“Karen” may not sound appealing, but it has recently come to be associated with certain women who display negative traits and often make others angry.
Middle class white women who are aware of their privilege and use it against people of color is now known as #whitefeminism; originally used on Twitter as a hashtag but now becoming a common trope.
1. Don’t Let It Get to You
Undoubtedly, dealing with Karen can be both frustrating and distressing. They often feel entitled to whatever they desire, often becoming bullying behaviors themselves.
As Karens can also be racist or close-minded, it is essential to not allow their actions or words to become frustrating for you. Instead, take care not to allow their actions or words affect you too heavily.
“Karen” is a term commonly used to refer to middle class, white women who take advantage of their privilege and use it against others. However, many consider this slur offensive and discriminatory against female-identifying people. It has even been widely condemned for being misogynistic.
But it can also be used as an effective means of calling out white women who engage in discriminatory practices. First popularized on Black Twitter during the 2010s, and since spreading throughout social media.
“Blackface” was initially coined by those within the Black community to criticize a White woman who targeted Blacks for imagined slights, yet has since been picked up and used as an offensive term during coronavirus outbreak and protests for racial justice.
Slang term used to refer to someone who fails to comply with health recommendations or who acts in an annoying or disruptive way in public spaces, or acts aggressively towards their partners. Also sometimes used when men behave badly or abusively towards them.
2. Don’t Be a Victim
“Karen” has become a derogatory term used on the internet as an insulting pejorative to refer to middle-aged white women who use their privilege to demand more than is right. This term conflates white entitlement with racism and sexism in an insulting and misogynist manner.
Karens are notorious for demanding special treatment and services, claiming ignorance to their privilege and using it as a bargaining chip against others who deny them what they perceive to be their rights. If anyone denies them what they consider theirs, Karens will often call the police.
Parents may demand preferential placement for their children in schools, even when their grades and test scores do not support this claim. They could make complaints to the principal if their child receives poor grades or can’t complete all homework assigned by teachers who they feel are biased against them.
From my experience, Karens can also present administrators with challenges. Many are bogged down with bureaucracy and may mistakenly believe Karen parents have the best interest of their children at heart.
Though they mean well, teachers, authors and public speakers who provide generalized advice may make it easier for Karen not to seek counseling or speak up. Instead, it’s crucial that each situation and each individual be assessed individually in order to provide advice that addresses all its details and needs.
3. Don’t Give In
When dealing with an uncooperative mom like Karen, it is crucial not to give in. This is especially relevant if your child engages in any risky or disruptive behaviors.
“Karen” has become a meme online, referring to an average middle-aged white female character with short bob haircut and demanding behavior, such as making unreasonable demands or wanting to “speak with the manager”. When there are issues at work or life generally she tends to complain and want things fixed immediately – even when something seems legitimately amiss!
Subreddit known as “The Karen Subreddit” was launched in December 2017 to mock an imagined character named Karen and has since gone viral, although some have raised questions as to whether this meme is sexist or racist.
Many view it as misogynistic; others view it as an effective means of confronting real-world racism and oppression. Attiah believes this meme to have roots in black American internet culture and that its aim is to find humor within real-life racism and oppression.
4. Don’t Be a Stealth Karen
When dealing with moms who resemble Karens, it’s crucial that you know how best to respond. Don’t appear too eager or eager-beaver-ish when pleasing someone who seems overbearing and rude.
Do not become the victim of false allegations that are impossible for you to defend, such as Karen alleging her child has autism when there are no clear indicators that he does.
Karen is the real deal and will do everything she can to make you appear less than desirable. She’s adept at exaggerating problems or telling outright lies.
Karen is typically defined as a white woman between 30-50, who lives in a suburb with children, often drives an SUV, and generally occupies middle class status.
Not recognizing an actual Karen isn’t as difficult as it might sound; perception and mental processing play an integral part. You can learn a great deal about yourself and those around you by keeping an eye out for those moms who seem too fiery for comfort.
5. Don’t Give Up
Karens are commonly described as middle-aged white women who exhibit racist and intolerant ideologies. They typically sport short hairstyles and wear mom jeans; additionally they run school carpools while simultaneously being aggressive to others.
“Karen” first made headlines in the US during the Covid pandemic, when anti-vaxxers and people who refused to adhere to health guidelines became prevalent. With viral videos documenting these behaviors being widely watched online, its usage became widespread.
Some Karens may act indecorously and even call the police, an indication of their privilege.
Karens also sometimes carry out subtle forms of discrimination, like labeling black women “birders” or blocking an individual’s car in a mall parking lot.
But they may simply be frustrated and angry about their own situation, often being overwhelmed by bureaucracy and becoming angry when their efforts don’t yield positive results.
Even though dealing with moms from Karen backgrounds can be challenging, it’s important not to give up. This can be particularly trying for teachers who may find themselves hindered by policies that favor Karen parents and students over schools and teachers. Their expectations often become unreasonable due to underperforming Karen students putting an undue strain on resources already limited. They may feel lost and frustrated as demands on them mount further compounded by many Karen students being underperformers themselves.
6. Don’t Be a Bully
If there’s a bully living with you, it is essential that you establish boundaries and stop them before they turn their bullying behavior toward other children. Furthermore, you can teach your children appropriate responses when someone bullies them such as avoiding or walking away.
Bullies often can’t control their emotions and behave aggressively due to a fear of rejection from friends or family, or might struggle with schoolwork or social skills.
These individuals require support and counseling from mental health professionals such as a counselor or psychiatrist, so that they may understand why their behavior may have led them down this path of aggression. Speaking to someone can reduce the chance of becoming bullies again in future interactions.
Karen is a middle-aged, white woman who exploits her privilege to claim special services and demands more from those under her status than they deserve. When refused her rights she may call on law enforcement for protection if her beliefs about entitlement go unfulfilled.
“Karen” first gained popularity on Black Twitter during the 2010s and since has been depicted in viral videos as privileged white women acting out against people of color. Some infamous examples include Central Park Karen calling the police on a Black man birdwatching in Central Park or Costco Karen throwing a tantrum when asked to wear a face mask.
7. Don’t Take Advantage
When dealing with Karens, one must be wary not to take advantage. Karens may use their privilege as a weapon against others if they feel mistreated and even call the police if she doesn’t like how you treat her.
As this type of behavior can reflect poorly on you, it’s crucial that you don’t exploit her to your own benefit – otherwise you will likely end up in an extended, futile struggle with her.
Do not get involved with these moms because they will use their power against you, especially if you are a teacher or school employee. Doing so could prove highly stressful and cause undue strain among both parties involved – especially your students!
But this can also be dangerous because it can harm your career and compromise its integrity. Therefore, many administrators tend to ignore or appease such parents in favor of protecting themselves and protecting their own self-preservation interests.
