Exploring the Thrills of the University of Birmingham’s Performative Man Contest: A Unique Experience!

On Saturday, October 25, the University of Birmingham hosted its inaugural Performative Man contest, and it was certainly a unique event. This contest is part of a growing trend among UK universities. The term “performative male” describes men who adopt progressive or feminist behaviors primarily to attract women.

Nine contestants vied for the title at the iconic Red Stack. Our team from The Birmingham Tab was there to catch all the excitement. Despite the chilly weather, we were ready to find out who would be crowned the top performative male.

We posed some interesting questions to the contestants, such as their views on periods. Their answers varied, with some praising periods as “incredible” while others described them as “the bane of my existence.” When asked about feminist literature, a few had thoughtful responses, but many stumbled or admitted unpreparedness. One contestant even brought cookbooks along, claiming they were there “for the aesthetic.”

When we asked them to describe women in one word, responses were heartfelt. Terms like “incredible” and “sparkling jewel” captured the audience’s attention.

The competition included five rounds: name a woman, guess the song, finish the lyric, a talent show, and the contestants had to explain why they should win the title.

One memorable challenge involved naming as many lyrics from Beebadoobee songs as possible. Spoiler: they didn’t do as well as they hoped! In a sudden death round, Beyoncé was named by two contestants, highlighting her significant cultural impact.

Contestants tackled a variety of topics, from Sylvia Plath to matching period pads, all aiming to impress the audience.

The talent show was a highlight, featuring unique performances like a contestant sitting on a skateboard while singing. Another contestant even performed an original song titled “Period,” claiming to have medals for fighting and ending periods – though we’re still verifying that!

Reasons for wanting to win the title were diverse. Some cited the challenge of dealing with performative friends, while others claimed it was simply their lifestyle.

In the end, Mattan emerged victorious, wearing an “I Love Taylor Swift” shirt. He not only earned the title but also a free bike ride around Aston Webb. What a way to kick off his first year!

This contest reflects a blend of humor and genuine dialogue about gender and identity. As these events continue, it may lead to deeper conversations about authenticity and performance in our daily lives.



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