Matcha. Labubus. Feminist Literature. Tote bags. My chronically online algorithm drags me through microtrends, but one keeps resurfacing: performative males. (I’m using ‘male’ and ‘men’ as catch-alls – I’m aware it’s not inclusive, but language’s a wonderful, clumsy tool and I can’t fix English.) Most men on campus can’t manage more than shoes, shorts, a sweatshirt, a hat, and a chain together at once (I type this wearing all sweats and a bonnet). Yet we’ve all seen a performative male. An evolution of the softboy, hipster, and other ‘alternative’ subcultures. This latest version of the performative male seems preoccupied with performance and perception – particularly aspects of the female gaze. Modern masculinity is ‘in crisis’, or whatever, and in our post-pandemic world, aesthetics proliferate across Gen Z. Versatility and variety are now expressions of identity as labels meaning everything and nothing all at once. What’s that got to do with performative males? Woke time! Gender is inherently performative. Boys liking blue and girls liking pink isn’t primal, it’s cultural. As the acceptable range of masculine expression has shifted, men scramble to find new meaning… but is that meaning authentic? Can men like Clairo? Does reading bell hooks or Kimberlé Crenshaw make you ‘less’ of a man? DOES MATCHA EVEN TASTE GOOD? Traditional masculinity demands soreness from hours at the gym, tanking hangovers from Saturday night ragers, and listening to Morgan Wallen because he’s the only person that seems to feel ‘emotions’ like you do. ‘Be a man!’ The true problem with the performative male is his supposed lack of authenticity and his ulterior motive of attaining female attention and affection. There isn’t humanity, far less personality behind the eyes of guys who carefully curate interests so women might find him more bearable. A shell. A performance to mock for its failure to perform a role that he never auditioned for. I gotta ask two questions: 1. Why is male engagement in ‘feminine’ activities and interests painted so negatively? 2. If every option is ‘toxic’, how can men hope to present themselves if there is no path to follow? Arguably, historically, the effeminate man is perceived as more dangerous than the masculine woman. Depictions of decadent, depraved emperors continue to plague our characterisations of Rome – just watch Gladiator & Gladiator 2. Meanwhile, women in armour or in leadership have become more acceptable – Rosie riveted. Men and women can wear pants; men in skirts remains taboo. Flexibility of gender expression lies among the marginalised because they do not meet the criteria for full acceptability in the first place and appease their ‘place’ when conforming. The attempt to redefine masculinity is a perpetual task & endangering the status quo is unacceptable as the empowered party because relinquishing dominance weakens the argument/ standing of all others who attempt to enforce it – look at White supporters of the Civil Rights Movement. So, where do men who don’t want to be gym bros, or suit guys, or gamers meant to do? Each archetype has caricatures that we mock for toxicity. Gym bros are perceived as rude ‘roid heads, yet the discipline and consistency developed through that lifestyle is good. Suit guys are sometimes self-interested and manipulative, but they often develop into detail-oriented leaders. Gamers are alleged to not see the Sun or shower for days at a time, but their passion and creativity are unmatched. Each of those paths have thorny roses for those who walk them, but what should men be doing realistically? Take the best, leave the worst from the worst. Read for fun and to learn, especially what isn’t taught in school or at home. Be kind, not nice – kindness exists as principle while niceness expects something in return. Care for your body and mind by lifting, walking, and moisturising. Listen to ‘girly’ music just because. (I hit my bench PR while listening to Mary J Blige sophomore year, which is hilarious in hindsight). Most importantly, don’t be predatory. Express yourself with fluidity and be unafraid to slowly develop into a person you can be proud of. The apocalypse isn’t that men are ‘performative,’ the apocalypse is that we often don’t believe they can be anything else.
Performative male apocalypse!
Israel Small, Crier Staff
October 9, 2025
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