Karen is...

[phoenix2020]

[Personal perspective: I tend to be ~centric but perhaps a bit left-leaning. I'm not Caucasian.]

I dislike the term 'Karen' aka. white, entitled woman. I can't help but feel that it's an offensive term and the people who use it would be as offended as I am if someone used "Lopez' as a pejorative for Latina women aka "omg she's such a Lopez" or 'Aiysha' for black women aka "check this video of an Aiysha spazzing out at the mall." It bothers me to see it so widely in media, but the fact that it's so widely used makes me wonder if it's me that's missing something or reacting to this inappropriately. On the other hand, prior this post I have expressed these feelings to family and friends who used the term, and they immediately agreed that it's not appropriate. Personally, I prefer 'Karen' to be restored to its former use as a commonly used name for people of many personalities and persuasions, a few of whom I know well and respect greatly. But I suppose I'm open to being convinced otherwise.

So am I nuts or is this a problem?

 

[Allan]

My problem with 'Karen' is that it assumes only women freak out in public. But we know thanks to videos of people like Aaron Schlossberg that's not the case.

But I've seen 'Kevin' used to describe men melting down so I think that takes care of the misogyny issue.

I don't have a problem with either name being used. I do like the rhyming names: BBQ Becky etc.

 

[MamboDervish]

[Personal perspective: I tend to be ~centric but perhaps a bit left-leaning. I'm not Caucasian.]

I dislike the term 'Karen' aka. white, entitled woman. I can't help but feel that it's an offensive term and the people who use it would be as offended as I am if someone used "Lopez' as a pejorative for Latina women aka "omg she's such a Lopez" or 'Aiysha' for black women aka "check this video of an Aiysha spazzing out at the mall." It bothers me to see it so widely in media, but the fact that it's so widely used makes me wonder if it's me that's missing something or reacting to this inappropriately. On the other hand, prior this post I have expressed these feelings to family and friends who used the term, and they immediately agreed that it's not appropriate. Personally, I prefer 'Karen' to be restored to its former use as a commonly used name for people of many personalities and persuasions, a few of whom I know well and respect greatly. But I suppose I'm open to being convinced otherwise.

So am I nuts or is this a problem?

If the glass slipper fits . . . . . . . . . .

 

[Hamish Howl]

None of the above.

"Karen" is taxonomy.

 

[lurchadams]

[Personal perspective: I tend to be ~centric but perhaps a bit left-leaning. I'm not Caucasian.]

I dislike the term 'Karen' aka. white, entitled woman. I can't help but feel that it's an offensive term and the people who use it would be as offended as I am if someone used "Lopez' as a pejorative for Latina women aka "omg she's such a Lopez" or 'Aiysha' for black women aka "check this video of an Aiysha spazzing out at the mall." It bothers me to see it so widely in media, but the fact that it's so widely used makes me wonder if it's me that's missing something or reacting to this inappropriately. On the other hand, prior this post I have expressed these feelings to family and friends who used the term, and they immediately agreed that it's not appropriate. Personally, I prefer 'Karen' to be restored to its former use as a commonly used name for people of many personalities and persuasions, a few of whom I know well and respect greatly. But I suppose I'm open to being convinced otherwise.

So am I nuts or is this a problem?

I think if someone is offended by the term, "being a Karen" there's a good reason for it! They're a Karen!

 

[Deuce]

Karen isn't specific to entitled white people, it's just that white Americans are the most entitled group of people on the entire planet.

 

[Patriotic Voter]

Using the female name Karen for derogatory name-calling purposes is extremely offensive to all the Karens out there. I am personally offended by how people use it for women not named Karen. The only reason to ever use it is you know someone named Karen.

 

[Patriotic Voter]

I think if someone is offended by the term, "being a Karen" there's a good reason for it! They're a Karen!

Or like me, personally know someone named Karen.

 

[justabubba]

Karen isn't specific to entitled white people, it's just that white Americans are the most entitled group of people on the entire planet.

and America is the land of the offended

the app, nextdoor, is filled with karens. especially since covid.
they whine about noise in from the bars beside their apartment. and the july 4 fireworks
remind us of the leash laws for our dogs by sending us the text (my lab had a difficult time reading it)
complain about the lack of on-street parking after signing a lease in a parking-free development
yet they recently chose to move into the neighborhood they seem to despise
ocassionally a chad will post, but it is mostly karen

 

[Hamish Howl]

 

[Felis Leo]

“Officious intermeddler” would be more clear, and less prone to charges of sexism.

 

[HK.227]

I dislike the term 'Karen' aka. white, entitled woman. I can't help but feel that it's an offensive term and the people who use it would be as offended as I am if someone used "Lopez' as a pejorative for Latina women aka "omg she's such a Lopez" or 'Aiysha' for black women aka "check this video of an Aiysha spazzing out at the mall."

