The Performative Male

(Definitely a picture of me)

Performative

/pərˈfôrmədiv/ adjective

1. Relating to or of the nature of dramatic or artistic performance.

2. Done or expressed insincerely or inauthentically, typically with the intention of impressing others or improving one’s own image.


    Within the span of the past week, I’ve listened to Juna by Clairo six or seven times (with my wired earbuds), drank a matcha latte everyday, grew my collection of Labubus, re-read Atomic Habits by James Clear, and led a women’s activist protest in Rochester. Now, for those who have seen what I’ve done everyday, please keep your mouths shut!

    The Performative Male — a recent internet concept/joke of a man who displays himself typically as a performative feminist with strategically added trendy accessories — a character who is someone he isn’t. As much as this is a funny meme, it brings it to our attention that people too often show themselves as someone who isn't naturally who they are, whether it is a conscious decision or not.


    “Then wear the gold hat, if that will move her; If you can bounce high, bounce for her too”.


    Imagine how exhausting it would be to live this way, over and over again putting up this act just to appear “presentable” to somebody else. If you are lucky enough to have been born and play this game of life, you best savor it in the way YOU would want to live it. Separate from how you would appear to others, do it for the love of the game. Do it for the pure interest and enjoyment you have as a human being.

    Walk up to the plate with the beliefs that you truly hold, because spending your life being a facade really isn’t worth your time.








Comments

  1. Nicole LiOctober 12, 2025 at 2:22 PM

    Hi Linton :)
    i love this line, "If you are lucky enough to have been born and play this game of life, you best savor it in the way YOU would want to live it". It's such a universal and captivating statement. I really enjoy the way you write, your language is so refreshing!! Also, I saw you with your matcha at the women's rights protest!! we are so lucky to have feminists like you around linton!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Jessica DengOctober 12, 2025 at 5:36 PM

    I like how you used both the definition of performative and a direct quote from Gatsby to support you claim — your writing was really clear with an obvious message

    ReplyDelete
  3. Noah KwokOctober 12, 2025 at 6:41 PM

    Linton, I read this blog with a few of my friends, including Alex. While reading it, we thought that many of the comments you made about performative men actually describe your own personality. Working at a matcha shop really doesn’t help your case

    ReplyDelete

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