Have you ever seen a man do things just to get a woman’s attention, like reading books he does not enjoy or wearing clothes he normally would not wear? If so, you may have encountered what some call a “performative male.”
The University of Memphis Asian American Association showcased that idea during its first Performative Male Contest on Sept. 5 at 3 p.m. at the UC Fountain.
“A performative male is a man who signals virtues to women and tries to get their attention by playing into their likes and interests,” said Joey Mitchel, a freshman computer science major.
The event featured three rounds. First, contestants strolled around the fountain to display their outfits and accessories. In the second, they answered questions testing how much they knew about women’s interests. The final round was determined by audience vote.
While some rounds were close, others had clear winners.
“I think Joey fits aesthetically into the whole performative aspect,” said Emeli Moreno, a sophomore Japanese art education major.
Mitchel ultimately won over the crowd.
“Winning this contest was very fun for me because I actually competed in the Performative Male Contest in Nashville and placed in the top 10, so I had to come back and secure the belt,” he said.
Though competitive, the event was also about community.
“Today’s event was a great way for the community to gather, and it was super fun for everyone to participate and bond with one another,” Mitchel said.
Darien Anderson can be contacted at djndrsn8@memphis.edu.
