Men’s unconvincing feminist theatrics in attempt to impress progressive women are being skewered online
T
here is a new man in town. You may have spotted him posing with an oat milk matcha pretending to read a copy of The Bell Jar. Or maybe you saw him seeming to listen to Lana Del Rey deep cuts but his earphones weren’t plugged in.
Maybe he makes a point of carrying tampons around with him for women in need. He’s called a “performative male” and is a relatively new archetype gaining traction – and inspiring mockery and critique – online.
Labubus are a key component, he will probably have one dangling off a bag or belt loop. Point-and-shoot cameras are optional. He’d like you to think he has read Sally Rooney’s entire back catalogue and that Joni Mitchell is his favourite musician, but he doesn’t know a single lyric.







