. Suggestions?
— manwhohasitall (@manwhohasitall) September 1, 2017
A simple poke at the idea that people often try to diversify lists of great people by struggling to add some token women — as if there aren’t many options. So people jumped in with comments, suggestions, and general thoughts. The result is an infuriatingly hilarious Twitter thread and masterpiece of sarcasm.
not a lot of people know, but Mark Twain was actually a man
— G Swain (@Swainwalker) September 2, 2017
I think that's been debunked though. How could that wonderful writing be done by a man?
— Kate Holly-Clark (@AntikaNueva) September 2, 2017
It's just biology; men are fine at some things, like lifting heavy objects. But they're not good at everything, like women are.
— G Swain (@Swainwalker) September 2, 2017
True, look how 'hysterical' they get watching sport – you wouldn't want to trust nuclear codes with them.
— Sian Woolcock (@SWoolzie) September 2, 2017
Whenever a man gets overemotional I have to ask "oh honey, is it that time of the season?"
— G Swain (@Swainwalker) September 2, 2017
Granted he was the lover of the Russian queen, but do we really want to parade the antics of a cat that really was gone before our children?
— Shaula Evans (@ShaulaEvans) September 2, 2017
Shaula, maybe rather than judge men on their sexual reputations, we should recognise the agency sex provided within a limited social sphere?
— Van Badham ✊?? (@vanbadham) September 2, 2017
I hear what you're saying, Van, but I just can't get behind Boi Powerrr & Guyliner Meninists. What kind of husbands will they make?
— Shaula Evans (@ShaulaEvans) September 2, 2017
I like the way you think, Van. After all, it's for their own good. Plus, we all know a little beefcake is good for morale around the office!
— Shaula Evans (@ShaulaEvans) September 2, 2017
Wasn't there a guy who worked in Rosalind Franklin's lab and wrote a novel about the people doing dna research?
— Adrian Turtle (@AdrianTurtle1) September 2, 2017
Watson Crick i think his name was…Crick Watson… i don't know, he wasn't even attractive
— April (@SpringMorning74) September 2, 2017
They're terribly dowdy a lot of these fellas, aren't they? One suspects the lab is a bit of a refuge for the plain boys.
— Van Badham ✊?? (@vanbadham) September 2, 2017
Boys are terrible in the lab: they fall in love with you, then they cry…
— Ilaria Meliconi (@publish_advice) September 2, 2017
I half wonder whether men should be allowed in labs. Could be a distraction to hard working women. They at least need to dress appropriately
— Lucy Sherriff (@sherrifflucy) September 2, 2017
There might have been some married to great women?
— Mara Wilson (@MaraWilson) September 2, 2017
I think boys like him often marry successful women just to mooch off their careers. Not to be sexist! It's just you can't help but wonder
— Wendy Heard (@wendydheard) September 2, 2017
We've given them sooo much already.
I say stop pandering.
Research the facts, don't shoehorn in your manist ideology. pic.twitter.com/xIPJdr2fV1
— Alice Evans (@_alice_evans) September 2, 2017