The online sensation of performative males has officially reached ETSU, and ETSU’s Young Democratic Socialist Association has embraced it. The active club hosted a Performative Man Contest, open to all genders, on Sept. 17 in the D.P. Culp Student Center Commons.
The concept of “performative men” has been defined online as men who, through their clothes and accessories, try to appeal to women under a facade. For example, these actors performatively engage with feminist literature, listen to music artists like Clairo and Laufey, and display traits to the world that do not align with their true identity. They accessorize themselves with wired headphones, tote bags, jean shorts, a cup of grass-green matcha and other aesthetically pleasing clothing.
Jeans Corduroy, senior treasurer of YDSA, spoke on the popularity of the concept of the performative male. He explained how it began as a way to reject toxic masculinity to attract the female gaze, but now it has shifted to become an ironic joke.
YDSA’s event allowed students to compete for a chance to win a custom-made shirt that read, “I Love Feminist Literature,” featuring Zohran Mamdani’s face, a Democratic socialist running for mayor in New York City. Each competitor had a moment to display their performative qualities to convince the panel of judges.
Winner of the contest, Kadyn Parker, wowed the judges with his colorful outfit and guitar performance of the song “Wonderwall” by Oasis.
Other competitors wore flashy outfits and donned their Labubus, feminist literature in hand.
Corduroy additionally gave a speech at the event, describing the concept of performative men on a socialist level. He spoke on the dangers of conservative men becoming performative to deceive women about who they truly are.
“Whenever we dress ourselves, we have to be mindful of where it comes from and what we’re presenting. When the conservative man adopts the aesthetic of a gay man, they’re presenting themselves to be less dangerous to appeal more to the female gaze,” he said.
His words inspired the crowd to protect women from these impersonators, while also finding fun in them.
