Recently, there have been a spate of videos online featuring Karens acting out of character. From Amy Cooper’s dramatic 911 call on a Black birder to Lisa Alexander’s “Black Lives Matter” chalk-drawn sign, these women have experienced public meltdowns when their requests weren’t fulfilled.
Karens have become an important element in our cultural dialogue about race and police brutality. According to Aram Sinnreich, associate professor of communication at American University in Washington, D.C., Karens fit into a long tradition of racially-charged slang phrases.
1. A white woman who demanded to see a manager.
Karens are notorious for stirring up anger when they speak. Generally white, these women believe their way is the only way and call the police on children playing in parks, demand to speak to a manager, or become indignant at anyone who doesn’t follow along with their agenda. Karens tend to be very opinionated and demanding, usually demanding changes be made instead of accepting them as they stand.
These Karens didn’t come from nowhere; rather, they are the latest generation in a long line of white women that dates back at least two centuries. These individuals believe they are entitled, racist and determined to get what they want – even if that means policering Black or brown people to make sure it happens.
Pwo and Sgaw Karen often wear tunics made of homespun cotton dyed red, blue or black. For food they consume rice, chili peppers, fish paste, vegetables and betel nuts.
Today, many Karen refugees and poor villagers lack access to enough food. They may be forced to eat polished white rice which is less nutritious than red or brown rice and contains less protein. In addition to traditional foods, Karens now consume monosodium glutamate powder from Thailand as a form of supplement.
It’s unclear whether Saira Rao’s LinkedIn account deactivation was related to her recently published book, White Women: Everything You Already Know About Your Own Racism and How to Do Better. Regardless, this situation serves as a reminder that someone out there could potentially endanger both your career and personal safety if not addressed immediately. This issue deserves our full attention and requires immediate action.
2. A white woman who demanded to see a manager.
The Karens are an ethnically and linguistically diverse people living throughout Southeast Asia. They speak several languages and can be divided into subgroups based on their geographical location; these include mountainous hill Karens, Shan uplands and to a lesser degree delta Karens.
Their social life is typically defined by language and family ties. However, their identity system has evolved beyond these foundational bonds to encompass many different aspects of religion, culture and interpersonal connections.
They often have close connections with ethnic groups that share similar language backgrounds, such as Hmong or Lao. These cultural bonds make it easier for them to interact with people from their community.
Interactions can range from cultural exchanges and resource sharing. In many instances, these connections have proven essential in helping members of both groups achieve success in their pursuits of economic and political objectives.
But, as one might expect, some of these relationships have also resulted in conflict and violence. One recent instance involved a white woman making unreasonable demands.
According to a report from the New York Times, this white woman was frustrated that her request wasn’t granted and threatened to see a manager who could give her what she desired. While it wasn’t stated whether this incident occurred alone or affected multiple individuals, it fits within an emerging pattern of racial harassment and discrimination across America.
Recently, the name “Karen” has been garnering a lot of media attention due to several cases that have caught the attention of media outlets. And it appears this issue won’t go away anytime soon.
3. A white woman who demanded to see a manager.
Recently, we’ve seen plenty of Karens Who Made Outrageous Demands: Amy Cooper who called police on a Black man in Central Park; Rachel Dolezal who dragged her white children to a restaurant; Jessica Krug who was caught yelling at a nanny. These women believe their way is the right way and know how to get their demands fulfilled.
Many Karens genuinely worry for the safety of their families. Others seek ways to regain their former glory through cult leaders who promise them immunity from danger by providing special clothing or tattoos that will protect them. These are the Karens who chant, “I will make you a god!”
Many Karen people believe in the Golden Book, which they believe was kept by their ancestors and which can help them defeat evil spirits and return home to their ancestral land. Additionally, this book contains information about life’s beginnings as well as that of the universe itself. Shamans and religious practitioners among this people are especially eager to study this book; however, access to it is rare for them.
The Karens follow traditional animist, spirit-worshiping beliefs which require them to offer sacrifices to natural forces like the Lord of Land and Water. These offerings, known as aung hrae (au xae), may include other activities like chewing betel nuts.
Karen culture has many taboos, such as abstaining from alcohol and attending funerals. When a pregnant woman gives birth, she typically stays home while family members or a village midwife provides assistance. After the delivery, both mother and baby eat a special diet of rice and chicken while wearing strings around their wrist to ward off evil spirits.
4. A white woman who demanded to see a manager.
Karens are a group of people living in the mountains, hills and uplands of Burma’s mountainous Karen state as well as parts of Irrawaddy and Sittang deltas. Sgaw and Pwo Karen make up most of this population group which numbers around 1 million and 750,000 individuals respectively.
Karens believe in many things, including a lost Golden Book of Knowledge that is believed to have been discovered by an outsider and returned to them. Additionally, they practice aung hrae – ritual sacrifice for their families’ spirits – which dates back thousands of years.
Anthropologists describe aung hrae as a ritualistic practice involving the sacrifice of food in an organized way. It plays an essential role in Karen culture and although it’s time-consuming and laborious, its benefits are numerous.
Sgaw Karen practice aung hrae in various ways. Some perform it as a dance; others use it as an ancient ritual to summon spirits of deceased ancestors. This practice has magical properties and it is believed to cure illness, promote fertility and protect the souls of the dead.
However, what truly amazes me about aung hrae is its longevity – it has endured for generations and still stands today. A testament to how traditions can endure when properly cared for and preserved through hardships like repression, persecution and war. Despite all odds, aung hrae has managed to stay strong through it all.
