This year’s Black Lives Matter protests have brought out the entitled, rude and racist Karens. These white women have gained a devoted following on social media for amplifying and exploiting their privileges.
Some have been caught on video disputing with people of color, while others have been accused of homophobia. Unfortunately, these videos often lack context and critics contend that they can be easily edited to distort the narrative.
1. United States
As the nation’s novel coronavirus (Covid-19) epidemic has reached an all-time high of almost 2 million cases with more than 115,000 deaths, Karens have become one of the most common arrestees. These entitled, rude and racist Karens aren’t just annoying moms with “can I speak to the manager” hair; they represent 2020’s frayed social politics caused by President Trump’s cuts in government services as well as ongoing furloughs that have hit many middle class workers hardest.
In some videos, the entitled Karens appear to have a clear agenda. They are outraged at the CDC’s recommendation to wear masks in public and shouting at people of color; one example being when a woman in Connecticut calls the police on an unruly group of Black men barbecuing at a public park.
White women and men have been seen in viral videos shouting at people of color they encounter on the street. In some cases, these incidents may be indicative of larger issues with mental health, substance abuse or stress.
For instance, a Wisconsin woman known as “Karen Rapkin” allegedly spat on a Black teen and then became visibly upset when her neighbors called the police on her. She then proceeded to spit on another teen, got into a fistfight, and kneed an officer in the groin.
Though some of these cases have a more personal significance, it’s essential to remember that they are often caused by fear and anxiety associated with a pandemic like Covid-19. These fears can cause increased stress hormones which in turn may lead to health issues like high blood pressure or heart disease.
2. Canada
Have you seen any viral videos on social media this year? Chances are, one of them featured an entitled, rude or racist Karen. These white women cannot stand being asked to speak to a manager, wear a mask or show respect to people of color and will do anything to get their way — including calling the police.
In the United States, several incidents have been documented by media or posted online. One recent example occurred when a woman in Central Park called 911 on Christian Cooper after he asked her to leash her dog.
Unfortunately, these confrontations are often not documented on video. Usually, they consist of more of a friendly banter than public displays of anger.
Lillian Glass, a communications and body-language expert from Los Angeles, believes the Karens and Kens making headlines on social media may be dealing with various stressors. They could be facing unemployment or the coronavirus pandemic.
Many Americans are feeling uncertain in the wake of the pandemic, and some of the anger shown in these videos could be an expression of that anxiety. Furthermore, some might be fearful about a potential return of Black Lives Matter protests, according to experts.
There may be instances in which the anger displayed in these videos is replacing anger derived from personal or financial troubles. This type of behavior, according to Lillian Glass, tends to elicit more social-media reactions than Ken’s do.
If you’re a white woman who feels threatened or mistreated by someone, the Karen moniker can be an effective tool to call out entitled behaviors and ask people to stop treating you poorly. But be cautious when using this term — it may lead you to believe that your privilege makes you superior to everyone else because of its association with white skin or privilege.
3. Australia
From the “Bagel Karen” who refused to serve Black bakery staff because they wouldn’t wear masks to the White woman who falsely accused a Black boy of stealing from her mailbox, these incidents have left everyone appalled at some people and their willingness to go to extreme measures for personal convenience.
In Australia, one of the most recent examples was an angry Queensland health coach who caught restaurant workers making fun of her receding hairline. Her video posted to TikTok caused outrage and garnered 1.3 million views within hours.
According to a Brisbane woman, her anger was caused by “rude service” at Karen’s Diner restaurant chain in her area. This restaurant has had an unsatisfactory history with poor customer service documented online in multiple videos.
This year, the term “Karen” has gained momentum on the internet; however, its connotations have taken on an increasingly negative light with some criticizing its misogynist and sexist connotations. A tweet from British feminist commentator Julie Bindel last month condemned this term as “woman hating and based on class prejudice”.
Another recent video went viral of a woman confronting Bunnings employees for asking her to wear a mask during a pandemic. She made racist comments and threatened the workers that she would “get a real job” in America.
Similar trends have emerged in the US, where the coronavirus has caused an uptick in inappropriate demands and verbal abuse of service staff. Some have argued that mandatory face coverings are an affront to personal liberty and an attack on freedom of speech. Indeed, several people have been arrested for refusing to wear masks in stores or restaurants.
4. Japan
Japan has a well-deserved reputation for arresting entitled, rude and racist Karens at home. The country has long been known for its tough stance against immigration – even blocking celebrities such as Paris Hilton and Robert Downey Jr. from entering due to past convictions on drug charges.
In Japan, this hardline attitude has become so entrenched that it has become part of their culture. As a result, those who aren’t Japanese often face difficulty entering the country and can be arrested for minor offenses that would not be considered felonies elsewhere.
Another example of Japan’s harsh immigration policies occurred in 1990, when a group of teenagers were sentenced to life imprisonment for killing two women in their homes. This was an unprecedented punishment in Japan and still considered a horrific act by most Japanese citizens today.
This act of genocide is especially heinous because the women killed in their homes weren’t Japanese; they were Muslim. This extreme racial bias has caused many Muslim families to keep their children away from Japan, feeling threatened by the lack of respect for their religion.
Thankfully, there are other countries around the world that can provide some relief to Karens facing persecution. If you are a Karen in prison or facing charges of a crime, there are steps you can take to help expedite your release.
A great way to do this is by hiring a lawyer. This step is essential, as the Japanese police can be quite unfriendly when it comes to getting you out of jail. Furthermore, having an English speaking attorney on board will be beneficial since they will be able to assist with your case and guarantee fair treatment during the proceedings.
5. United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, police have recently arrested a number of entitled, rude and racist Karens. These karma-driven women – often middle class white – have been seen at stores or airports losing their temper over mundane issues like lines or security or being anti-vaccination and displaying racist microaggressions.
These videos, captured on camera or uploaded to social media and subsequently going viral, offer brief glimpses into an interaction and can be edited for dramatic effect, according to Aram Sinnreich, associate professor of communication at American University.
The term “Karen” was once a derogatory label for white women who act entitled or commit public acts perceived as racist. But its meaning has since broadened, now including behaviors unrelated to race – like calling the police on a Black birdwatcher for calling in on them, or demanding to speak with a Starbucks manager because she was in tears.
Some see the Karen phenomenon as a necessary way to confront white women’s casual racism and privilege, while others argue it’s sexist and ageist. Additionally, real people named Karen may feel personally attacked when exposed to this public spectacle of Karens.
Sun noted that although many people named Karen don’t mind being called “Karen,” it can still cause them discomfort. She explained how people use the term jokingly, but it can feel sexist and somewhat demeaning at times.
In the end, however, she asserted that the name doesn’t imply anything negative about her and simply denotes a specific group of white women with certain behaviors.
