Disclaimer: This blog is not meant to offend anybody with the name “Karen”, it is only to uncover the truth about the behavior of “Karens”.
What started out as a joke became one of the most common stereotypes made by Generation Z. For starters, let’s introduce Karen. Karen is a name used to describe a middle-aged woman that overuses her white privilege to target people of color (BIPOC). Common actions that are associated with being a Karen include complaining to a manager, being anti-vax, and refusing to wear a mask during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Millions of people have watched the infamous video of a white woman known as “Permit Patty”. Back in 2018, Alison Ettel, called the cops on an eight-year old black child for selling bottled water on the streets without a permit. The child, named Jordan Rodgers, was only trying to raise money so that she could go to Disneyland with her family. While Jordan was selling outside of her house, Ettel was working and reported that she heard yelling coming from the streets. In a fury, Ettel stormed outside and reported Jordan to the authorities. Amidst the chaos, Jordan’s mother filmed all of the events that took place and the video became a sensation. While contacting the authorities, during a transfer call, the connection was lost. It is unknown whether Ettel hung up or if the call disconnected by accident. Hate mail flooded Alison Ettel’s inbox, leaving behind death threats. In addition, she resigned from her job as the CEO of a cannabis firm. She was willing to apologize to Jordan and her mother, but the two claimed that no apology would fix the damage that was already done. On the brighter side, Jordan was able to take her trip to Disneyland with her family. Additionally, many would consider Alison Ettel an entitled “Karen” that abused her white privilege against Jordan Rodgers. In hopes of the authorities pressing charges because Jordan is black, Ettel lacks regard for the fact that the police system is very corrupt and will discriminate based on the color of one’s skin.
Since “Permit Patty”, more Karens have come out of hiding to enforce their white superiority on the black community. In late 2018, Jennifer Schulte called the cops on a family barbecue because the area they were in was not for that purpose. Instead of convincing the family in a mature way, Schulte took matters into her own hands by dialing the cops. In early 2020, Amy Cooper was walking her dog in New York City’s Central Park when she was approached by Christian Cooper. Christian, a black man, suggested that Amy put a leash on her dog. As a result, she lashed out on him and threatened to call the police.
With instances like these, “Karens” like Alison Ettel, Jennifer Schulte, and Amy Cooper report to the police what they believe to be “crimes” or “offenses” when in reality these charges are nonexistent. The black community is targeted by Karens for everyday activities or simply for having fun. If the black people that were targeted by Karens were white, then the events conspired would have surely played out differently.
In times like these when someone is called out for being a Karen, it is important to remember that the behavior of these Karens is the issue, not the name itself. Karens should reevaluate the situation they are in. For example, they should raise questions such as: Is this worth my time? Do the police really need to get involved? Have there been other times when people (especially white people) were arrested or charged for the same situation? If the answer is no, then the Karens need to take a step back and let the black community live their lives the way they want to. Furthermore, being a Karen means that a woman complains about the smallest things to target BIPOC. Karens act as if they are the elementary school hall monitors that have to keep everything in check in school… except this is reality. This serves as a reminder that this is real life! The Karens do not need to establish their control over everything around them. After all, it was never their job to do so in the first place.
Written by Kelly Xie from Brooklyn, New York
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