Every year on March 8, one thing can be relied upon apart from a celebration of women’s achievements – a handful of outraged men.
International Women’s Day, the one set day in the calendar year for recognising women’s contributions to the whole of human history, is annually questioned by disgruntled Twitter users who cry: “Why isn’t there an International Men’s Day?”
Well, there actually is an International Men’s Day, and on March 8 comedian Richard Herring uses the opportunity to undermine hundreds of irrationally furious tweets.
Nov 19th, you're right. Everything is equal now RT @Joga10BENito: When is international men's day? #equality
— Richard K Herring (@Herring1967) March 8, 2016
We do. November 19th RT @endaguinan: But why don't we have an international MENS day? https://t.co/O2uLfwXqHc
— Richard K Herring (@Herring1967) March 8, 2016
In fact, he spends the day doing little else.
(@Herring1967/Twitter)
Explaining his reasons for the Twitter campaign in a Guardian piece last year, the comic, best known for fronting the successful Leicester Square Theatre Podcast, said: “I love the fact that the kind of cheese-helmets who feel the need to question the concept of International Women’s Day don’t even know there is already a day for men (an official one, rather than the regular days where they get more pay and power and privilege).
“I love it when people try to manufacture an injustice out of a position of clear superiority.”
It might just be the most eloquent justification for trolling we have ever read.
It's November 19th. Stand down RT @scruffysausage: When is International Men's Day then? Or are we not worthy or downtrodden enough
— Richard K Herring (@Herring1967) March 8, 2016
nov 19-you're fine RT @ x hope there's an int men's day or would that be inequality? Lol feminism is an actual joke #istandforACTUALequality
— Richard K Herring (@Herring1967) March 8, 2016
Yes November 19th. So all is equal, right? RT @ShingieMahachi: Is there int men's day? So much for gender "Equality" #InternationalWomensDay
— Richard K Herring (@Herring1967) March 8, 2016
You are wrong. Nov 19 RT @lmaohobbie: Correct me if I'm wrong but we have int women's days but I don't remember international men's day 😬
— Richard K Herring (@Herring1967) March 8, 2016
Maybe these people just need to use more up-to-date technology?
Maybe use a 21st C search engine. Nov 19 RT @greencalx: searched Alta-vista for International Mens day+got nothing. How's that 4 equality?!!
— Richard K Herring (@Herring1967) March 8, 2016
There’s every reason to believe this might become a family tradition, too.
Working on this with my own international woman (she wants little baby bum back on) pic.twitter.com/GmpLjrxh2n
— Richard K Herring (@Herring1967) March 8, 2016
Although it’s unclear how thrilled his daughter is about it.
Have I been going for three and a half hours. Hope my baby is ok.
— Richard K Herring (@Herring1967) March 8, 2016
Herring, who was once part of a double act with Stewart Lee, also took exception to someone who consulted a hoax account of his former comedy partner about the day.
That isn't Stewart Lee RT @YouBlades: Hey @StewartLee1 do you know if there's an International Men's Day?
— Richard K Herring (@Herring1967) March 8, 2016
He’s not bitter, though.
that's every day RT @aim_akerman: @sarapascoe @Herring1967 yeah, but when is #Stewartlee is great day though hey??
— Richard K Herring (@Herring1967) March 8, 2016
Long may this tradition continue, Mr Herring.
My work may now be done
— Richard K Herring (@Herring1967) March 8, 2016
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