The Polyester Podcast We’ve Had ENOUGH of The Performative Male
Sep 7, 2025
The hosts dive into the intriguing world of the performative male, a modern archetype that blends charm with irony. They dissect TikTok trends and celebrity examples, evaluating whether these men represent something new or just recycled personas. The conversation explores the tension between genuine authenticity and performative acts, questioning if irony can shape identity. They also touch on complex themes like gender, class, and relationship dynamics, making for a thought-provoking discussion. Tune in for laughs and insights!
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Performative Male Is Not New
- The performative male is a recycled archetype, repackaged with new aesthetics like matcha and vinyls.
- Ione Gamble argues these men have existed as 'soft boys' and 'hipsters' for decades.
Brighton Schoolboy Blueprint
- Ione describes a boy from her Brighton school who read feminist books, wrote lyrics, and went to Starbucks daily.
- She uses this personal memory to show performative masculinity has long personal roots.
Performativity Misunderstood Online
- 'Performativity' is often misunderstood and misapplied in online discourse.
- Ione Gamble and Gina Tonic stress that performative acts can be unconscious and part of gender expression, not always calculated manipulation.