"Karen" is a shortening of "Katherine", which is Greek for "Pure" and comes from the same root as "Catharsis".
<Assuming a catharsis of narcissistic rage and entitlement>

 

[Integrityrespec]

I think if someone is offended by the term, "being a Karen" there's a good reason for it! They're a Karen!

You willing to apply that rationale to all the labels put on on people? If the shoe fits,?

 

[AJG]

Or like me, personally know someone named Karen.

Same here. I've got a close relative named Karen and she's nothing like what a "Karen" is supposed to be. I'm not going to make a big deal if people use the term, but I'm betting she's not too happy that her name's been turned into a joke, so there's no way I'm going to use it.

 

[Lursa]

None of the poll options.

It is pejorative and yet acceptable when accurately applied.

Act like a bitch that's out to harm others unfairly or thru entitlement...there should be consequences.

 

[Peter King]

[Personal perspective: I tend to be ~centric but perhaps a bit left-leaning. I'm not Caucasian.]

I dislike the term 'Karen' aka. white, entitled woman. I can't help but feel that it's an offensive term and the people who use it would be as offended as I am if someone used "Lopez' as a pejorative for Latina women aka "omg she's such a Lopez" or 'Aiysha' for black women aka "check this video of an Aiysha spazzing out at the mall." It bothers me to see it so widely in media, but the fact that it's so widely used makes me wonder if it's me that's missing something or reacting to this inappropriately. On the other hand, prior this post I have expressed these feelings to family and friends who used the term, and they immediately agreed that it's not appropriate. Personally, I prefer 'Karen' to be restored to its former use as a commonly used name for people of many personalities and persuasions, a few of whom I know well and respect greatly. But I suppose I'm open to being convinced otherwise.

So am I nuts or is this a problem?

Personally I think any woman can be a Karen, African American/Latina/Asian/Native American, all women can be a Karen and all men can be a "Kevin". The problem is that usually it is white women who go off on others like that. But I do not think it is inherently racial/racist.

 

[Aristaeus]

My problem with 'Karen' is that it assumes only women freak out in public. But we know thanks to videos of people like Aaron Schlossberg that's not the case.

But I've seen 'Kevin' used to describe men melting down so I think that takes care of the misogyny issue.

I don't have a problem with either name being used. I do like the rhyming names: BBQ Becky etc.

Creating a widespread term for women behaving in a certain way and then afterwards creating an alternative for men as an afterthought, one that is rarely used and known about, does not take care of the misogyny issue. Especially as Karen is now being used to describe any woman who dares express her thoughts in public without shame.

Ultimately, it's just another way to attack women who dare speak their mind.

 

[reflechissez]

Creating a widespread term for women behaving in a certain way and then afterwards creating an alternative for men as an afterthought, one that is rarely used and known about, does not take care of the misogyny issue. Especially as Karen is now being used to describe any woman who dares express her thoughts in public without shame.

Ultimately, it's just another way to attack women who dare speak their mind.

Nah.

 

[swing_voter]

Sometimes my wife can't get a disputed charge on a bill fixed. I call them and they fix the bill without any conflict.

This makes my wife mad.

 

[Decypher]

Creating a widespread term for women behaving in a certain way and then afterwards creating an alternative for men as an afterthought, one that is rarely used and known about, does not take care of the misogyny issue. Especially as Karen is now being used to describe any woman who dares express her thoughts in public without shame.

Ultimately, it's just another way to attack women who dare speak their mind.

Yeah women who speak their mind by calling the police on black people.

 

[calamity]

“Karen” is a nice name. I knew a few.

 

[Allan]

Creating a widespread term for women behaving in a certain way and then afterwards creating an alternative for men as an afterthought, one that is rarely used and known about, does not take care of the misogyny issue. Especially as Karen is now being used to describe any woman who dares express her thoughts in public without shame.

Ultimately, it's just another way to attack women who dare speak their mind.

I've never seen it used in that context. The videos I've seen of 'Karen' usually involve someone (and I've seen it applied to men also) whose emotions are out of control and they are targeting a minority or some poor service worker trying to do their job. A public display of entitlement or racism.

 

[Gaius46]

I think people spend way too being offended or finding things to be offended about. Grow up already and stop bring a snowflake.

You wanna call me a Karen? Fine. You’re a stupid mother****er. We’re even. Life goes on.

 

[ataraxia]

My problem with 'Karen' is that it assumes only women freak out in public. But we know thanks to videos of people like Aaron Schlossberg that's not the case.

Actually I have heard the name “Kyle” as the equivalent for entitled and demanding men.

Kyles Memes

A "Kyle" is a stereotype of a young white man who is a heavy consumer of energy drinks, may engage in unwise shenanigans, and is particularly prone to punching holes in walls.

stayhipp.com

 

[holbritter]

Karen isn't specific to entitled white people, it's just that white Americans are the most entitled group of people on the entire planet.

There's no white Americans on public assistance? No white Americans are homeless? Interesting. Sounds like you think only people of color are poor or have any misfortune.