In recent years, the term ‘Karen’ has gained currency to describe white women perceived as entitled in public. This concept has sparked considerable discussion and disagreement around its meaning.
Karens are usually described as the women who throw tantrums in Starbucks, demand overly attentive service or shout at staff members. Sometimes they even use tears to get their way.
1. I’m Not a Karen
Anyone who spends any amount of time online has likely come across the Karen Meme. What started as a joke about an older woman with a “speak to the manager” haircut has since gone viral and become part of everyday culture.
However, there’s a problem with this trend: It could be seen as sexist.
Women with the name Karen often feel their names being dragged through the mud on social media platforms.
As a result, many have chosen to alter their names.
Although there is no proof that people named Karen face discrimination, it’s worth exploring why this trend exists. In essence, it boils down to classism, misogyny and racial tensions.
2. I’m Just a Friend
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This year, the “Karen” archetype has become a widely used way to highlight white women who are perceived as acting with entitlement. As tensions surrounding COVID-19 pandemic and nationwide protests mounted this year, this term gained notoriety and has become the subject of several viral videos.
In May, so-called anti-mask “Karens” began going viral as women rallied against wearing masks in public (part of an ongoing culture war in America). One prominent flat earther recorded footage of a manager at Gelson’s Market refusing her entry without covering up.
3. I’m Not a Friend
Recently, the “Karen” meme has taken on a life of its own. It’s become an easy way to identify white women who have been perceived as acting entitled, especially when it comes to racism or other forms of discrimination.
Karen memes have always been around, but this year has seen an unprecedented surge of viral videos and incidents that have elevated the term to household status. From refusing face coverings in shops and failing to adhere to quarantine requirements to calling police on a Black birder – there have been plenty of instances going viral for all the wrong reasons.
Viral Karen video snippets pose a problem in that they can easily be edited to distort the narrative and leave people vulnerable to doxxing and harassment. Therefore, it is all the more important for people to pay attention to them.
4. I’m Not a Friend
In recent years, the “Karen” meme has gained currency as a derogatory term for white women perceived to be acting entitled in public. This phenomenon is especially prevalent around incidents involving racism or xenophobia.
These women, often middle-aged white moms, are known for their controlling and superior ‘I want to speak to your manager’ attitude. Typically blonde, with young children at home, and potentially anti-vaxxers, these individuals may exhibit traits that set them apart from other anti-vaxxers.
Recently, there has been an uptick in Karen incidents, particularly due to an increase in coronavirus cases. Many of these instances involve anti-mask “Karens,” who refuse to wear masks and adhere to quarantine restrictions.
Critics have noted that many popular “Karen” videos lack context and may be edited to distort the storyline. This leaves victims vulnerable to doxxing and harassment, leading to a wave of outrage and resentment that has potentially harmful outcomes.
5. I’m Not a Friend
Every major news outlet and website seems to have a piece about the infamous Karen. From the anti-mask ranters in Central Park (“Central Park Karen”) to Starbucks and Target (“Walmart Karen”), she has made quite an impact on pop culture.
The karen has been around for some time, but its recent surge in viral videos and incidents have thrust it to the fore of national conversation. Furthermore, this phenomenon provides women with a platform to flex their sexy muscles (or at least their social media savvy) by making the most of popular content on the internet.
6. I’m Not a Friend
The Karen meme first gained notoriety a few years ago as an insult against white women perceived to act entitled in public. But with the recent influx of viral videos and incidents, it has become something of a cultural phenomenon–even if its origins remain controversial.
As Time’s Cady Lang notes, the “Karen” moniker is intended to confront white women’s complex position in American society: as victims of misogyny, holders of privilege and perpetrators of racism. But some contend that this term flattens these women’s lives into one recorded moment, leaving them vulnerable to harassment or doxxing.
Since May, video of so-called anti-mask “Karens” has gone viral and ignited a national conversation around race and police brutality – particularly after George Floyd’s passing.
7. I’m Not a Friend
Karen memes have become a beloved part of internet culture for the last several years. These depiction an arrogant middle-class white woman speaking down to people of color working in service-oriented positions, such as customer services or restaurants.
The term “Karen” originated as a way to label women who were perceived as acting entitled in public, but has since come to be used more broadly to refer to any white woman perceived to be rude or inappropriate in public settings.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and current discussions about race and police brutality, “Karen” has gained popularity in mainstream culture. Videos of women refusing masks and other public demonstrations have appeared across social media platforms; there are even meme accounts dedicated to sharing “Karen” incidents such as ‘Karens Going Wild’ account.
8. I’m Not a Friend
Karen has become a popular slang term among white women who are perceived as possessive in public. It serves as an acronym for those perceived to be entitled in society.
Although the term has been around for some time, its popularity has seen a dramatic surge due to the COVID-19 pandemic and conversations surrounding race and police brutality after George Floyd’s passing. Additionally, an uptick in viral video content featuring “Karens” has taken hold, inspiring an entire genre of memes around them.
For years, the Karen joke has been used with great success; but recently, its current crop of viral videos and incidents have elevated it to something truly memorable. Check out this list of the most memorable Karens ever, then if you want an even better way to make one yourself, VideoCreek offers templates and tools for creating high-quality social media memes that will get your followers talking!
9. I’m Not a Friend
Karen Memes are the latest trend on social media, as millions of people watch viral video snippets of women refusing to wear masks, labeling Black Lives Matter protestors as “Democratic pigs,” and pointing guns at police. While these videos and incidents have been around for some time now, this year’s COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent explosion of viral videos have cemented its place among everyday folklore.
Karen Memes aren’t just jokes. They serve as a poignant reminder of the difficulties white women face in America, where racism and discrimination are rampant. It takes courage to stand against one’s own racist tendencies; if you’re ready to do just that, here are 10 Karen Memes that will inspire you to take stock of yourself.
10. I’m Not a Friend
Recently, you may have encountered many Karen Memes. These videos feature white women who are perceived as rude or entitled in public and have become a major source of viral videos.
But the trend wasn’t always this way. Insider’s Rachel Greenspan recalls a time when “Karen” didn’t have an official definition.
But in recent years, “Karen” has become a derogatory term for any white woman deemed out-of-line or entitled. It is especially associated with law enforcement officers refusing to wear masks during incidents. This year has seen an explosion of anti-mask memes across social media platforms; here are some of the most popular ones from 2018.
