Between Meme, Memme and Macho: The Performative Male - Berlin’s ‘Performative Male’ redefines masculinity—with irony and nail polish
Meet the 'Performative Male', a term gaining traction in Germany, particularly in Berlin. This man shares nail polish with his girlfriend, embraces skincare routines, and carries tote bags. He's not your typical macho man, but a new breed of male identity that's sparking debate and irony.
The Performative Male is often seen with a thin mustache, preferring it over a full beard or the 'pornstache'. He's not about brute force, but rather, he's a man who embraces feminism and uses it for self-promotion. His status symbol? The illusion of a 'good conscience'.
This new male identity has been performing in various ways, from TikTok videos to magazine features and memes. He's the man who shares insights on society's discriminatory structures, scours flea markets, and proudly owns a vinyl collection. His musical tastes range from jazz and indie-pop to Taylor Swift, and he's not afraid to shed a tear during sad movies or documentaries. He's also known for his fashion sense, often seen in loose, flowing pants and going shirtless.
The term 'performative' has taken on a sarcastic twist, much like 'news', becoming a slur in some circles. It's a reflection of ongoing gender and social identity debates. Judith Butler's argument that gender is fundamentally performative seems to have found a new manifestation in the Performative Male.
As International Men’s Day approaches on November 19, the Performative Male continues to gain attention. He's a symbol of evolving masculinity, sparking conversations and ironies. Whether he's a sign of progress or a mockery of it, one thing's clear: he's here to stay, challenging traditional norms and provoking thought.
