Is calling someone a "Karen" offensive, or a light hearted dig?

[Swan]

I dunno about this one, unless it's delivered with venom and genuine nastiness, is being called/or calling someone a "Karen" offensive? Or just a light hearted joke?

I've seen the memes online, and more than 50% of the time it's a male being called a Karen. South Park did it recently with The Streaming Wars with Randy Marsh. I know one person irl who i'd consider a Karen, he's always taking to twitter to moan and get very precious about mundane things, as if he's the only person in the world experiencing these "non issues" :hehe:

[Niamh.]

I think it's driven by sexism and another way to try to get women to shut up. I know you will have people come on and say Oh but it's started as anti racist/speaking to the manager (not sure where it genuinely did start but these two are most commonly named) but it's now used to say shut up to women who just disagree with people on line

**Also most be **** if your name actually is Karen :p

[Niamh.]

also I disagree that more than 50% of the time it's a male being called Karen however even when it's a male being called Karen it doesn't take away the fact that it's sexist, basically saying he's "as bad" as this annoying type of woman

[arista]

[Karen is a pejorative term for a white woman
perceived as entitled or demanding beyond the
scope of what is normal.
The term is often portrayed in memes
depicting white women who use their white privilege
to demand their own way.
Depictions include demanding
to "speak to the manager", being racist,
or wearing a particular bob cut hairstyle.
A notable example was the Central Park
birdwatching incident in 2020.

The term has been criticized as being ageist,
sexist, racist, classist, misogynistic and seeking
to control women's behavior]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karen_(slang)


Yes the Daily Show uses Karen alot.

[Cherie]

[Karen is a pejorative term for a white woman
perceived as entitled or demanding beyond the
scope of what is normal.
The term is often portrayed in memes
depicting white women who use their white privilege
to demand their own way.
Depictions include demanding
to "speak to the manager", being racist,
or wearing a particular bob cut hairstyle.
A notable example was the Central Park
birdwatching incident in 2020.

The term has been criticized as being ageist,
sexist, racist, classist, misogynistic and seeking
to control women's behavior]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karen_(slang)


Yes the Daily Show uses Karen alot.

whilst that may be how it started it is now done to shut down white women full stop even if their complaint is justified

[Swan]

I think it's driven by sexism and another way to try to get women to shut up. I know you will have people come on and say Oh but it's started as anti racist/speaking to the manager (not sure where it genuinely did start but these two are most commonly named) but it's now used to say shut up to women who just disagree with people on line

**Also most be **** if your name actually is Karen :p

Do you think it might of pivoted towards entitled males now though? Obviously people will use it as a form of sexism towards women, but from what i've seen recently it's ott men becoming all precious and getting in a strop over nothing.

Maybe it's not the best term to use. I found it quite funny with South Park and Randy Marsh. And this guy i kinda know irl, tweeting 10 times in 5 hours because an app was down for maintenance. Saying he was gonna contact BBC News. :laugh:

[arista]

[calling someone a "Karen" offensive?]


Yes it seems after that NYC 2020
woman who went potty at a Black Man
for no reason.


It is now Rude to say "you are a Karen"

[Crimson Dynamo]

Its covert racism/sexism and very insulting imo

[Liam-]

It’s a comment on someone’s actions, not their gender, if you act like a Karen, you get called a Karen, male or female

[Niamh.]

Do you think it might of pivoted towards entitled males now though? Obviously people will use it as a form of sexism towards women, but from what i've seen recently it's ott men becoming all precious and getting in a strop over nothing.

Maybe it's not the best term to use. I found it quite funny with South Park and Randy Marsh. And this guy i kinda know irl, tweeting 10 times in 5 hours because an app was down for maintenance. Saying he was gonna contact BBC News. :laugh:

It's still a female based insult whether you use it towards a man or not, like calling a man a bitch, it's still sexist towards women, the actual insult itself - whether that's towards a man or a woman. Do you get what I mean?

[Crimson Dynamo]

Its a shutdown tactic to silence someones concerns and at the same time insult them by portraying them as a negative stereotype.



well that is how I tend to use it when my eldest daughter gets on one of her rants

[Niamh.]

Its a shutdown tactic to silence someones concerns and at the same time insult them by portraying them as a negative stereotype.



well that is how I tend to use it when my eldest daughter gets on one of her rants

Exactly. A negative female stereotype, that's why it's sexist regardless of whether you're using it towards a man or a woman

[Swan]

It's still a female based insult whether you use it towards a man or not, like calling a man a bitch, it's still sexist towards women, the actual insult itself - whether that's towards a man or a woman. Do you get what I mean?

