As the world reels from the sudden passing of Marmalade from cancer this past summer, some critics have called into question his problematic behaviour. In addition to the many murders he committed, Marmalade frequently exhibited what is considered the behaviour of a “performative male.” A far more problematic pastime than any allegations of mole beheadings and culling of local songbird populations.
Throughout his life, Marmalade was known to engage in psychological manipulation, using his undeniable cuteness and big eyes to appeal to humans to feed him, and eventually, let him into their beds. Even towards the end of his life, Marmalade was found to engage in behaviour attributed to the trend of “performative males,” which includes listening to boygenius, drinking matcha (as pictured), and expressing interest in Labubus and Dubai Chocolate (which he did not eat only due to his ongoing illness at the time of its availability. He loved chocolate and ate probably too much during his 18 years).
Marmalade drinking matcha
Marmalade (performatively) watching women’s park skateboarding at the Paris Olympics (2024)
Marmalade using his biggest, saddest, hungriest eyes to request food after being starved (for 5 whole minutes) (2020)
All of this begs the question: should we as a society allow this behavior to slide as Marmalade’s legacy is celebrated without question? Should we be rewarding men’s performative behaviour? Is gender not merely a performance anyway? Marmalade also engaged in stereotypically masculine gender expression, as a dedicated fan of the Leafs and Blue Jays with an affinity for wrestling with humans. Through a holistic look at his behaviour, rather than appealing to toxic masculinity, Marmalade chose to appeal to those around him and be his multifaceted, authentic self. Arguably, a much better “performance” than following a trend.
Marmalade was fundamentally a cat who loved to spend time with any humans, especially his friends, family, and anyone who gave him food. Therefore, any performative male behaviour he exhibited was likely more coincidental; as those around him investigated trends of Dubai Chocolate, or drank matcha for an extra caffeine kick, he wished to take part as a way to bond with his loved ones and taste some food, regardless of whether it was trendy or not. Marmalade did not base his identity on the approval of others, but on his love for them and his love of food. So therefore, even though he was known to partake in behaviour typical of a “performative male,” he did not do so with the same intention of performance and approval-seeking as those participating in the trend. Ultimately, this behaviour does not taint his legacy, but adds to the humour around his character that he always inspired.
