Throughout popular social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, the “performative male” trend is sparking concern and controversy. The trend refers to a pattern of men on social media engaging in activities for the sake of the female gaze.
These include using wired headphones, drinking matcha, listening to female artists, and reading books that are seen as “feminist.” A sub-trend of this is performative reading, where men are shown reading books to appear sophisticated, not for genuine interest. The choice of books is no coincidence; those participating in the trend tend to lean towards female authors communicating feminist themes. Authors such as Jane Austen, bell hooks, and Virgina Woolf are commonly featured. Calling reading performative is not only devaluing the importance of quality books, but is also unfair to those who truly enjoy and respect literature.
In the age of social media, sharing passions online has become a routine part of people's lives. Anything and everything can be turned into a performance, and reading for the aesthetic appeal is no exception. What used to be an engaging community and simple way to connect has now turned into a curated aesthetic. “I think it just diminishes literature in general, there’s so much beauty in literature,” Ashley Cunningham, an English teacher at Berkeley High School, said.
On the other hand, social media can celebrate reading. “BookTok” is a global subcommunity of readers who rate, recommend, and share their passion for books with others across the globe. BookTok is a prime example of appreciating the community behind literature and reading, especially for young adults. In contrast, performative reading overlooks those who read for pleasure and deeply appreciate the importance of quality works. “The one silver lining I think about with this performative reading notion is, hopefully it's getting other people who are seeing these performative readers more interested in actually reading literature,” Cunningham said.
When reading is labeled as performative, it creates an environment where reading certain genres is discouraged. This is specific to young men — who are the main focus of the trend — reading books by specific authors and genres. This is specifically damaging to those who are interested in picking up reading as a hobby. “It's effectively shaming by saying that someone is just doing it for looks, and this is like a large problem for especially younger readers who want to get into it because, they're not going to enjoy it out of fear of being judged,” BHS junior Ryan Morello said.
With an already decreasing amount of young adult readers, a trend mocking those passionate about specific genres is the last thing we need. “People who read not because they want to be performative are then going to be painted in the same picture,” Morello said. Labeling reading as performative is not only disrespecting literature and authors, but discouraging those who appreciate literature and enjoy reading as a pastime.