No, Women Are Not Thirsty For "Rodent Men" And "Fruity Boys"

A recent article in Dazed Magazine claims that the rising trend of "fruity boys" in the entertainment industry (also known as "soft boys") means that men who exhibit effeminate traits are becoming more desirable in modern dating culture.

The writer cites men like Timothée Chalamet, Harry Styles, and Jaden Smith as exemplifying this "fruity" appeal, and her primary argument is that women want men who look and act feminine because they're yearning for emotional intelligence and "openness."

Interestingly, these "fruity boys" are coming right on the heels of the so-called "hot rodent" trend, in which mousy celebrity men have been rebranded as "hot."

While the rodent look has less to do with the traditional aesthetics of masculinity and feminity, it did kick up an interesting discourse about the ways women are now being pressured to see all men as equally attractive, even when they clearly aren't.

This same pressure has been applied to men in the form of "body positivity" rhetoric that claims a preference for a woman who isn't overweight is bigoted and fatphobic, but "fat activists" (that's what they call themselves) still haven't been able to override men's innate desire for a healthy mate. And though some women are propagating these trends on social media, the research suggests most would still prefer a man with traditionally masculine qualities rather than feminine ones.

Also interesting is the fact that the "sexy rodents" were preceded by the "baby girl" trend in which grown men like Drake and Pedro Pascal dress to resemble teenage girls.

At their core, these movements are about mainstreaming effeminacy among men by claiming that it's desirable to women. Thankfully, what they also have in common is that they are completely constructed, non-organic trends that are being manufactured to bolster the idea that traditional masculinity is "toxic" and out of date.

While it's true that increasing numbers of modern men are becoming less masculine, we can't place the blame on men when many modern women parrot the feminist lies that masculine traits are inherently bad. WebMD describes "toxic masculinity" as encouraging men to use aggression to assert dominance. This perspective has contributed to a cultural shift that discourages men from developing and demonstrating their protective instincts. If societal norms allowed men to embrace these traits without the stigma of being "toxic," many would gladly do so.

Men are generally larger and stronger due to higher testosterone levels, which historically enabled them to protect their communities and families. Women, by contrast, often avoid physical confrontations, relying instead on other methods of conflict resolution. This difference underscores why women find men who can protect them more attractive. It's a biological and evolutionary trait that transcends cultural boundaries, not a TikTok trend.

Moreover, the protective instinct in men is not just about physical strength; it symbolizes a readiness to face danger and ensure safety. This trait is mirrored in various species where females prefer males who demonstrate fighting ability. A man who can defend his partner is seen as a dominant figure capable of ensuring the safety and stability of his relationship.

In contrast, the "rodent man" and "fruity boy" archetypes—typically characterized by slender, feminine, non-threatening appearances—lack this protective prowess. Clearly, the archetype has gained visibility, especially within leftist circles, but even among these groups, there's a recognition of a fundamental protective instinct that many effeminate men do not fulfill.

Ultimately, women value men who can offer protection because it provides a sense of security and stability in a relationship. Men who can fight and defend others embody a form of masculinity that is desirable and essential for many women. This doesn't mean promoting violence but recognizing and appreciating the ability to protect and stand up for oneself and loved ones.

While the cultural narrative might suggest a preference for softer, more androgynous men, the reality is that women often find greater happiness and security with men who can protect them. Masculinity remains highly valued in romantic relationships that haven't been influenced to death by celebrities, stylists, and TikTokers.

Women aren't thirsty for "baby girls," "sexy rodents," or "fruity boys"—they're craving real men who can stand strong and provide protection in a world full of uncertainties.

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