A performative male archetype presents a curated 'woke' aesthetic to communicate feminist credentials while aiming to increase attractiveness to women. Typical markers include carrying progressive books, tote bags with ethical logos, social-justice badges, listening to certain indie-pop artists, avoiding manspreading, and sporting fashionable accessories like dangly earrings and curly hair. The persona is intentionally styled for perceived female approval rather than reflecting fully earnest beliefs. The performative male has become a viral subject across social media and mainstream outlets. Observers express bafflement at which traits are deemed alluring, and the persona raises questions about sincerity versus performative courting.
Picture a man sitting opposite you on public transport. He wields a copy of The Will to Change by bell hooks, and he takes care to parade the front cover or the spine lest any nearby strangers miss the title. He is in his 20s or 30s and conventionally attractive; maybe he has a dangly earring or two. There on his knee rests a tote bag.
The idea is that the performative male is a guy who goes about looking feminist and woke. The catch is that his aesthetic is curated to appeal to what he thinks women might like rather than being a totally earnest expression of his interests. Imagine that! A person choosing clothes and accessories to increase their attractiveness in the eyes of the gender they are trying to sleep with. Very insidious and unusual behaviour.
I can tell you right now I have never once in my life participated in such a charade. I will admit, too, that some of this coverage has made me feel baffled by what is apparently considered desirable. The performative male is said to wear several Labubus and drink matcha. I don't really understand why this would lure women in. It's even been suggested a performative male might stow tampons on his person.
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