Unlike the Oscars, which recognize performers for their artistic talent, the Karen Awards recognize those who interfere with others and promote civility. This year’s top honor goes to a Dallasiite who yelled at Southwest for not allowing him to check his bag – an example of a true Karen.
1. A Dallasiite
This Dallasite who was caught on camera is not just any ordinary human being; he exhibits all the traits characteristic of Karen. He’s entitled and unhinged, rude and incapable of making jokes.
In the past, we’ve all encountered the term “Karen,” used to denote white women who are arrogant and arrogant. Typically, these individuals hold their opinions without regard for others’ rights and do not care what others think or feel.
At Trader Joes’ new 16,000 square feet North Hollywood location, one of these entitled white ladies took things too far. When asked to leave without wearing a face mask, this particular “Karen” became so furious and shouted at all shoppers in attendance.
Karens have been caught on camera in various behaviors, leading to the production of numerous videos online. These range from the more civilized (like the woman trying to block her neighbor’s car in) to the outlandish (a man throwing up all over the street in an attempt to stop his girlfriend talking).
This is just an example of the type of behavior that can be captured on camera, and it’s sad to see how this selfish, self-centered attitude affects others. These people have no right to shout and scream at those trying to help them – it should never happen!
2. A Plano Woman
Karens have become a social media phenomenon in recent years due to their outrageous and entitled behavior. These people often get caught on camera spitting on random people, cussing out workers, refusing to leave establishments until they get what they want, and calling others names.
These videos of Karens serve as a reminder that racism is alive and it affects us all. Even well-intentioned individuals can act with prejudice.
On Wednesday evening in Plano, Texas a woman was arrested for her racist rant against four women of Indian descent. Video footage captured the incident shows her spewing insults against them and threatening them with violence; at one point even hitting one of them!
Esmeralda Upton was arrested Thursday and faces misdemeanor charges of assault causing bodily injury and terroristic threats.
Her tirade was recorded on multiple videos and is being investigated as a hate crime. She is being held at Plano jail on $10,000 bond.
Rudra Saha recounted the terrifying situation she found herself in: standing outside Sixty Vines restaurant in Plano when a white woman approached them and began verbally harassing them, according to video footage that has since circulated online. Rudra and her friends had no choice but to record footage that will now circulate online.
3. A Texas State Representative
One Texas State Representative is notorious for getting caught on camera. This Dallasiite was seen fighting with another customer at a Shell convenience store.
An encounter that reminded many of the Red Lobster brawl was captured on video by a friend of the shopper. Greg Conn, who posted it to his Facebook page, described it as “heavily edited”.
Conn reported that the woman he was disputing with was a middle-aged white woman wearing a black and white dress. She appeared to be dazed as she boasted about her gas pump and tall legs before engaging in physical conflict with another customer.
This gadget is certainly one of the swankiest, as it was recorded on a smartphone with an HD camera. The lens is clear and provides viewers with an excellent view of the scene – including some amusing behavior from ‘Karen’ in the background.
Though the camera was certainly impressive, this video wasn’t quite up to par. Karen, as described in the video, has since been suspended by her employer and promised to change. We can only hope she does and that in time she will be reprimanded for her behavior. It’s unfortunate she won’t get to show off her cool gadget but most likely because she was simply too preoccupied with checking messages to notice who was standing before her.
4. A Texas State Senator
The Texas State Senate is the upper chamber of Texas government and collaborates with the House of Representatives in making laws and setting state budget levels. It consists of 31 elected senators as well as a lieutenant governor.
Senators from both parties make up a majority in the US Senate. Elections to this body take place every two years, with half serving two-year terms determined by random drawing and the other half filling four-year seats.
In addition to passing bills related to public policy, the Senate also sets spending levels for state government, votes to uphold or override gubernatorial vetoes, and holds trials for officials impeached by the Texas House. Furthermore, they appoint chairs of committees, assign bills specifically to specific committees, recognize members during debate and issue procedural rulings.
Once a bill is passed, it moves to the floor of the Senate for debate and voting – known as Second Reading. Any amendments that come up for vote at this stage must receive at least two-thirds support from all senators present and voting according to Senate regulations.
On the first day of floor debate, each senator has three chances to speak in support or opposition of a bill. At the conclusion of that first day, the bill is then sent back to committee and voted on by an entire body – known as “Chairman of the Whole,” where all Senate members cast their votes.
5. A Texas Governor
Every four years, Texas citizens elect a governor to lead their state’s government. As chief executive officer of the state, he or she has the power to sign or veto bills passed by lawmakers, command the military forces of Texas, convene special sessions of lawmakers for specific purposes and appoint qualified Texans to positions within that body.
The governor makes policy recommendations to the Legislature and appoints members of state boards and commissions that oversee agency heads. He is also accountable for delivering the “State of the State” address as well as an annual state budget report and recommendation to legislators.
Governor Greg Abbott’s first term saw economic growth and Hurricane Harvey relief, but he also promoted a conservative social agenda. When running for reelection in 2018, Abbott pledged to carry forward his policies by advocating property tax reform, teacher pay raises, and rural broadband funding.
Governor Abbott has spearheaded an expansion of a controversial border operation, targeting illegal immigrants who cross into Texas illegally and may be charged with state criminal offenses. He has provided millions of grant dollars to border counties willing to make arrests for trespassing, and plans on sending even more funding in the future.
Governor Abbott has identified seven “emergency” items he wants to pass during this session, some of which will be exempt from constitutional delays and could move through legislative proceedings more quickly than usual. These include bills to strengthen Texas elections, protect social media companies from political censorship and reform the bail system in the state.
6. A Texas State Senator
The Texas State Senate is one of two legislative chambers responsible for making laws and passing the state budget. It consists of 31 elected senators plus the lieutenant governor.
The Senate serves two-year terms, with half its members up for election each year. Elections take place on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving in even-numbered years on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.
Senators majority belong to the Republican Party, who have controlled the senate since 1997.
In addition to passing bills, the Senate also collaborates with the House to set levels for state spending and taxes. Furthermore, it votes on whether to uphold or override gubernatorial vetoes.
In Texas, the Senate is also charged with voting on constitutional amendments that require two-thirds majority approval from both House and Senate.
Once a bill is introduced in the Senate, its secretary reads it into the record and sends it off to a committee for review. That committee may then report back to the full chamber for consideration.
Once a committee reports it, the Senate must discuss and amend it – this is known as Second Reading. After passing through both readings, lawmakers must pass their revised bill onto third reading which requires another two-thirds vote for approval.
If you want to gain more insight into the Texas legislature, video and audio recordings of legislative sessions are often your best bet for finding out what lawmakers are up to. These can provide invaluable information about what legislators are doing.