Yeah i know what you're saying. I guess i've not seen it out there as much as others. I had no idea it was a "race" thing either.

[Redway]

It’s offensive and more in terms of implied racism than anything-else, misogyny per-se not so much. I wouldn’t mind it so-much if there was a male equivalent given that no-other demographical group on planet-Earth is responsible for as-much racism (of all shades) as white males.

[GoldHeart]

Exactly. A negative female stereotype, that's why it's sexist regardless of whether you're using it towards a man or a woman

I guess the word "Karen" gets thrown around alot.

But the ones who usually get called it ,are deliberately causing a scene for stupid reasons.

Some of them actually harass innocent people, they're racist ,plus they act like they have some type of special authority to tell people what they can & can't be doing ..when it's non of their business .

Unless the other party is doing something illegal or causing harm then it really has nothing to do with the "Karen " in question. As for when they "ask to see the manager" , I will agree that has now become a dirty association with the stereotype 'karen' ,when asking to see the manager could be for a legitimate reason :shrug: .

[GoldHeart]

It’s offensive and more in terms of implied racism than anything-else, misogyny per-se not so much. I wouldn’t mind it so-much if there was a male equivalent given that no-other demographical group on planet-Earth is responsible for as-much racism (of all shades) as white males.

The male equivalent is 'Gammon' , again it's usually a certain type of person . Usually an old man who's stuck in his ways , probably cantankerous & racist aswell.

[Niamh.]

I guess the word "Karen" gets thrown around alot.

But the ones who usually get called it ,are deliberately causing a scene for stupid reasons.

Some of them actually harass innocent people, they're racist ,plus they act like they have some type of special authority to tell people what they can & can't be doing ..when it's non of their business .

Unless the other party is doing something illegal or causing harm then it really has nothing to do with the "Karen " in question. As for when they "ask to see the manager" , I will agree that has now become a dirty association with the stereotype 'karen' ,when asking to see the manager could be for a legitimate reason :shrug: .

Oh come on though, do you read comments on FB or youtube? anytime a woman posts a comment disagreeing with anything she's called Karen, it's very very rarely on stuff that has anything to do with race either

[Crimson Dynamo]

It’s offensive and more in terms of implied racism than anything-else, misogyny per-se not so much. I wouldn’t mind it so-much if there was a male equivalent given that no-other demographical group on planet-Earth is responsible for as-much racism (of all shades) as white males.

more than all the males in China, India, Africa and Pakistan?

Id check your math

[GoldHeart]

Oh come on though, do you read comments on FB or youtube? anytime a woman posts a comment disagreeing with anything she's called Karen, it's very very rarely on stuff that has anything to do with race either

Well in those instances then it is clearly sexism, I assume you just mean a disagreement? & Not some 'public freakout ' ?.

But I'm talking of the videos & stories I've seen and heard about, which are usually obnoxious people with a self entitlement snobbery about them ,who thinks the world should do what they say .

[Niamh.]

Well in those instances then it is clearly sexism, I assume you just mean a disagreement? & Not some 'public freakout ' ?.

But I'm talking of the videos & stories I've seen and heard about, which are usually obnoxious people with a self entitlement snobbery about them ,who thinks the world should do what they say .

Yes, that's what I mean, that's how it's mainly used now as far as I can see

[Redway]

more than all the males in China, India, Africa and Pakistan?

Id check your math

In accordance with the historical definition of racism, absolutely.

[Mystic Mock]

I don't really use the term, but I honestly don't care if other people say it.

[Mystic Mock]

I think it's driven by sexism and another way to try to get women to shut up. I know you will have people come on and say Oh but it's started as anti racist/speaking to the manager (not sure where it genuinely did start but these two are most commonly named) but it's now used to say shut up to women who just disagree with people on line

**Also most be **** if your name actually is Karen :p

Oh the term does get abused nowadays, just like mansplaining.

[Crimson Dynamo]

In accordance with the historical definition of racism, absolutely.
I would question what your definition of white is before you pick apart the word racist

[Niamh.]

Oh the term does get abused nowadays, just like mansplaining.

