Across social media, the rise in trends like wearing quarter zips, sipping on iced matcha lattes, and listening to Lana Del Ray with wired headphones, are considered characteristics of a “performative man.” The Conversation describes the phrase “performative man” as a “new Gen Z term describing men who deliberately craft a soft, sensitive, emotionally aware aesthetic, signaling the rejection of ‘toxic masculinity.’”
Just because this trend is glamorized on social media and throughout the world today doesn’t mean that it is accept
able to participate in it. The “performative man” trend has negative effects such as creating pressure for men to live up to certain standards and the spread of harmful jokes are easily unnoticed by many that take part in this trend. The internet should not partake in the performative trend and needs to acknowledge the issues that have brewed because of this trend.
The performative men trend has resulted in people who are participating in its ideas to be laughed at or become a meme. While men change their style, hobbies, and present themselves in ways the media craves, they are scoffed at and made into a meme. The internet begs men to critique themselves to reach their standards, but fall back when it looks too forced.
Not only has this happened to men, but women as well. The term “pick me girl” has similar effects, girls changing their style and participating in trends that men are more likely to do, in order to live up to people’s standards, but then are accused of forcing the change. As trends like these run their course, it is important to realize the effect they have on people.
These trends can make men feel like they are forced to act and present themselves in a certain way and live up to certain standards. They present themselves in ways the public wants to see them, such as carrying a tote bag, film camera, participating in trends that maybe more women are active in, and changing their clothing style. Many younger boys as well who participate in this trend compare themselves to others on social media because of how it is being idolized. This can lead them to believe they need to look and behave in a certain way to receive validation.
This trend has not allowed men to be themselves. USA Today suggests that “instead of being themselves, these men are trying to be the type of person they believe others want them to be.” The ideas of being a “performative man” can create negative impacts on one’s identity by presenting themselves as someone they are not, rather than their authentic self. This can lead to confusion on how men present themselves, especially for men who are genuinely interested in trends that are labeled as “performative.” Issues like this can lead to anxiety and confusion in one’s identity.
Although the “performative men” term has many negative effects, this trend can lead to men being able to explore their identity more and runs counter to the toxic masculinity label. Participating in trends can create the discovery of new interests for one, and allows men to try new things that they wouldn’t have done if it wasn’t for the performative man trend. This includes exploring their style, new hobbies, and trying new foods and drinks.
Yes, this is true, but social media has changed the idea of exploring your identity and instead compares its characteristics of being a “performative man” many of which are negative aspects. People shouldn’t have to worry about expressing their identity and shouldn’t be afraid of being judged or made fun of because of it. It is important to realize the effects this trend has on men and the consequences it can bring into their lives.
