"If little green men land in your back yard, hide any little green women you've got in the house." - Mike Harding, "The Armchair Anarchist's Almanac"

In a bizarre twist of events, a statement from Mike Harding's lesser-known publication, "The Armchair Anarchist's Almanac," has unexpectedly gained international attention, sparking a mix of amusement, intrigue, and, surprisingly, a flurry of governmental and scientific responses. The statement in question, "If little green men land in your back yard, hide any little green women you've got in the house," initially perceived as a humorous, anarchic tip, has unleashed a global dialogue on first contact protocols, gender dynamics in intergalactic relations, and the preparedness of Earth's inhabitants for extraterrestrial encounters.

Mike Harding, known for his eclectic blend of anarchism, humor, and social commentary, seemed taken aback by the widespread reaction to his statement. In an exclusive interview, Harding chuckled, "I meant it as a tongue-in-cheek commentary on our society's instincts towards protection and perhaps a hint at patriarchal tendencies. I never imagined it would be dissected by scholars, scientists, and governments worldwide."

The United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) hastily convened an emergency meeting to discuss the implications of Harding's advice, albeit in a more serious context of reviewing Earth's first contact protocols. Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a leading astronomer and member of COPUOS, noted, "While the statement is humorous, it highlights a lack of global consensus on how to approach initial interactions with extraterrestrial life, especially concerning the protection of individuals, regardless of gender or species. This has prompted us to accelerate our work on universal first contact guidelines."

Meanwhile, sociologists and anthropologists have latched onto the gender aspect of Harding's statement, analyzing the deeper societal fears and protective instincts it may reveal. Professor Jane Thompson of Harvard University's Department of Sociology commented, "The automatic assumption to 'hide' female entities suggests a deep-seated, possibly universal, protective bias towards females in the face of the unknown, reflecting patriarchal protectionism. This unintended experiment offers a fascinating case study into human (and possibly universal) gender dynamics."

The scientific community, particularly astrobiologists and those involved in the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI), have also weighed in, using the opportunity to educate the public on the realities of searching for and potentially encountering extraterrestrial life. Dr. Tom Clarke, a SETI researcher, stated, "While we have no evidence of 'little green men' or women, the interest sparked by Harding's quote is a golden opportunity to inform the public about our actual methods of searching for life and the scientific community's more nuanced approach to considering first contact scenarios."

As for governmental responses, several countries have issued lighthearted yet informative statements reassuring citizens that, in the event of an extraterrestrial landing, comprehensive (and gender-neutral) protocols would be in place to ensure safety for all parties involved. The US Department of State joked, "We're working on a universal welcome package, but for now, no need to hide anyone in your closet, green or otherwise."

In the midst of this global chatter, Mike Harding has announced a surprise update to "The Armchair Anarchist's Almanac," promising a special "Galactic Edition" that will delve into the anarchistic implications of interstellar relations and, of course, offer more tongue-in-cheek advice for the cosmically unprepared.

As Earth waits with bated breath for a visitor that may never come, one thing is clear: Mike Harding's whimsical warning has inadvertently unified the globe in a shared moment of speculative wonder, prompting a deeper reflection on humanity's place in the universe and how we choose to face the unknown, together.

Reaction Highlights Around the World:

• UK: The Royal Family has assured the public that Buckingham Palace is "Fully Prepared for Visitors from Space, Regardless of Gender."
• China: Scientists at the Kunming Astronomical Observatory have proposed a "Galactic Exchange Program" in response, focusing on cultural and scientific cooperation.
• India: A Bollywood producer has announced plans for a film titled "Love in Green," a romantic comedy involving an Indian family, a little green man, and the hilarious misunderstandings that ensue when they hide the little green woman in their house.
• NASA: Released an educational video, "First Contact 101," emphasizing peaceful interaction and the absence of any gender-based hiding protocols in their response plans.