That seems to have died off a bit, it definitely was very over used for a while though

[Mystic Mock]

That seems to have died off a bit, it definitely was very over used for a while though

I still personally see it popping up from time to time which can really grind my gears, because most of the time it's a man disagreeing with a woman on a topic in what would be deemed a normal debate on here.

For me though the term karen should only be used for entitled women who can't handle not getting what they want.

I am with you on women should be allowed to disagree with men on a topic without being called a karen.

Just to clarify a guy feeling entitled should be called a Richard.

[Niamh.]

I still personally see it popping up from time to time which can really grind my gears, because most of the time it's a man disagreeing with a woman on a topic in what would be deemed a normal debate on here.

For me though the term karen should only be used for entitled women who can't handle not getting what they want.

I am with you on women should be allowed to disagree with men on a topic without being called a karen.

Personally I don't think it should be used at all, why can't an entitled woman or man just be an entitled woman or man?

[Mystic Mock]

Personally I don't think it should be used at all, why can't an entitled woman or man just be an entitled woman or man?

Because we're in 2022, and people like to call each other names in 2022 because they're too stupid to know how to debate people.

[bots]

it's one of those terms that wouldnt be seen at all if the people using it took heed of their own rules on what terms shouldn't be used

[GoldHeart]

Because we're in 2022, and people like to call each other names in 2022 because they're too stupid to know how to debate people.

This is also true ,things become a trend these days.

[Niamh.]

Because we're in 2022, and people like to call each other names in 2022 because they're too stupid to know how to debate people.

Well that's about the truest sentence I've read in a very long time! :laugh:

[Swan]

Because we're in 2022, and people like to call each other names in 2022 because they're too stupid to know how to debate people.

I do see that trend tbh. Anything up for debate is shut down all too frequently with insults and attempts at dismissing the opposed argument.

I see it like this - "No, you are wrong"
But, if we look at it from this angle - "No, you are wrong"
Yeah but, what about - "WRONG"
Ok - "idiot"

[Redway]

I would question what your definition of white is before you pick apart the word racist

Do Indians, Hausas and Congolese folk look pale to you?

[Crimson Dynamo]

Because we're in 2022, and people like to call each other names in 2022 because they're too stupid to know how to debate people.

L3dxMGzt5mU

[Redway]

I still personally see it popping up from time to time which can really grind my gears, because most of the time it's a man disagreeing with a woman on a topic in what would be deemed a normal debate on here.

For me though the term karen should only be used for entitled women who can't handle not getting what they want.

I am with you on women should be allowed to disagree with men on a topic without being called a karen.

Just to clarify a guy feeling entitled should be called a Richard.

There’s a bit of a thing circulating around the web. at the moment that they should be called Harley, Donald or Lewis. Not sure about the last-two (and I have black friends called Donald) but Harley’s an aptly-niche name and every single Harley I’ve met has been entitled, shockingly-stupid absolute scum of the Earth.

[Mystic Mock]

I do see that trend tbh. Anything up for debate is shut down all too frequently with insults and attempts at dismissing the opposed argument.

I see it like this - "No, you are wrong"
But, if we look at it from this angle - "No, you are wrong"
Yeah but, what about - "WRONG"
Ok - "idiot"

Exactly.

And ironically your scenario isn't too amiss from what I've actually seen online on certain sites.

[Swan]

This is also true ,things become a trend these days.

Well that's about the truest sentence I've read in a very long time! :laugh:

I also think one of the biggest problems is sides are not willing to reach a middle ground. They just cannot accept an opinion that may differ from theirs, when in reality it's perfectly reasonable.

[Mystic Mock]

L3dxMGzt5mU

He is bang on in that video.

[Mystic Mock]

There’s a bit of a thing circulating around the web. at the moment that they should be called Harley, Donald or Lewis. Not sure about the last-two (and I have black friends called Donald) but Harley’s an aptly-niche name and every single Harley I’ve met has been entitled, shockingly-stupid absolute scum of the Earth.

I never knew that the name Harley had such a bad reputation.

Especially given the fact that Batman has such a lovable character called Harley Quinn.

Seriously though the name Harley has a bad rep?

[Niamh.]

I also think one of the biggest problems is sides are not willing to reach a middle ground. They just cannot accept an opinion that may differ from theirs, when in reality it's perfectly reasonable.

