A recent trend on TikTok has taken the internet by storm, with young men showcasing their “alt” and intellectual sides in an attempt to attract progressive women. The concept of a “performative male” is often misunderstood, as it doesn’t equate to traditional machismo.
Characteristics of a “performative male” include drinking matcha, reading feminist literature, and listening to women’s singer-songwriters. This trend seems to be largely in good fun, poking fun at men who genuinely enjoy these activities. The phenomenon is inspired by celebrity lookalike contests that highlighted people’s enjoyment of dressing up and seeking public recognition.
The “performative male” trend is a cultural satire, playfully mocking the idea of curating an image to appeal to a certain crowd. It’s essential to note that this trend is not about men pretending to be someone they’re not, but rather embracing their softer side in a lighthearted manner.
Source: https://www.vox.com/culture/459062/performative-male-gen-z-soft-boy-tiktok-harry-styles-jacob-elordi