What Is a Karen?
By Timothy Tibbetts |
Everyone has heard about Karen, but there is some confusion about what or who a Karen is.
The Karen we know today isn't the same Karen it was when it took off in 2018. While no one is sure who first used Karen, we do know how "she" became the Karen we love to hate today.
Karen was first used to document the hostility people of color often face in public, usually while minding their own business or enjoying the same rights and freedoms as all Americans. These videos made their way to the internet, and naturally, many went viral.
Karen wasn't always Karen; she had to earn it. Here are some of the names that didn't stick before Karen did.
BBQ Becky was the name used for the white woman who called the police on a black family with a barbecue.
Permit Patty was the white lady who called the police to report a young black kid selling water without a permit.
Golfcart Gail was the white woman who called the police on a black dad watching a football game.
Cornerstone Caroline falsely accused a 9-year old boy of sexually assaulting her in a store when his bag brushed up against her.
No one knows who, why, or how we settled on Karen, but we did - and we love it.
For a while, Kate Gosselin became synonymous with Karen, most likely because some of the early Karen's had a similar haircut. Needless to say, she has since grown her hair out and wasn't happy with the notoriety. We don't know why, because the hairdo was the butt of jokes anyway, but I digress.
Sometimes a specific Karen still gets a memorable two-word name. For example, in May of 2018, Central Park Karen went viral for calling the police on a black man who was bird watching after he asked her to leash her dog.
So, what is a Karen now?
Karen has evolved into any white woman having a tantrum in public. For example, Karen might also be known as the "let me speak to your manager" lady. She might even be filmed ranting about wearing a mask or vaccinating their children.
Some people have debated if using Karen is sexist. I'll assume some might, but I never saw it that way as a middle-aged white guy (I think you call yourself middle-aged between 40 and social security). Of course, many women named Karen are naturally unhappy.
The only thing missing is a Karen for men. While people have tried Chad or Ken, so far, nothing has stuck. It's not like men don't have the same temper tantrums. If you like, I recommend Tim.
I'm sure most Karen's would rather be forgotten, so naturally, here's a list of Karen's for your amusement:
Ohio Karen
CVS Karen
SoHo Karen
UPS Karen
Central Park Karen
Space Karen
Ken & Karen
Sidewalk Chalk Karen
Kidz Bop Karen
QAnon or Target Karen
Starbucks Karen
DMV Karen
Cheeseburger Karen
Costco Karen
Chihuahua Karen
HEB Karen
Postmates Karen
Taser Karen
Trader Joe's Karen
Zombie Karen
One Man Protestor Karen
DMV Karen
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The Karen we know today isn't the same Karen it was when it took off in 2018. While no one is sure who first used Karen, we do know how "she" became the Karen we love to hate today.
Karen was first used to document the hostility people of color often face in public, usually while minding their own business or enjoying the same rights and freedoms as all Americans. These videos made their way to the internet, and naturally, many went viral.
Karen wasn't always Karen; she had to earn it. Here are some of the names that didn't stick before Karen did.
BBQ Becky was the name used for the white woman who called the police on a black family with a barbecue.
Permit Patty was the white lady who called the police to report a young black kid selling water without a permit.
Golfcart Gail was the white woman who called the police on a black dad watching a football game.
Cornerstone Caroline falsely accused a 9-year old boy of sexually assaulting her in a store when his bag brushed up against her.
No one knows who, why, or how we settled on Karen, but we did - and we love it.
For a while, Kate Gosselin became synonymous with Karen, most likely because some of the early Karen's had a similar haircut. Needless to say, she has since grown her hair out and wasn't happy with the notoriety. We don't know why, because the hairdo was the butt of jokes anyway, but I digress.
Sometimes a specific Karen still gets a memorable two-word name. For example, in May of 2018, Central Park Karen went viral for calling the police on a black man who was bird watching after he asked her to leash her dog.
So, what is a Karen now?
Karen has evolved into any white woman having a tantrum in public. For example, Karen might also be known as the "let me speak to your manager" lady. She might even be filmed ranting about wearing a mask or vaccinating their children.
Some people have debated if using Karen is sexist. I'll assume some might, but I never saw it that way as a middle-aged white guy (I think you call yourself middle-aged between 40 and social security). Of course, many women named Karen are naturally unhappy.
The only thing missing is a Karen for men. While people have tried Chad or Ken, so far, nothing has stuck. It's not like men don't have the same temper tantrums. If you like, I recommend Tim.
I'm sure most Karen's would rather be forgotten, so naturally, here's a list of Karen's for your amusement:
Similar:
