Urban Dictionary was established in 1999 as an online crowdsourced slang dictionary. Unlike traditional dictionaries that take years to compile, Urban Dictionary’s content is updated daily by those who use the site.
However, there are drawbacks to the website’s model, which allows users to submit definitions. Unfortunately, many of them lack clarity or are incorrect – leading to lawsuits, as Peckham of The New York Times notes.
Karen Sues the Local City Council
Karen is a derogatory term used to denote an angry, entitled, and sometimes racist white woman.
This word has become increasingly commonplace in memes and social media posts, where women use their white privilege to demand their rights. This could range from demanding to speak directly to a manager to wearing an exclusive bob-cut hairstyle.
Typically, this term describes a middle-aged white woman who believes her way is the only way to do things. She frequently shouts and yells, gets aggressive with workers, uses her privilege as a white woman to get what she wants, and in extreme cases, even takes the law into her own hands.
These types of behaviors often stem from a lack of self-control and fear of authority. They may be apathetic or unaware of their actions, yet they can be highly hazardous to those around them.
One example of such behavior is when Karen sues the local city council after they install a STOP sign that obscures her window for two minutes each day. While they were trying to improve traffic safety by reducing speeding cars, Karen believed this action violated her civil rights.
The city defended its action, asserting that the signs increased traffic safety. In reality, they were in response to a speeding accident that tragically claimed the life of a schoolboy riding his bicycle.
Supporters of the city’s decision noted it as a positive step forward, though some cautioned that the ordinance might not go far enough in responding to such behavior.
Though this type of behavior is a serious matter, it’s essential to remember that these are just a few examples of what can go wrong in a community. Addressing these behaviors now will help prevent them from occurring again in the future, especially for those who feel unsupported or unsafe by these individuals.
Karen can be a controversial topic to discuss with young people, yet its popularity as both an online and in-person slang term makes it hard to avoid. But this provides us with an opportunity to talk about words and terms we shouldn’t use or say which could hurt someone’s feelings.
Karen Refuses to Wear a Face Mask
As a new coronavirus outbreak continues to grip the United States, those who are sick and worried about their health are taking matters into their own hands. One way they express this concern is by posting videos on social media of people refusing to wear masks in public.
For instance, one video of a woman from Ohio who refused to wear a face mask while visiting the dentist has been viewed over 51,000 times on TikTok. The video depicts Karen, known only by her nickname, refusing to comply with office policy by not covering up.
The video serves as a reminder that private businesses have the right to refuse service to anyone who does not wear a mask – and that can only be for the best.
Karen refused to comply with the dental office’s policy despite knowing she wasn’t allowed in. Instead of following through on their promise, Karen began complaining about her rights and threatened to consult an attorney or sue if the dentist didn’t abide by it.
Some have defended her actions by asserting that she has the legal right to opt out of wearing a mask. However, this assertion may not be entirely accurate.
No legal restrictions exist on whether someone can or cannot be denied service in a private business setting for not wearing a mask, and this isn’t just due to sexist sentiment: Most Americans believe masks are essential for their own safety.
When I reached out to experts to ask their advice on how best to address this problem, the response was unanimous: you need to be a bigger person and more empathic; be able to recognize that someone’s fear is valid and address it without condemnation or criticism.
It’s like trying to change people’s minds about smoking’s dangers. It takes a long time to build awareness and trust among the general population; then, you need to take things further with specific policies. Unfortunately, when people don’t adhere to those rules, it can be an incredibly frustrating experience.
Karen Harasses the Workers
The term “Karen” has become a ubiquitous label for middle-class white women who demonstrate behaviors borne of privilege. Examples include demanding to speak with the manager, humiliating service workers, and engaging in racist microaggressions like asking to touch black people’s hair.
Recently, the Karen meme has gained momentum in the US. It has spawned new iterations of this classic image – such as an anti-coronavirus Karen who refuses to wear a face mask and refuses to comply with quarantine restrictions.
Furthermore, the term is frequently employed to denote those spreading disinformation on social media or spreading conspiracy theories in public spaces. Furthermore, it’s used to characterize a new type of racialized individual who refuses to wear face coverings in stores, on airplanes, or during quarantine.
Recently, a parking lot employee in Nashville was harassed by Karen and her son while checking car permits at River House apartments. Johnny Martinez captured footage of this and posted it to both Reddit’s r/Karens subreddit as well as YouTube.
This video serves as a classic illustration of the “Karen” stereotype, which has come to be associated with people who use their white privilege to demand their way. It serves as an object lesson on how people can express their anger in various ways – from filing frivolous lawsuits to calling 911 on a Black birdwatcher.
These people often make threats out of frustration, vindictiveness, or the absence of other outlets for venting their feelings. Furthermore, they could be under the influence of the acute stress response–a physical response to fear or threat that releases hormones and elevates heart rate and breathing rates.
As with any threat or complaint, small business owners need to take it seriously and evaluate it before filing a claim against them. There are numerous safeguards in place that enable the court system to quickly dismiss cases when someone falsely threatens or files an accusation.
Karen Threatens to Sue
Karen is a derogatory term that commonly refers to an entitled, often racist middle-aged white woman who uses her privilege to influence others or control their behavior. It’s used as part of online conversations and can be offensive for some.
Many people find these slang terms humorous and pass them along via social media, but if the person being made fun of is minor, legal action could ensue. Therefore, be mindful that any comments posted online do not contain derogatory remarks.
Urban Dictionary describes a Karen as an attractive middle-aged blonde who causes problems for others even though she doesn’t necessarily suffer from them herself. She typically sports a bob-haircut and lives in suburban comfort with an attitude of entitlement.
She may also be a racist who makes racist statements against black people. Some have likened her to the main character in “Karen Hill,” a stay-at-home mom who faithfully obeys her husband even through trials of infidelity and domestic violence.
Karen is the stereotypical middle-aged white woman with a blonde bob haircut and an attitude of entitlement and racism. She does many of little things like calling the police on black people or refusing to wear a mask in the store so her private information won’t be visible to other customers.
It’s not hard to understand why this term has become so popular. It accurately represents the stereotypes associated with middle-aged white women and provides plenty of opportunity for laughter.
However, just because something is slang doesn’t guarantee that those you are speaking it about won’t take offense. Karens can often become targets of harassment and discrimination in the workplace.
Karens, if your employer calls you out on using slang or you feel as if you’re being treated unfairly in the workplace, consulting a human rights attorney is highly recommended. Not only can they give you insight into what to expect from your employer, but they may also assist you with defending yourself against potential lawsuits and claims of discrimination.