We in a Sassy Man Apocalypse
Aug. 22, 2022.
@/yattadondada tweeted, “we in a sassy man apocalypse.”
Image courtesy: Twitter
But let’s start at the beginning. Sassy men are not new. I can’t begin this article without giving a proper shoutout to all of the LGBTQ+ members who have been proudly and timelessly serving sass on a male-encrusted platter.
But the “sassy man apocalypse” that blew up Twitter and TikTok over the past year highlights hetero men being a little more sassy and bending the line of toxic masculinity.
TikTok users posted slideshows including a screenshot of the original tweet followed by screenshots of boyfriend texts they deemed a bit cheekier than usual.
“Obviously,” “girl what,” “YESSS I LOVEEE ITT” and “purrr *painting nails emoji*” are just some examples of messages the boys were pumping out. This trend lived, flourished then died, a victim of an endless cycle. But I haven’t forgotten, and I think we should revisit it.
A critical point in this movement was Harry Styles' revolutionary 2020 Vogue spread, including him donning a dress on the cover. The release was met with a fair share of both love and hate, but the haters were loud—particularly conservative commentator Candace Owens. Owens took to Twitter urging society to “bring back manly men,” starting a viral, heated conversation.
Image courtesy: Vogue
Styles indirectly replied when he captioned his next Instagram post, featuring a shot from his subsequent Variety cover spread, “Bring back manly men.” Through this controversy, Styles responded with confidence as he blended both style and well-crafted sass.
The haters stayed mad, but fans went crazy, oozing with love for the heartthrob. This landmark case was not the end but just the beginning of male celebrities’ style and sass taking the forefront. Of course, Styles is not the first celebrity to steer away from classic masculine looks. David Bowie and Prince paved the way in flurries of purple rain and lightning.
More currently, Pete Davidson (the current “rizzler” of Hollywood) wore a dress to the 2021 MET Gala, Timothee Chalamet wore a backless halter suit to the 2022 Venice Film Festival and Tyler, the Creator, donned patterned sweater vests paired with colored bead necklaces and a pink fur hat.
Image courtesy: The Cut
The point is: Men can have personalities– and the style to showcase them. Celebrities are wearing whatever the hell they want, and the trend is trickling down to normal society.
I am currently dating a dude who wears whatever the hell he wants and is sassy as it gets and, despite it, I can assure you he’s still masculine and secure in his sexuality. Influencers such as TikTok icon Christian Vierling have gained massive followings from having a whole lot of attitude, in addition to being really attractive, too.
Image courtesy: @christianvierling
With the normalization of style and sass, toxic masculinity may be on its way out. Studies, such as one by Michigan State University sociologist Campos-Castillo, have found that men who follow these ideas deeply often become socially isolated as they age, impacting their overall health and mental well-being.
The idea of the sassy male apocalypse and heartthrob celebrity men dressing androgynously is more than a trend. Our society has traditionally perpetuated toxic masculinity and homophobia when men don’t act traditionally manly. When men show some attitude or emotion—traits traditionally associated with us emotional, moody women—it is a direct threat to toxic masculinity. And we’re ready for it.
It may come as a surprise based on what societal gender norms have instilled in us that many women are big fans of this movement. The sassy man trend may have received hate, but it also has received an outpouring of love. In fact, the reception of these trends goes to show that a lot of people even think men defying gender norms is…hot?
Beauty standards for women are ever-changing, and maybe what we are seeing with this is that they can change for men, too. The idea of manhood being rooted in toxic masculinity is not only damaging to men, but we’re finding, perhaps it’s not even attractive to plenty of women. Being yourself and showcasing who you are through your style and personality may be the most universally attractive, internally fulfilling attribute of all.
So here’s my take: To the men who just want to wear whatever the hell they want and who like to make sassy men happen, keep it up. No matter what you do, you’ll find haters and supporters along the way. Isn’t that how all of life is?
Image courtesy: Pinterest
You’ve got one life. Only you can decide who you are, no one else. So wear what you want and express yourself how you please (as long as it causes no harm to others, duh). And as long as you don’t overrule us, original sassy girls and gays, may the sassy men apocalypse continue with great strength and style.
Strike out,
Writer: Abby Jones
Editor: Kate Corcoran
Graphic: Rachel Frenchman
Gainesville
