Matcha Lattes, Tote Bags, and Half-Read Austen: Penn Students Crown Philly's Most 'Performative Male'

Understanding the Performative Male Phenomenon

In recent years, a new cultural phenomenon has emerged on college campuses across the United States, reflecting the complexities of modern masculinity and social interactions. This trend, often referred to as the "performative male," is a term used to describe men who adopt certain styles, hobbies, or interests not out of genuine passion but to attract progressive women. The concept has gained traction, especially among Gen Z, and has even led to unique events like the “performative male” competition held at the University of Pennsylvania.

At this event, over 100 students gathered in front of the Split Button sculpture to watch 14 contestants compete in a humorous yet insightful way. The competition aimed to highlight the superficial nature of some men's attempts to appear more progressive or socially aware. Contestants were asked to name their favorite women, answer trivia about the female experience, and reveal the contents of their tote bags. Points were deducted for actions such as sipping hot matcha lattes or arguing with the panel of female judges.

The Rise of Performative Males

The term "performative male" has become a significant part of online discourse, particularly on platforms like TikTok, where videos tagged #performativemale have amassed over 28 million views. These videos often poke fun at the experiences of dating or encountering performative males, highlighting the challenges faced by women in navigating these interactions. The stereotype reflects the broader issues of online dating in 2025, where shadow networks of women are working to analyze every aspect of a first impression, especially after dealing with Tinder Swindlers and men who lie about their politics and heights.

Norah Rami, the editor-in-chief of Penn’s arts and culture magazine 34th Street, organized the competition and noted that the phrase has gained so much traction because there are men who are not genuinely interested in feminine-coded things. Instead, they perform a sense of identity just to gain attention or approval.

Performative Male Competitions Across the Country

The concept of performative male competitions has spread beyond the University of Pennsylvania. Similar events have taken place in cities like Sydney, Toronto, and Jakarta. In San Francisco, an artificial intelligence model judged dozens of men based on how many virtue signals it could spot, while judges in Chicago swiped left and right on contestants. These events serve as a form of community building, allowing people to engage with social media trends in a real-world setting.

Rami emphasized that these contests are about bringing social media into the physical world, creating opportunities for people to gather and interact. She mentioned that the genre of contest is inspired by celebrity look-alike competitions started by influencer Anthony Potero, who was fined by the New York Police Department while searching for Timothée Chalamet’s twin. However, Philly’s contests are far tamer, focusing on finding doppelgängers of celebrities like Miles Teller or Jalen Hurts.

The Debate Over Performative Males

While the term "performative male" is often used pejoratively, some individuals view it differently. Contestant Jasper Platt, for example, consulted five women to build his ensemble for the competition, including Adidas Sambas, baggy Japanese selvedge denim jeans, a bandanna, a frothy iced matcha latte from Starbucks, and a tattered copy of The Creation of Feminist Consciousness. His pièce de résistance was a shirt that said “Men I Trust,” which he explained was because he’s a man you can trust.

Second-place champion NuAmen Audena acknowledged that the performative male stereotype is "low-key me," though he doesn’t necessarily see it as a negative. He owns all the items he thought set him over the edge at the contest, including a bass, a floor-length slouchy denim skirt, and a CD player. Audena noted that it’s challenging to be your genuine self sometimes, given the disdain for those who conform to traditional masculinity. However, he also pointed out that some men put on this act just to get close to women.

The Broader Implications

The performative male stereotype has emerged amid debates over the identity of Gen Z men, who shifted to the right politically during the 2024 presidential election, with some embracing rigid gender roles. This trend contrasts sharply with the influence of figures like Andrew Tate and Adin Ross, who rake in millions of views as they teach audiences how to secure— and dominate—a so-called "high value woman."

Despite the criticisms, some argue that being a performative male is not inherently harmful. Winner Matthew Quitoriano, for instance, suggested that out of anything a young male can be in today’s society, this might be one of the least harmful. He expressed that he would rather have a son that does this on a Friday afternoon than fall into other stereotypes.

As the conversation around performative males continues, it highlights the ongoing dialogue about masculinity, authenticity, and the impact of social media on personal identity. While the term may carry negative connotations, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of genuine connections and the need for individuals to embrace their true selves.