“Performative Male” competitions are now going viral

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A new social phenomenon has emerged from the depths of TikTok, and it’s causing quite the stir: the “performative male.” According to a deep dive into this trend, we’re witnessing what some are calling a full-blown epidemic of men crafting highly curated personas designed to appeal to the “female gaze.”

The performative male aesthetic has become instantly recognizable. Picture this: wired iPhone headphones (the kind that are apparently hard to find), a carefully curated tote bag, a Labubu charm dangling from the belt, and always—always—a book in hand alongside a matcha latte and perhaps a Lana Del Rey vinyl. These men position themselves in coffee shops and parks, creating what appears to be candid moments of intellectual contemplation.

What makes this trend particularly fascinating is how it represents a complete reversal of traditional masculine performance. Instead of flexing muscles or expensive cars, these men are performatively sensitive, well-read, and aesthetically conscious. They’re crafting an image of the thoughtful, feminist-aware modern man who drinks matcha instead of protein shakes and reads Angela Davis instead of sports magazines.

The trend has spawned “performative male competitions” across major cities, where participants gather in circles to showcase their most exaggerated versions of this aesthetic. Contestants arrive with electric guitars (no amp needed), skateboards they may never ride, multiple tote bags filled with vinyl records, and an impressive array of Labubu collectibles. These gatherings have an almost anthropological quality, as if we’re watching a new form of peacocking evolve in real-time.

However, beneath the surface humor lies more complex cultural commentary. Critics point out that many elements of the performative male aesthetic—matcha culture, Labubu toys, certain fashion choices—are East Asian-coded, raising questions about cultural appropriation and the fetishization of Asian masculinity. There’s also the uncomfortable reality that some of these performances may be calculated attempts to attract romantic partners rather than genuine expressions of interest.

Yet some argue there might be something more positive happening here. In a culture where traditional masculinity often discourages emotional expression and intellectual curiosity, perhaps performative males represent an attempt—however clumsy—to model different ways of being a man. The trend encourages reading, emotional awareness, and aesthetic appreciation, even if the motivation isn’t pure.

The performative male phenomenon reflects broader questions about authenticity in the social media age. We’ve always performed versions of ourselves through our clothing, interests, and behaviors. Band t-shirts, political bumper stickers, and carefully chosen books have long served as social signals. What’s different now is the hyper-awareness and immediate scrutiny that comes with online culture.

Every meme now comes with its own real-time discourse about societal implications. The performative male trend exists simultaneously as harmless fun and serious cultural commentary, highlighting how difficult it’s become to engage in any form of self-expression without deeper analysis.

Perhaps the real epidemic isn’t performative males themselves, but our collective anxiety about authenticity in an age where everything feels performed for an audience.