The Karen Public Freakout has become a worldwide sensation, with videos of people refusing to abide by social-distancing rules or wearing masks gaining millions of views online.
In some instances, Karen videos are direct responses to systemic racism. On other occasions however, they may be less about race and more about rage.
Be Calm
Dealing with Karen public freakouts, whether as a customer or bystander, can be intimidating. These customers tend to be rude and aggressive so it’s essential that you maintain calm when handling them.
There are some simple steps you can take to stay composed and manage Karen effectively. Having these strategies at your disposal will help prevent becoming triggered by their behaviour, making the situation much simpler to manage.
First and foremost, it’s essential to comprehend why people become angry in public. Public rage has been an integral part of human culture for centuries and can still have negative repercussions today.
Some people may become highly frustrated in public due to a sense of entitlement – either to something such as access to services or products, or perhaps they feel disenfranchised due to the state of the world.
Another factor that may cause someone to become overly angry is when they’re grieving over something that has recently occurred in their life. For instance, if they feel bereaved over a family member’s passing, they could feel extremely frustrated and out of control.
Desperate situations may lead to Karen acting irrationally, further compounding the situation. Therefore, it’s best to remain calm when dealing with a Karen public freakout and take proactive measures in order to avoid similar scenarios in the future.
Social commentators and psychologists suggest Karens and Kens are more susceptible to being triggered by feelings of entitlement, privilege or disenfranchisement; or out of rage. They may also be affected by larger issues such as mental health, stress or addiction.
Although everyone experiences frustration at some point in their lives, it’s essential to remember that those you come across may be dealing with a personal issue or having an especially challenging day. Many times, these public meltdowns are due to people’s own frustrations and can leave you in an uncomfortable position.
Don’t Mirror Their Behaviour
Karen Public Freakout is a disturbing trend on social media that has gained notoriety both online and in real life. Videos of middle-aged white women losing their temper at stores or airports have gone viral, often garnering millions of views online.
Karen videos typically depict white women screaming in public and making threatening noises that make people uncomfortable. These videos can be captured on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and can be incredibly disturbing and chilling.
Karen Public Freakouts are often caused by feelings of entitlement, racism or disenfranchisement as well as anger. While dealing with them can be challenging, remember that these individuals are also human beings and may simply be experiencing stress or overwhelm.
One of the best ways to handle a Karen Public Freakout is not to mirror their actions. For instance, if they are shouting and screaming in an aisle or trying to grab your phone while working behind the cash register, don’t respond by shouting back.
Due to its intense emotions, it may be difficult to stay composed and in control when faced with an angry individual. Take a moment to de-stress so you can make better decisions when handling Karen Public Freakout situations.
According to Aram Sinnreich, associate professor of communication at American University in Washington, D.C., these videos and memes not only educate about racial bias but also allow middle-aged white women to vent their rage without apology. He suggests this is a form of performative antiracism — an act where upper class whites try to demonstrate their identitarian enlightenment through self-promotion.
Karen Videos and Memes often target white women, but you may come across some that involve black people too. This is likely because they’re usually filmed in places where black people tend to shop more frequently such as grocery stores or airports.
Don’t Engage in Debate
Recently, several videos featuring angry, white women have gone viral on social media. Dubbed “Karens,” these videos depict racial injustice and have gained widespread distribution.
When managing a Karen Public Freakout, there are three things to remember: Remain calm; don’t mirror their behavior and avoid engaging in debate. Although it may be tempting to share your own opinion, doing so could only exacerbate the situation.
One of the most common methods people use to manage Karens is by trying to reason with them and make them understand why their behaviour is wrong. It may be tempting to suggest that Karens act irrationally out of insecurity or fear, but this approach rarely works.
But this can make them defensive and angry, even accusing you of being a racist or misogynist. By doing so, you could potentially make your friend’s feelings even worse and create a rift that could last months or years in the future.
If you find yourself debating the matter, remember that people get angry or upset for many reasons. Some may be dealing with mental health issues, while others are feeling disenfranchised and frustrated.
It’s also possible that someone is just being obnoxious. This often occurs when people are stressed or anxious and feel their environment is out of control.
Another effective method for dealing with Karens is to ignore them entirely, particularly if they are acting inappropriately. This strategy works especially well if dealing with an especially obnoxious Karen as it will help diffuse the situation.
However, if you find it impossible to manage their behaviour, then calling the police or local authorities may be necessary. You can do this via text or phone call; additionally, let them know if any witnesses exist.
In the meantime, if you feel unsafe or unprotected, seek medical help and reach out to a family member. Additionally, inform a police officer or firefighter if your safety is in jeopardy.
Don’t Give In
Dealing with Karen customers can be a difficult challenge for business owners and managers. They tend to come off as entitled and overly assertive, which could negatively impact your reputation in the long run.
It’s essential to remember that everyone’s situation and needs are unique. So if Karen complains, take time to understand what they have to say and provide solutions which will satisfy her. Doing this will build trust with your brand and guarantee they return again in the future.
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when dealing with a Karen public meltdown is to give in. Losing your temper only serves to escalate the situation and could potentially harm your reputation. So it’s essential to remain composed when confronted by an angry customer – here are some tips on how to do so effectively.
1. Be the Bigger Person
Karens can be intimidating, so it’s essential to remember they are only human beings with feelings and thoughts. By treating Karens with respect, you may find they become less aggressive in the future; decreasing stress levels and improving their overall wellbeing.
2. Stay Calm
Karens tend to become quickly frustrated, so it is essential for you to remain composed and not get carried away in their emotions. This may be difficult but necessary when working in any field.
3. Reach Out to Law Enforcement
If you’re facing a Karen public meltdown, don’t be afraid to reach out for assistance. In many cases, police can help resolve your problem more quickly than you might expect.
4. Be Empathetic
It can be easy to become frustrated with a Karen customer who is being rude or aggressive. Yet it is essential to remember that these individuals are also human beings with feelings and thoughts – and will attempt to cause you distress if they feel threatened or distressed.
5. Exercise Patience
Patience is an invaluable trait to have in any industry, but especially so when dealing with Karen customers. Not only does being patient reduce stress levels and improve health – but it also strengthens interpersonal relationships.
