Defying Manspreading: Embracing Womanspreading for Empowerment – Insights from The Irish Times
- Manspreading is when a man sits with his legs wide apart, taking more space in public areas like public transport.
- The Cambridge Dictionary does not define a similar behavior for women.
- At 5ft 11in, I have always been considered “the tall girl.” Growing up, my height drew attention.
Understanding Manspreading and Women’s Space: A Personal Perspective
Manspreading is when a man sits with his legs wide apart, taking more space in public areas like public transport. This often leaves less room for those sitting next to him.
The Cambridge Dictionary does not define a similar behavior for women. Many women, including myself, feel frustrated by this imbalance. For a long time, I made myself small in public spaces. I felt the need to apologize for taking up space.
At 5ft 11in, I have always been considered “the tall girl.” Growing up, my height drew attention. I often squeezed against the window on public transport while men spread out next to me.
My experience changed during pregnancy in 2016. Struggling to close my legs due to the weight of my child, I still did not take up more room. I was accustomed to shrinking myself to fit in.
Throughout my life, I encountered comments about my height:
- “How’s the air up there?”
- “The tallest girl in the class is the dimmest girl.”
These remarks made me want to disappear. For boys, height was a positive trait; for girls, it was often viewed negatively. My tall stature drew scrutiny and made me feel like an outsider.
Shopping was challenging. Finding jeans long enough or shoes in my size was often impossible. People suggested I could be a model or a basketball player, but those roles felt unrealistic. Instead, I turned to sports as a positive outlet, finally embracing my height.
Being tall sometimes worked in my favor. I appeared older, which led to advantages like getting into movies meant for adults. But despite those perks, I still felt uncomfortable occupying space.
The media during my youth reinforced negative body image. Women were criticized for not fitting narrow beauty standards. Today’s environment is different; body diversity is more accepted. It is refreshing to see young girls confidently taking up space.
Motherhood has also changed my perspective. I now appreciate my body, imperfections and all. I take pride in occupying space rather than minimizing myself. At 41, I have embraced “womanspreading.” I don’t shy away from the space around me, celebrating my right to be present and visible.