"I had a great time competing and raising awareness for women’s issues" (Staff Writer / Lucien Santoro )
Wearing their most manipulative-coded clothing items, students gathered to decide who could outperform everyone else.
This was not a singing contest, however. On Friday, Oct. 11, students showcased their abilities in front of the owl statue, adopting superficial trendy interests in order to “perform” as someone different from who they are.
Feminist literature was read aloud, instruments were played, and vinyls were showcased. Saxby’s also had representation, as for one student who prepared her own matcha at home, Saxby’s matcha was in the hands of most contestants.
There was much common ground to be had between competitors, as many male contestants made statements criticizing period cramps and the wage gap. A few contestants even threw (packaged) menstrual products into the crowd.
“I wish that there were more lesbians at this event,” said Raina Kimbrough, a freshman psych major, “More performative mascs are needed at Rowan University.”
There were 25 performative male contestants and 14 performative masc lesbian contestants vying for the title of Rowan’s Most Performative of their respective categories.
The winners, Gretchen Varona of the masc lesbian category and Marcus Miquell of the male category, were awarded custom-made tote bags declaring their title of Most Performative. The winners were selected based on crowd applause levels.
“I had a great time competing and raising awareness for women’s issues,” said competitor Vincent D’Orio.
This event was not backed by a club or organization.
“I certainly appreciate that there are a bunch of students enjoying themselves, “ said Kevin Koett, the vice president of student life and dean of students, “I welcome their right to express their freedom of speech and ability to associate and assemble.”
Keep an eye out for more pop-up events like this one on campus.
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