Karens As a Stereotype

Karma for Karens
By Karma for Karens
11 Min Read

Karen is a derogatory term often used as slang to denote an entitled white woman who demands more than what society considers acceptable.

Recently, many videos featuring “Karens” have gone viral online, depicting women behaving badly.

These “Karens” are typically middle-aged white women who hold racist views and believe they have the right to demand what they want. Furthermore, they use their privilege as white people to judge nonwhite behavior and expect special treatment that they do not truly deserve.

As a stereotype

Karen has become a stereotypical image of an entitled white woman who demands more than what is expected. This stereotype stems from the concept of “white privilege,” which states that white people tend to hold positions of power and access more resources than people of color do.

Karens typically present a stereotypical image, looking and behaving snobbishly. They are typically depicted as middle-aged women who embody white privilege with blonde bob haircuts, along with phrases like “let me speak to the manager.”

However, this image carries more serious racial overtones; indeed, some have even used it to denote racist actions by white people. For instance, “Central Park Karen” was used to refer to a white woman who falsely called police on an innocent Black man walking his dog in New York’s Central Park.

These types of incidents may not always be humorous, but they do highlight an unfortunate trend that has recently arisen online: some neologisms have been transformed into sexist stereotypes – one such example being the popular “Bye, Felicia” line.

Another is the slang phrase, “Karencore,” which describes fashion and aesthetics associated with this stereotype. Examples include the “speak to the manager” haircut, minivans with rhinestones, and signs bearing the slogan: Live, Laugh, Love.”

Although some have argued that stereotypical images aren’t racist, they could still be contributing to systemic racism in our society. This is particularly relevant given the current coronavirus pandemic, which has reinforced many stereotypes which could be impacting adults as they attempt to cope with this difficult time.

Karens have seen a meteoric rise in popularity over the last decade, especially among millennials and Generation Z who often criticize Baby Boomers for not supporting progressive social causes such as gender equality or social justice more generally. But according to Karens on Facebook, these negative stereotypes don’t do any damage to their cherished surname.

Karens have taken on a negative connotation due to its name. To combat this, some Karens are fighting back and demanding that people treat them more kindly. They even created a private Facebook group called “Karens United” where they urge people to show more kindness towards those they call by this name.

As slang

Karen is a term used to describe a white woman who appears entitled or demanding beyond what is expected. Usually, this relates to an entitled middle-aged white woman who gets easily frustrated or demands she “talk to the manager” when something doesn’t go her way. It could also refer to an obnoxious, racist woman acting irrationally.

The term has gained notoriety through viral social media videos and memes of women behaving inappropriately, aggressively and overly dramatically. Unfortunately, these individuals often act without understanding that their actions may be misinterpreted by others.

Theories have been advanced as to where this term originated, including that it was coined by a Reddit user who was frustrated with his ex-wife’s aggressive behavior. Others claim it derives from an older woman’s name.

Some speculate that this term has its roots in black American internet culture. Regardless, it has gained notoriety through Black Twitter and is being used to disparage privileged White women.

Stereotypically, Karen is used to denote an arrogant, entitled, racist and often selfish white woman who acts irrationally. Common examples include demanding to speak to the manager or sporting a certain bob cut hairstyle.

In 2020, a new version of this stereotypic was born: those who refused to wear face coverings have been labeled Karens; additionally, those spreading false information online about coronavirus outbreaks are seen as Karens as well.

In the US, where the pandemic is disproportionately impacting black Americans, use of the slur has grown more commonplace as awareness spreads. Many have used it in protest against social distancing measures and to justify unfairly policing others during this crisis.

Karens have been described as hypocritical, rude to service industry workers and anti-science believers. Additionally, Karens are known to engage in dishonesty when it comes to pseudoscience and their identities.

As a parody

Karen” has become a byword for middle class white women who display behavior that stems from privilege. Karens often oppose vaccination, belittle service industry workers, and engage in racist micro-aggressions like asking to touch black people’s hair.

No doubt, these behaviors are all unacceptable. Yet the term “Karen” has gained so much online attention in recent years that it’s become impossible to ignore its growing popularity. One of the most infamous ‘Karens’ is Amy Cooper who was recently convicted for calling the police on a Black man for asking to leash his dog in Central Park.

Some have even suggested that “Karen” isn’t even a woman’s name, but rather an umbrella term for middle-aged white people. While this isn’t entirely correct, it does give us some insight into how ‘Karen’ has come to be so prevalent in both slang and culture today.

Some argue that the term “Karen” doesn’t originate with the original character from Mean Girls, but rather comes from Dane Cook’s 2005 comedy skit “The Friend Nobody Likes,” in which he used it to refer to a woman named Karen who wasn’t very popular. Others contend it comes from 1990 movie Goodfellas, in which one of its characters is named Karen.

Many consider the phrase to be a sexist joke, but it also serves to criticize certain kinds of behavior. Social commentator Alicia Sanchez Gill notes that it’s often used to dismiss black and working-class women who actively practice classism and racism in their daily lives.

In our society, which is already filled with stories of Black death, the effects of racial profiling by law enforcement officers is particularly devastating.

But when Karen attempts to suppress her feelings through power dynamics in an unhealthy way — like Cooper did or someone who requests leashes on their dogs in Central Park — the consequences can be far more dire.

As a commentary

If you’re a frequent user of social media, then you may have encountered the Karen meme. This depicts an elderly white woman with a spiky haircut who frequently demands to speak to her manager over seemingly minor inconveniences.

In recent months, the “Karen” stereotype has gained ground as it’s been frequently invoked by those protesting social justice issues. It is no secret that racism, sexism and ageism are pervasive in American culture; many people have even chosen to leave due to how deeply-ingrained these prejudices are within its institutions. Ultimately though, many still choose to remain in America despite its many imperfections.

At first, the Karen stereotype wasn’t taken seriously; it only gained serious traction in 2017, when a Reddit rant ridiculed an ex-wife of one of its users. This use of the term sparked conversation around what exactly a “Karen” is and how it could be used to discriminate against women.

Though sometimes used as a joke, the name “Karen” carries with it an anti-white connotation and can make it difficult for actual Karens to navigate life without feeling that their identity is being disparaged.

Service workers in particular may feel targeted by “Karen” and other racists for their job. According to Alicia Sanchez Gill, founder of Black Lives Matter Philadelphia chapter and civil rights activist, the term “Karen” is often used as a way to dismiss younger working-class women from consideration for advancement.

Roly Sussex, an emeritus professor of applied language studies at the University of Queensland, believes that “Karen” may have originated as a black “meme,” which refers to white women who gossip on lemonade stands or call the police on children.

Furthermore, she notes that the “Karen” stereotype has more than one racial dimension; for instance, it can sometimes be used against white men as well. Furthermore, she states that using “Karen” as a slur against women isn’t unique to America and occurs also in the UK.

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