Yes definitely and also, people aren't allowed to disagree on one topic but still be friends (or it's a rarity at least) or get along. You're cast out of whatever group you "belonged" to if you don't follow the allowed opinions on everything. It's pretty sad to see actually. A lot of what's been named progressiveness these days is actually so regressive

[Mystic Mock]

This is also true ,things become a trend these days.

That's definitely the case.

Because who remembers when snowflake was a thing? I really hated that word by the end as it was being used on every topic, including criminal cases on websites.

[Redway]

I never knew that the name Harley had such a bad reputation.

Especially given the fact that Batman has such a lovable character called Harley Quinn.

Seriously though the name Harley has a bad rep?

Harley Quinn might’ve-been okay but outside of that there’s a whole motorcycling brand steeped in white supremacy (almost K.K.K.-esque) fronted by a-certain Harley and of all the Harleys I’ve met far-more than-not have been thoroughly-despicable, two-faced, almost-narcissistic people (not to tar the good ones with the same brush but the thing is I’m yet-to actually encounter a semi-decent one). I’m not alone in those sentiments of comments on the Internet are anything to go by. It’s just that for some reason Karen has more publicity.

[Mystic Mock]

Harley Quinn might’ve-been okay but outside of that there’s a whole motorcycling brand steeped in white supremacy (almost K.K.K.-esque) fronted by a-certain Harley and of all the Harleys I’ve met far-more than-not have been thoroughly-despicable, two-faced, almost-narcissistic people (not to tar the good ones with the same brush but the thing is I’m yet-to actually encounter a semi-decent one). I’m not alone in those sentiments of comments on the Internet are anything to go by. It’s just that for some reason Karen has more publicity.

Fair enough.

I've definitely learned something new today, watch out for a Harley.:laugh:

[Redway]

Whereas on the contrary most actual Karens are great.

[Redway]

Fair enough.

I've definitely learned something new today, watch out for a Harley.:laugh:

I’d keep them at arm’s length at friendliest if I’m being honest.

[Niamh.]

I don't think I ever met a person called Harley but agree that any Karen I met in real life were very nice and not entitled :p

[Crimson Dynamo]

Karen Miller at my Primary school had lovely blue eyes and would give me her digestive biscuit from her packed lunch

:love:

[Swan]

Yes definitely and also, people aren't allowed to disagree on one topic but still be friends (or it's a rarity at least) or get along. You're cast out of whatever group you "belonged" to if you don't follow the allowed opinions on everything. It's pretty sad to see actually. A lot of what's been named progressiveness these days is actually so regressive

Yep, couldn't agree more honestly. I used to almost go along with some others in my social circle, even though i didn't necessarily agree, if i were to say otherwise it would cause a massive row, and/or needless offence. Im not like that now however, but i can see a lot of the younger generation going along with certain narratives just because the fear of speaking out against, or offering a different opinion isn't worth the backlash.

It's actually very sad when you think about it.

A quote i'll always hold on to, and would urge anyone out there to take this on board - "it's always good to have your own opinion, it means you know your own mind"

That quote will always stick with me.

[Mystic Mock]

I’d keep them at arm’s length at friendliest if I’m being honest.

I'll definitely keep that in mind.

[Swan]

Oh and to add, me and my best friend of over 25 years, HATED each other passionately in Primary school for a good year. We would fight, even our parents got involved and weren't on great terms. We disagreed on everything (obviously not politics, we were 9/10 after all), but one day, after fighting, we were left in an office together awaiting yet another bollocking and out of nowhere he quoted a wrestler, WWF was in it's late 90's boom over here. All of a sudden we chatting about it, realised we had a passion in common, same with football, and within like a week we couldn't be separated. He's still my best friend to this day.

Point being, if only we didn't feel the constant need to pick sides and not budge, im sure they'd be a lot more seemingly unlikely friendships out there.

[Parmy]

All these new words are just made up words that describe someone acting like a ****.

[Redway]

All these new words are just made up words that describe someone acting like a ****.

I don’t think Karen’s a ‘new made-up word’.

[Parmy]

I don’t think Karen’s a ‘new made-up word’.

Well I do. :shrug:

[thesheriff443]

Don’t have a problem with people calling someone Karen, I wouldn’t call someone Karen but some thing far worse in the situations I’ve seen it used.

And just to cut out the pointless back and forth that this post may cause, I’m not interested if you disagree with me, it’s called having an opinion.

[Redway]

Well I do. :shrug:

And not a long-established name, no?

Right, okay.