Karen is a term often used to denote rude and entitled middle-aged white women. It usually implies they insist on their way, are racist, or wear an unattractive bob cut hairstyle.
But some real Karens feel their name is being used as a slur, which is why they wanted to share their story with CNN.
1. “I’m going to get the manager”
On social media, the phrase “I’m going to get the manager” has become a slang expression for someone who is rude and entitled. It could refer to anyone who acts obnoxious or overly arrogant, as well as people who make racist and misogynistic comments.
The origins of this slang term, which first surfaced on social media platforms, have been a contentious debate. Some have claimed it serves as an abstraction for discussing white privilege while others claim it’s a derogatory reference directed at someone or some group of individuals.
Karen is an internet archetype often depicted as a pompous suburban helicopter mother with short blonde bob haircut. She demands to speak to managers about insignificant issues and engages in heated discussions with service industry workers.
She can be rude and obnoxious, but she also has a helpful side – particularly when dealing with emergencies or helping out others. That’s one of the reasons why the phrase “I’m going to call the police” has become so popular on Twitter.
It can serve as a reminder for individuals to act respectfully towards everyone and not let their ego get the better of them. Furthermore, it can assist you in recognizing when someone is trying to bully or intimidate you.
Many find the phrase to be overblown and believe that calling someone a Karen is simply another way of demeaning them. On the other hand, some use it to express their emotions about an event or incident.
Karens are women who display excessive aggression or dominance. But it can also be used to describe men who act irrationally; for instance, someone who refused to wear a face mask in public when required due to the coronavirus pandemic is considered an example of what a Karen may look like.
Some people also refer to those sharing Covid virus disinformation online or through conspiracy theories as Karens, which is seen as an act of racism and leading to issues for both those being labeled Karens and those spreading misinformation.
2. “I’m not wearing a mask”
Though the expression “I’m not wearing a mask” has been around for much longer than most of us have been alive, it has recently been reimagined to annoy shoppers and retailers alike.
In North Hollywood, a woman was recorded cursing and throwing her shopping cart to the floor when she refused to wear a face mask. Other examples include customers at Staten Island ShopRite verbally abusing an unmasked shopper until they left and Costco employees calmly escorting a man who refused to don his mask from the store.
It’s no shock that businesses are paying attention to these events. In fact, some have even created special masks in honor of the occasion.
According to a recent poll conducted by the National Association of Retailers, approximately 70% of respondents indicated they had seen some type of face mask-related advertising or promotion within the past month. In some cases, these campaigns helped boost sales; in others they served as distractions – especially if people could actually touch and feel the product. Unfortunately, this type of advertisement often focuses on insignificant details like shape or size rather than its function. A better alternative would be emphasizing what the product does and how it functions instead.
4. “I’m going to get the manager”
If you need a way to quickly relieve tension when with Karen who’s rude or entitled, cracking one of these jokes is often less offensive than other types of jokes and can help brighten the atmosphere.
“I’m going to get the manager” has become a popular phrase on social media, providing an upbeat way to show your support for someone in need of assistance or struggling. This one-liner is especially beneficial for women working in corporate America who may experience unfair treatment or feel overworked by other employees.
This joke can also serve to instill in your kids the value of respect and compassion towards others. By teaching them how to treat everyone they come across with dignity and empathy, they’ll be more likely to model these qualities towards their friends as well.
Another benefit of using “I’m going to get the manager” is to educate your kids on racism and discrimination. They’ll be able to understand that any joke based on race or skin color can be offensive, no matter its context.
Karen-related jokes are an example of a racial slur and can be considered harassment under Illinois law. Thus, it’s essential to exercise caution when posting these type of jokes on your social media platforms.
If you post or share an inappropriate joke on social media, be sure to do your due diligence and safeguard against potential legal issues. Furthermore, train your staff about their rights when it comes to workplace harassment so that they understand what constitutes acceptable behaviour in the workplace.
Karens can find it challenging to cope with the remarks and jokes directed at you. But the most important thing is remembering that you are human with feelings even if they are hidden away. Don’t let someone else’s ignorance or sexism stop you from living your life fully and embracing every opportunity it presents.
