Karen people, though a minority group in Burma, have managed to preserve their culture despite facing extreme poverty and hardship.
These social issues have precipitated an increase in behavior problems, such as customers who shout at employees, threaten to call the police or act aggressively. Instagram accounts like @karensgoingwilds have documented hundreds of videos depicting this type of behavior.
1. Don’t Be Afraid
If you are feeling trapped, bullied, or not sure how to cope with your situation, it is essential not to be afraid to speak up and ask for assistance. While asking for assistance can be intimidating, having the confidence to ask is a sign of strength that shows you are willing to speak your mind and get what needs done.
Recent videos showing a White woman screaming at a Black man for not putting his dog on a leash have caused outrage and social media attention from both sides. But this isn’t the first time such an incident has taken place in public.
This video is an example of what’s known as “Karens,” or middle-aged White women who get angry in public and are caught on camera. Many videos show these people screaming and demanding action be taken, often wearing masks to conceal their faces.
However, these incidents aren’t always racist and could be indicative of other issues like disenfranchisement, entitlement or rage. According to Lillian Glass a Los Angeles-based communications expert, some Karens and Kens may feel insecure and threatened due to furloughs, layoffs, lockdown stressors and the return of Black Lives Matter activists.
Some experts have linked these incidents to an outdated myth about female hysteria that still pervades society. Conversely, some suggest Karens and Kens are simply venting their frustration.
Whatever the underlying reasons, videos featuring women are now more often shared online than ones featuring men. This could be because these videos often take place in places women frequent more than men – like clothing stores and supermarkets – or it could simply be due to how easily they go viral or simply because people choose to film and share them themselves.
2. Ask For Help
Asking for help is not only a wise practice, it can be an incredibly powerful way to get things done. Studies have revealed that asking for assistance makes people more productive, creative and optimistic.
The initial step in seeking assistance is deciding what you need help with. This could be a specific task or simply asking a question about an existing situation. After that, you can decide who might be able to provide assistance.
Asking for assistance can be much smoother when you know that the person you’re asking is the right fit. This could be a friend, colleague, or even an unfamiliar stranger.
Email can also be an effective tool for conveying a well-crafted request. Writing an email gives you time to reflect on your strategy and ensure your message is crystal clear and succinct.
Another reason to ask for help is that it might give you the boost of confidence needed to continue on. It also shows you’re willing to take risks, which in turn encourages other people to be more understanding and supportive.
Some people may be reluctant to ask for help because they fear it will be seen as selfish or burdensome, according to a recent survey of women’s health experts. Unfortunately, this attitude can be especially prevalent among women who believe they can better manage on their own, the survey findings indicate.
When asking for help, remember the Beatles adage: it’s essential to “get by with a little help from your friends.” You may feel tempted to do everything yourself, but doing so will likely take much longer and cost you more in the end.
3. Don’t Be Afraid To Report
Karen public freakouts are unfortunately commonplace in retail and service industries. Not only can they be difficult to manage, but they may cause negative publicity for your business as well. Therefore, it’s essential that you prepare ahead of time and take the necessary steps to guarantee your customers’ satisfaction.
Karen phenomenon may have some sexist overtones, it’s essential to remember that these public outbursts are mostly white women who feel left behind by economic and social change. Furloughs, layoffs, lockdown stress and the return of Black Lives Matter movements have left many feeling insecure and concerned for their futures.
According to Lillian Glass, a Los Angeles-based communications and bodylanguage expert, these Karen videos reflect an accumulation of anger and anxiety over personal or financial problems that have become prominent in America. She adds that in addition to these pressing matters, many Americans are struggling to maintain basic levels of survival due to pandemic-related crises as well.
As a business owner, it’s essential to report any Karen public freakouts that take place in your establishment so they can be addressed promptly. Doing this helps avoid any potential legal issues from the incident and also keeps your establishment secure for staff and customers alike.
Karen public freakouts often make headlines on social media, and it is essential to report these incidents so they can be resolved and prevented from reoccurring in the future. Furthermore, keep in mind that not all Karen public freakouts are created equal – some can be more challenging to handle than others.
4. Don’t Be Afraid To Ask Questions
Asking questions is often the first step toward understanding something new, whether you’re reading a book, solving an issue or exploring your own biases about something. Asking questions can open the door to discovery and lead you down the right path.
According to a recent study conducted by Leslie Oehlers, professor of psychology at Harvard University and her colleagues, asking the right question can lead to positive changes in your life. In fact, it could even be the best way to avoid an unpleasant outcome.
The great news is you might be pleasantly surprised at the outcomes. One study, for instance, demonstrated that by asking the correct question correctly, you can increase your productivity by 20 percent.
Asking better questions can make you a more efficient leader and enhance your business operations. Additionally, it conveys an intelligent and empathetic vibe by demonstrating that you genuinely care about your team members’ wellbeing.
It is wise to be mindful of the order in which you ask your questions. Asking a highly sensitive query first could make the other person less inclined to share details with you.
It’s also likely that you won’t understand your questions if they are not asked in a clear order. Therefore, begin with the most straightforward one and work from there.
The best way to ask a question is by showing that you are interested in learning more about them. Not only will this create a stronger personal bond, but it will also boost your self-assurance as an effective communicator and give you the courage to move forward with the conversation.
5. Don’t Be Afraid To Stand Up For Yourself
Confrontation can be uncomfortable, yet it is absolutely necessary. It helps you establish boundaries, care for your mental wellbeing and enhance relationships.
For introverted or shy individuals, speaking up for yourself can be intimidating. Yet it’s an essential skill that should be developed; not only will it improve your mental wellbeing but it will also make others respect you more.
Carla Manly, PhD is a clinical psychologist who believes that people often struggle with self-confidence and assertiveness if their parents didn’t instill strong self-esteem in them. For example, if your parents were strict or made you feel small, this may have hindered you from feeling secure enough to advocate for yourself.
Thus, you could have become a Karen – someone who puts others’ needs before their own and takes them for granted. Whether it’s someone in your family, a friend or boss, it is essential to recognize your own boundaries and put them into place.
To become successful at advocating for yourself, you must identify situations where you feel ignored or treated unfairly. For instance, if a family member continuously complains about you but never offers solutions to help, that may be an indication that it’s time to set boundaries with them.
If your boss consistently puts you last on a work project, it’s time to set some boundaries and decline any requests that take up too much of your time. Doing this not only prevents harm to yourself and your family but also shields the company from any negative repercussions due to this behavior.
