In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic and discussions regarding race relations and police brutality that have ensued since George Floyd’s passing, there has been a rise in popularity of “Karen”.
Karens are often labeled for their arrogant attitudes and unreasonable demands. When challenged, Karens will often resort to violence, hate speech, and other inappropriate/embarrassing actions.
What Is a “Karen”?
Karen” is a derogatory term used to describe an older white woman with an arrogant sense of entitlement and who acts like she’s above everyone else. These individuals tend to work in retail or service positions and will typically demand to speak with the manager when they feel mistreated.
Karens have been known to shout at police officers or harass retail employees or service workers who disagree with them. These individuals tend to display racism and be overly assertive, often using a false sense of moral superiority to make unreasonable demands and then appeal for authority when necessary.
In 2017, the term “Karen” made its debut on Reddit, where it quickly gained notoriety as a meme to mock women who act petty or unreasonable. It can also be used to refer to individuals who exhibit excessive dramatic flair, impulsivity or obnoxiousness.
Michelle’s children Sage and Luke were well-acquainted with Karen. After adopting a cat from Petfinder, she would gulp down her Fancy Feast then regurgitate it in a mustardy sludge on the living room rug. Karen wouldn’t let them sit with her, viciously clawed any furniture they touched, and even attacked their dog Evan.
After a week, the children created an Instagram page for their cat and her endearing pictures spread like wildfire across social media platforms. She was featured under a baby-sized MAGA hat, sitting at the dining room table dressed in a tiny Trump tee-shirt, and sniffing a giant glass of wine with her pink nose.
She boasts 679,000 followers on TikTok and her entertaining vlogs have become viral sensations! Fans can’t get enough of the adorable star!
She shares her vlogs about a range of topics, from being a stay-at-home mom to dealing with cancer. Additionally, she provides advice on navigating life’s ups and downs.
But, what exactly does it mean to be a “Karen”? Does she sport a blonde bob haircut, demand to speak to the manager when her rights have been violated, or possess an air of moral superiority that seems out of proportion? There are many reasons why having a “Karen” can be annoying; but how should one respond best when faced with one?
What Are Some Typical “Karen” Public Freakouts?
If you’ve ever browsed social media, chances are you’ve encountered videos of people getting into heated arguments with authority figures in retail stores and airports. In these incidents, we see everything from women who become upset over wearing a face mask to men enraged that someone wants them to change their clothes.
Experts agree that Karen public freakouts typically stem from feelings of entitlement or disenfranchisement. This is especially true for middle-aged white women who are frequently labeled “Karens” on social media platforms like Twitter US:TWTR and Instagram.
Though some may be legitimately angry about their treatment, others appear to be misinformed. Some studies suggest that the anger displayed in these viral Karen public freakouts is actually caused by a combination of multiple issues such as furloughs, layoffs, stress from lockdowns and the return of Black Lives Matter.
Karens’ outrage during these public freakouts may be linked to the coronavirus that has struck China’s manufacturing bases, robbing factory workers of their nerves and placing them at risk of losing their jobs.
One common example of a Karen public freakout is when a woman becomes aggressive with a man of color in an establishment such as a store or restaurant. Such encounters can be uncomfortable for both parties involved.
Amy Cooper recently experienced a Karen public freakout when a birdwatcher asked her to leash her dog in Central Park. This video has become one of YouTube’s most-viewed Karen public freakouts with more than one million views.
Karen public freakouts often involve requests of something that people believe to be wrong or when a person of color asks them to do it. These incidents tend to be over the top with lots of screaming and yelling involved.
Experts also note that these videos may not provide an accurate representation of real life, as many take place in high traffic spots during a hectic rush. Nonetheless, these videos can serve as a useful tool to promote awareness about unacceptable behavior in the name of justice.
What Are Some Examples of “Karen” Public Freakouts?
Many Karen public freakouts are caused by an individual’s emotional or mental state. For instance, a woman suffering from depression may become distressed if she receives poor service from a business.
In such cases, it’s essential to take calm measures and confirm the customer is truly suffering from a mental health issue rather than simply reacting to the situation. If the individual’s mental state is legitimate, she should seek treatment; however, if she is simply acting out due to stress, no responsibility should be placed on her for her behavior.
The “Karen” phenomenon, which has gained steam in recent months, has its roots in more than just social media. These angry moments of white women confronting people of color are part of an ongoing culture war in America that transcends race.
Some activists and experts contend that these incidents are actually manifestations of an oppressive form of racism that permeates neighborhoods, workplaces and college campuses across America. They contend these acts serve as a covert way for white socio-economic power structures to maintain themselves and build an invisible white picket fence around white communities.
Critics of these videos, including a former police officer and body language expert, contend that the anger displayed is often misdirected. Furthermore, they observe how furloughs, layoffs, lockdowns, and Black Lives Matter’s return have left many white Americans feeling insecure and threatened – leaving them vulnerable to such confrontations.
Others, however, suggest the anger seen in these videos is a response to various personal and financial difficulties. These include stress related to COVID-19 – an airborne flu outbreak which hit the U.S.; Black Lives Matter’s return; globalization and technological advancement which have adversely affected manufacturing jobs; as well as stress caused by COVID-19 itself.
Furthermore, these incidents are frequently captured in video clips that lack context, leaving them vulnerable to doxxing and harassment. These snippets spread rapidly on social media platforms where they can be easily manipulated and re-edited to alter the narrative. As such, it’s essential that you pay close attention when these clips are shared online.
What Can We Do About “Karen” Public Freakouts?
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