New Trends in Male Expression

The recent trends in how men express themselves seem to garner some bipartisan interest.

According to a piece in The New York Times, the search for a “performative man” might start with something as simple as a tote bag.

There’s also a popularization of interests like “books by female artists, matcha lattes, and Love Bus dolls,” which is, interestingly, a charming Chinese toy. These preferences point to a notion of “softness, style, and perhaps some feminist traits,” as noted by the NYT. It raises questions, though. Are we too readily implying that these men are, well, flaunting their femininity?

Could someone clarify what a performance man is and why he enjoys Clero and matcha?

– Cairo Smith (@cairoasmith) August 8, 2025

The Times suggests that “performance men” carefully curate their image to seem more appealing to progressive women. It’s a curious reflection of how societal pressure shapes masculine identities.

There’s a certain irony in how these men express their emotions, perhaps in response to a culture that labels traditional masculinity as toxic. On TikTok, videos tagged with #performativemale have racked up over 28 million views, while #performatives has surpassed 149 million.

Interestingly, some men are embracing these labels, poking fun at themselves in various formats. After all, taking social action might land someone a specific label—be it during a concert or political campaign—leading to a performance of sorts. It reflects an evolving landscape where male expression is scrutinized.

The performance man is a major red flag on TikTok. pic.twitter.com/yqvmjhchku

– Comments Section (@commentsSection) August 7, 2025

The discourse surrounding this “performance man” label paints a picture of a revised type of male feminists who engage in, sometimes, obvious attempts to appeal visually. It’s intriguing how people from all political backgrounds acknowledge this, with some pushback possibly stemming from women who feel threatened by such performative acts.

As one interviewee pointed out, “We’re navigating how to relate to women while signaling our goodness,” which reflects broader notions of masculinity in liberal settings.

Yet, it feels somewhat redundant in a world where traditional methods of expressing one’s worth have become overshadowed. It’s worth noting, though, that men who support liberal causes often find themselves criticized, just as those labeled ‘female men’ do. They may not merit critique for failing to align with ever-changing feminist expectations; instead, there’s a demand for a balance that sometimes feels impossible.

In the end, perhaps it’s best to step back from these rigid notions altogether. For those who identify as performance men, there might still be an opportunity to reassess their approach.