“Karen” is a derogatory term often applied to white women seen as being overly entitled or demanding of what’s considered normal behavior. These women often make appearances in memes and viral videos where their actions are called into question.
In 2020, this term became increasingly prevalent due to a coronavirus pandemic and protests for racial justice. Characteristic traits typically include having a bob haircut, being self-centered and calling the police on black people for imagined slights.
Talk to them calmly
If you work in any service-based industry, chances are good that at some point or another you have had to deal with a Karen. These customers tend to be rude, entitled and out-of-touch with reality; often shouting abuse at customer service reps who fail to be courteous enough in dealing with them properly.
These people tend to lack an in-depth knowledge of whatever topic they’re discussing, which makes them quite irritating when their way isn’t granted. While they may be annoying, these characters can often be extremely relatable.
Unfortunately, many people must deal with difficult customers despite having provided excellent service. Even when providing excellent care to your clients, some will always prove challenging.
One of the most famous examples is a video uploaded to TikTok of an Xfinity customer service representative being verbally attacked by Karen who unleashed nearly incoherent insults at them, eventually going viral with over four million views.
These customers have become an increasing problem for businesses, as they pose an immediate threat to your bottom line and may destroy its reputation if not addressed promptly.
There are some effective steps you can take to combat Karen before their behavior negatively affects your business. First and foremost, speak to them calmly and try to end the dialogue as quickly as possible.
An amicable response will often prove more effective than an aggressive one in helping someone realize you don’t hold any power to change their minds.
After inquiring into their reasoning for calling you Karen, it would be appropriate to seek clarification as well as determine any legitimate explanations behind their statements.
Explain to them why it’s not acceptable for them to shout down at those they work with or call them names, which should make them think twice before calling you a Karen in future.
An appropriate response can also help ensure you remain within the legal boundaries, since many businesses must handle customer complaints. A hostile tone could get your company in hot water with local authorities; do everything you can to avoid that scenario.
Understand they’re a child
Karen is an umbrella term that describes middle-aged white women perceived to be entitled and rude, most commonly in America but now found online as well.
These people can be arrogant and very demanding of services they use or those not like themselves, which may make for uncomfortable interactions with service staff and others who do not fit their mold. They may even display racism or be judgmental towards those outside their own race or culture.
People with these personalities tend to be loud and often over-explain their actions in public – which can be particularly detrimental when police involvement or life and death considerations come into play.
Another hallmark is the prevalence of bob-haircuts and an arrogant attitude; such individuals might refuse to wear face masks when shopping or disobey quarantine regulations.
Anti-vaxxers and perpetrators of microaggressions based on classism and privilege may act against other people through racist micro-aggressions.
Many have claimed that the Karen slur has roots in misogyny. This is because it often used against women perceived to have committed slights against others.
White privilege can also be used as a basis to criticise Black people for perceived slights against whites, since these people don’t share in its advantages.
Utilizing such terms may not always be appropriate, but they can serve to remind us all to be more conscious with our words and how we treat others.
Karen is a slang term commonly used to refer to any White woman who targets Black people with perceived slights and then attempts to rid herself or them. If someone uses the name Karen against another, this indicates their intentions of harming or attacking.
When someone is called Karen, it typically indicates they have been accused of being rude or overly aggressive in public settings. This can be very upsetting for those being targeted and can even become violent at times.
Some individuals might believe that using the “f-word” against women is not only offensive but it also hurts and disempowers them. Therefore, it is vital to be considerate towards these individuals whom have been targeted due to imagined slights against themselves.
Don’t stoop to their level
Have you ever dealt with a Karen neighbor? You know how difficult and frustrating their behavior can be; known for their arrogant and perpetual complaining ways, Karens can make daily life an ordeal.
But do not give in to their demands or allow them to overwhelm you. There are mature ways of dealing with Karen without succumbing to their pressure or degrading to their level.
At first glance, Karens may appear to be antagonistic characters. In fact, they’re often innocent victims of their own actions – bullying or racial harassment may have affected them deeply, prompting them to seek revenge against those they perceive are responsible.
As a result, they can often be extremely irrational and harsh toward anyone they don’t agree with, and are notoriously nosy. If a Karen in your neighborhood keeps peeking in on your home or others regularly, consider installing outdoor security cameras and adding locks on gates and fencing to protect yourself and others in the neighborhood.
Avoid falling to their level by befriending all your neighbors in your neighborhood. Being friendly with all will likely increase support if Karen starts complaining about you.
Make sure that when approaching a Karen who is wearing a mask, never approach them directly. They may appear normal upon entering your place of business but could actually just be waiting for a response from you.
Karens can be like children who crave attention, pretending everything is normal while trying to gain your response for their irrational behavior.
Reacting negatively when they act toxic is only going to feed their anger further and make you an easy target in the future. Instead, respond calmly and politely when they behave toxically and politely tell them you wish them luck with their day – then leave.
Maintaining strong relationships with your friends and neighbors will help establish strong bonds, while protecting you from becoming easy targets in the future. Should you decide to confront Karen neighbors directly, be prepared for an extended and potentially challenging confrontation process, but know it will likely be worth your while!
Don’t engage in debate
Avoiding arguments can be as easy as not engaging in them in the first place. No need to turn it into a family affair – or you will likely become its next best exponent! In fact, in groups of four or more, you could become the sole member who doesn’t appear with his or her head clipped come morning! There are other better ways of spending family dinner time, and much of its fun has likely been lost along the way.
