The internet’s new Soft Guy Era has sparked some controversial opinions as some people claim it’s just classic repackaged misogyny with its “drizzle drizzle” catchphrase.
It’s sometimes difficult to keep track of the many partner types and eras birthed by apps like TikTok and Instagram. Just recently we had what is known in New York City as the Candid Girlfriend, which was earlier followed by the problematic trend of Seeding.
What is TikTok’s Soft Guy Era?
The new relationship trend was reportedly started by content creators @scarfacemark and @lilgoodiee, both of which have been subjected to backlash because of the trend.
In a lengthy TikTok video, ScarFaceMark explained that the Soft Guy Era is men finally realizing their worth and demanding that women contribute to the relationship, often financially.
Soft Guy Era Explained! #softguyera #viral #foryou #greenscreen
The trend is also a direct response to the 2023 theme Soft Girl Era, which was used to push back on the idea of a woman being a “girl boss.” In fact, it’s so directly related that the Soft Guy Era draws inspiration from its predecessor through common language, similar videos, and the internet’s usual brand of division.
When viewing content about the Soft Guy Era you might also see the phrase “drizzle drizzle” being thrown about.
Why is the new trend so controversial?
Though most people would agree that a woman should contribute financially if possible, many have argued that the new Era seems more focused on hitting women down than lifting men up.
Reacting to a clip about the Era, life coach Shawnda (@lifecoachshawn) hit back at the trend with vicarious passion.
@BBS❤️🔥 says men are entering their soft guy era and in this video I explain why I completely agree. #relationships #dating #datingtips #softguyera @Shawnda
“I know this is men’s attempt to throw women’s logic back in their faces,” she said. “But the truth is we already knew you were in your Soft Guy Era. We knew you were soft when you couldn’t resist a woman’s temptation when you had a girlfriend, a fiancee, or a wife.”
Sawnda added: “We knew you were in your Soft Guy Era when you begged your baby mamma not to put you on child support because you couldn’t survive if she took that $250 a month even though she was the one that was feeding the child, clothing the child, providing shelter for that child.”
Words from a prominent member of the sassy man faction
Another content creator, Robbie (@robbieschmurdaa), also took aim at the trend as he confessed: “It doesn’t seem like you’re talking about yourself at all. It seems like you’re vilifying other people and that’s the movement.”
Robbie concluded by arguing that men should find a woman that suits their needs, not demand that all women fit a box just in case they want to date them.
