“Credibility is a basic survival tool” – R. Solnitt.
I believe that this quote can mean many things. One being a jab at the man who was “mansplaining” her own book to her. This man questioned her credibility by not even getting to know her or her writing before explaining her book to her. He didn’t even begin to think that she could have such credibility. This leads to an even bigger issue, doubtfulness towards women’s accomplishments. This man knew Solnitt had written books, but beyond that didn’t know much of her accomplishments. He couldn’t even begin to think that she could write a best-selling book. He didn’t believe her one bit. And I think, simply, that part of the reason he didn’t believe her was because she is a woman. It was just basic, selfish, and sexist disbelief. This more common than it should be. Women’s accomplishments should be appreciated and celebrated, not “mansplained” to themselves.
