Recently, the media has been covering protests of entitled Karens. These women have a history of abusing their privilege to call police on people who are black or brown.
It’s a perilous and growing trend that speaks to an increasingly powerful white supremacy movement. As racism becomes more prominent in political discussions, the “Karen” meme has taken on greater serious implications.
Mainstream Media
Mainstream media refers to large companies with trained journalists and extensive resources that report news stories and distribute them through various channels, from print to podcasts. They have often been accused of bias and lacking objectivity, but some people argue they offer the most comprehensive coverage of current events available today.
Alternative media refer to non-commercial projects that aim to disseminate information and build communities of identity. These can include websites, magazines, and digital media which often cover news from a specific point of view – such as that of a political minority or ethnic group.
Mainstream media often provides popular news content, but some critics contend it is biased and often covers stories in a one-dimensional manner. Furthermore, they believe corporate ownership of many mainstream outlets stifles independent voices and perspectives.
Alternative media outlets have seen a meteoric rise in popularity, providing an outlet for voices that have been historically marginalized from mainstream discourse. This includes voices from social justice and activist organizations as well as various ethnic and cultural identities.
Aram Sinnreich, an associate professor of communication at American University in Washington, D.C., notes the Karen video trend as illuminating because it illustrates how racism and other forms of oppression permeate everyday life. These incidents demonstrate how white Americans attempt to maintain their economic power by creating invisible walls of racism in public places like neighborhoods, workplaces and schools.
The Karen phenomenon has a political component, reflecting the frustrations of an angry, economically disenfranchised white working class that helped propel President Donald Trump to the White House in 2016. These people feel left behind as globalization and technological advancement have diminished their manufacturing jobs and caused them to be ignored by their bosses.
Some criticize the Karen video and meme trends as evidence of misogyny, punishing women instead of men who may be struggling emotionally. On the other hand, others maintain that such tactics are necessary and important tools to call out entitled behavior by those who don’t live up to their values.
Social Media
Media often portrays protests of entitled Karens with a level of cynicism that makes their behavior appear to be less serious than it actually is. Yet when someone goes out of their way to violate civil society norms, their actions can be used as powerful tools for changing social norms and achieving some measure of social justice.
Women often contact police when their Black neighbors complain about not having access to bathroom facilities, or men pull guns on people in parking lots for asking to touch a Black man’s hair. Social media often records and shares video footage such as these on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram – the same ones where we can share pictures of our favorite Starbucks drinks or celebrities – reaching millions of users worldwide.
The internet has become a powerful platform for covering events not typically covered by the mainstream media. It gives people a way to document and report on their daily lives, as well as bring attention to stories that have gone unreported before.
Social media has been an effective tool in documenting the protests of Karens, particularly with videos like the woman arrested outside the Russian Embassy.
Some commentators have noted the popularity of Karen and Ken videos, suggesting viewers feel an intense level of anger over these incidents. This could be due to where these scenes take place – such as clothing stores or supermarkets – or simply because the rage and fury displayed by these individuals are reminiscent of toxic female hysteria prevalent on social media today.
Another theory suggests the word “Karen” in these incidents is meant to convey a sense of racial privilege and the pushiness that goes along with it. This theory is supported by the fact that this term has only recently gained popularity.
Podcasts
Podcasts are audio programs that can be listened to on any Internet-connected device. What began as a way for audio and video files to be synced to an Apple iPod has now evolved into an entire genre of entertainment with on-demand audio shows and live events.
Podcasts have been around for some time, but their popularity has surged in recent years. These digital audio productions blend elaborate sound production with topics ranging from scientific research to slice-of-life journalism. There are now over two million podcasts on the internet, covering everything from art and science to politics and comedy.
Podcasting has traditionally followed a similar format to radio shows. A podcaster creates audio programs and uploads them onto a website or hosting service, where they can be downloaded on demand.
Media coverage of the protests against entitled Karens has often relied on podcasts. These shows are usually created by individuals with a large following who wish to share their insights or experiences on an issue.
Podcasts can be found on a variety of websites and can be accessed via mobile applications. Streaming services like Spotify or Google Play Music allow for convenient listening as well.
Podcasts come in many forms, from news to comedy and long-form documentaries. Depending on the show’s nature, they may feature either one host or multiple hosts.
Some podcasts are hosted by journalists or other professionals who discuss a particular topic. Others feature regular people offering their unique perspectives on various subjects.
Podcasts on art and culture cover everything from music to performers and bands. Additionally, some podcasts feature long-form conversations with speakers or authors.
Joe Rogan hosts the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, which features long-form conversations with martial arts commentators and former TV hosts. Other popular podcasts include This American Life, TED Talks Daily and Serial.
Podcasts offer a great resource for those who enjoy listening to various types of content. Not only do they keep you informed on current events, but they’re especially handy if you’re frequently away from home or work.
Blogs
Blogs are an increasingly popular outlet for people to express themselves. Some blogs exist for specific purposes like raising funds for charity or expressing an opinion; while others simply provide entertainment.
Over the past few years, blogs have grown into an increasingly popular form of online communication and publishing. Major publishers are joining the blogging revolution while a new wave of independent authors strives to make a name for themselves.
Blogs are an ideal platform for discussing important issues like gender equality. They also give readers a way to connect with one another and some even aim to assist women in finding better jobs.
Most of these blogs are written by individuals with an excellent command of English and a passionate commitment to social justice and sexual rights. Some are managed by teams, while others are maintained solely by one writer.
The best and most engaging blogs are those that advocate for a more equitable society. These sites often cite statistics and research to support their claims. Some of these websites boast large followings with many visitors at once; some even feature dedicated pages for the most viewed entries. These platforms provide women with an open space to discuss feminist related topics without fear of harassment or censorship. Besides blogs, these websites also provide video/audio based content.
