The “Karen” meme originally started as a shorthand way to identify white women who behaved inappropriately. But it has since become an all-inclusive term used to denote various public nuisances.
Due to the current coronavirus pandemic and George Floyd’s passing, many are calling out “Karens” online for their behavior. But some of the most egregious examples are truly disturbing.
Stress
In recent months, you may have come across someone dubbed Karen. These individuals have gained notoriety for their irrational demands and often resort to hate speech, violence and other inappropriate/embarrassing actions.
Karens can be identified by their short blonde haircut and sunglasses, but the motivation behind their actions is often murky. While some Karens’ yelling may be motivated by racism, others may display an inflated sense of entitlement or a deep-seated sense of impotence.
Middle-aged white women in particular may be vulnerable to this mindset, believing they possess more power and control than those around them. This is especially true if they were raised by parents who prioritized their own perceived spirituality over their children’s wellbeing.
Have you ever watched a viral video of an arrogant and self-righteous Karen making a police complaint for something that doesn’t warrant her anger? You’ve seen how easy it can be to weaponize one’s privilege. In some cases, these Karens have even used their privilege to inspire white men to harass and assault people of color.
Violent, insensitive and unjustified incidents of harassment and bullying not only enrage us, but they can have a serious psychological effect on those who witness them. It’s essential to comprehend the psychology behind such behaviors so you know how to address them when they happen.
As a first step, ask yourself why you’re feeling upset. If the answer is emotional distress or worry, take some time out of your day to ground yourself and breathe deeply for several minutes.
If you’re struggling with a panic attack or symptoms of depression, it may be time to seek professional assistance. A psychologist is an invaluable resource when it comes to discussing your feelings.
Similar to anxiety symptoms such as shaking and sweating, it could be indicative of too much stress being carried around with you. Setting boundaries on what amount you can handle is wise, while keeping a diary can also be beneficial; it allows for tracking emotions and keeping track of how you’re feeling throughout the day.
Anxiety
Anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), phobias and panic disorder can be treated through psychotherapy and medication. The most successful treatments combine the two approaches; however, finding which combination works best for you may require some trial-and-error.
Anxiety is a widespread mental health issue that impacts over 40 million Americans. It may be brought on by stressful events in childhood or adolescence, or it could even be the result of chemical imbalance in your body that alters how you feel.
There are various anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), phobias and panic disorder, in addition to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). People may experience symptoms like a persistent fear, recurrent nightmares or flashbacks of a traumatic event from the past.
Many individuals with anxiety disorders struggle to manage their symptoms. This can lead to poor health, depression and social isolation. Fortunately, it’s possible to learn some coping techniques such as how to manage emotions and stress effectively, plus relax when needed.
Karen Public Freakouts are a type of stress reaction that can have a significant impact on daily life. They may present with physical signs such as chest pain, palpitations or shortness of breath.
These reactions can be life-threatening and require medical intervention. Depending on how serious the situation, you might want to consult a doctor or reach out for support from trusted friends or family members.
Anxiety can often be traced back to difficult or traumatic experiences in your past, such as abuse or neglect. While it can be a lifelong condition, there are different ways to manage it such as using herbal medicines and taking a holistic approach to treatment.
An extreme form of this anxiety may be a phobia, which involves an overwhelming and unreasonable fear. It could include fear of public speaking, heights or being around others.
Some phobias can be overcome through systematic desensitization and motivational hypnotism. In this episode, Maury and Boris use these strategies to assist Karen in conquering her bird phobia.
Depression
In the wake of the devastating flu pandemic that has gripped America, many are feeling depressed. While it’s normal to experience sadness from time to time, if those feelings persist for weeks or have an impact on daily activities then there could be something more going on than just ordinary sorrow. Depression is a serious mental health condition which may not be easy to detect if you or someone close to you is suffering from it.
Shelby Harris emphasizes the significance of being able to differentiate between a simple case of depression and more serious mental illness. Signs such as difficulty sleeping, weight loss or gain, lack of motivation and low self-worth should be taken seriously if these symptoms persist or start interfering with your everyday activities. If these signs appear persistently or start interfering with daily functioning, professional evaluation is recommended.
Sarah, a 40-year-old woman, was experiencing depression due to the eleven month lay-off she had been on. Although Sarah had always been an upstanding individual, when her job was taken away she became filled with fear and anxiety about her personal safety.
She tried to mask her depression with a smile and false sense of humor, which wasn’t helpful for anyone else in her family. But eventually she had to accept that her mental illness was interfering with daily life in ways she hadn’t expected.
She became increasingly concerned about how her depression was impacting her job and whether or not she would make the right decisions for herself and her children.
Though she eventually recovered, the stress and anxiety from her depression continued to take a toll. Ultimately, she was unable to return to work and her husband had to care for her children for several months.
Karen Public Freakouts are just one example of how society has increasingly labeled certain women with one name, often perceived as sexist or an attempt to make light of a situation. If a woman puts on a show while shopping at the supermarket and requests to wear a mask, she might be labeled a “Karen.” While this trend has existed for some time now, it’s starting to make its presence felt on social media platforms and the Internet more widely.
Fear
Karen Public Freakouts can be terrifying for those who come across them. The fear that comes with encountering these individuals is both genuine and legitimate, especially in our current climate of police brutality that seems so prevalent.
In some cases, these individuals can be highly toxic and leave a lasting psychological mark on those who come into contact with them. Many of these people possess an insatiable sense of entitlement, hypocrisy, and delusions which have the potential to cause great harm to those around them.
They might be especially cruel to those they perceive as below them, such as service workers. They might also be rude to people trying to help them out in difficult circumstances. Additionally, these individuals could display sexist and discriminatory attitudes towards women.
Some of these people can be extremely angry, which can be difficult to manage. Some might even act aggressively like Karen who was seen in a viral video assaulting two Black men on the subway.
These people feel incredibly entitled and often use their power to harass those they perceive as inferior. They display extreme sexism and racism, disregarding the feelings of those around them.
The most effective way to handle Karens is simply to ignore their behavior and remain composed. But it’s also essential to be aware of their actions so you can safeguard yourself against potential harm.
Asking someone for assistance and showing them that their behavior is unacceptable in society can be extremely helpful and might cause them to reconsider their actions, making them less likely to try to intimidate or attack you in the future.
Sometimes the best course of action is to fight back, particularly if someone is targeting you with a Karen. For instance, if someone is bullying you at work, sitting back and watching can have serious and long-lasting effects.
In certain instances, it may be beneficial to fight back by confronting the person causing you so much frustration and rage. Doing this can be especially helpful when dealing with Karen since it prevents them from further hurting both of you or other innocent parties.
