What is a Karen?

In recent years, there's been a growing list of internet memes poking fun at real-life stereotypes, but in 2020, the name "Karen" has become the queen of them all. Unless you've been living under a rock, you've probably heard the popular "K-name", which has become a co-opted term to call out a many "white-lady-with-a-bone-to-pick" in public and expose them online.

When did this common female name become a much ridiculed meme? For starters, "Karen" bursted into the scene in 2020 when racial tensions reached a boiling point in the U.S, coupled with people's growing frustration of adjusting to the pandemic. Division, distrust, restriction, unemployment, uncertainty, and social unrest was at an all-time high, and that led to a lot of pissed-off people who brought out the worst in themselves.

So what exactly is a Karen? Dictionary.com defines it as a "pejorative slang term for an obnoxious, angry, entitled, and often racist middle-aged, middle class white woman who uses her privilege to get her way or police others' behaviors." Think: the suburban soccer mom with a Kate-Gosselin haircut who throws a fit or demands to "speak to a manager" whenever things don't go her way ( 'cause ya know...the world revolves around her!)

While this description may be the most popular of all, I have a slightly different take on what a modern-day Karen might be. Let's call her Karen 2.0. According to Zoey Randall (that's me, for those who don't know) a Karen is basically any woman of any age, color, or economic status - who not only embodies entitlement and self-importance, but who's the poster-child of a feminist social justice warrior. Specifically, women who demand the authority of a man, want the privilege of women, but has the accountability of children. That's right folks, the Karen 2.0 is a toxic feminist. And they are everywhere.

So here are the characteristics of a Karen, a.k.a. feminist-gone-wrong.

1. A Karen is a believer of hypocrisy... especially when it comes to traditional gender roles. While she loves to tout how independent and self-sufficient she is, the moment she becomes strapped for cash, she expects her man to step up and support her without complaint...yet balks at the idea of supporting a man when the tables are turned. Despite living in an egalitarian world that she "supposedly" fought for, she very much believes it is a man's job to provide... yet cries sexist pig when a man says "go make me a sandwich". Ok ok, I know this phrase has sexist undertones. But if you expect a man to provide for you and pay for your livelihood, then logically speaking, he can demand you make a sandwich! Now a fair woman would do her fair share. But hey, words like logic and fair don't exist in the mind of Karens' does it?

2. A Karen loves to complain about gender inequity, but does nothing to solve them. In fact, she contributes to them. Case point: she complains 'women's sports don't earn as much as men's sports', but she herself doesn't watch women's sports. She complains 'women earn less than men in the workplace', but she herself has a comfy office job that requires little skills. I hate to break it to you ladies, but contrary to what you believe, equality doesn't get handed on a silver plate. Women collectively need to take measurable actions to fight for it. And by that, I don't mean marching on the streets with a big sign that reads "pay us the same". To all of you Karens with an administrative degree, working behind a reception desk; wanna put an end to gender pay gap? May I suggest the following; Step 1. Go back to school, get a degree in computer engineering. Step 2. Get a JOB in computer engineering. Problem solved.

3. A Karen wants to have her cake and eat it too. A typical Karen mentality: "It's a woman's prerogative to wear anything she pleases and still be treated with respect" (or something along those lines). It's an often-heard proclamation by females to justify wearing revealing clothes all in the name of "body positivity" or "empowerment". The problem? That's not how the world works. It's a classic behavior of having-your-cake-and-eating-it-too; vying for attention but only expecting positive attention. Guess what; for every action, there's a reaction, and it's not always the one you want. To the flesh-flashing Karen who balks when creeps give her stares or when people openly "slut-shame" her; if it's your prerogative wear whatever you want, then it's others' prerogative to judge however they want! It's called a two-way street. You wanna be treated respectfully? Then dress respectfully!

4. A Karen believes the same standards do not apply to her. In fact, she loves her standards so much that she doubles them (no pun intended). Case point: she rejects a man for being too short / too bald / too ugly / too fat, yet she herself is nothing to look at. She rejects a man for having an 'unimpressive job', yet she herself waits tables for a living. She expects others to be patient with her, yet she herself is an impatient hothead. It's the proverbial pot calling the kettle black; dismissing people when you are no better yourself. I'm sure you've all heard of a girl who turns down a guy whom she perceives as "beneath her", yet she's got nothing going on. Her reasoning? "But I'm a girl! I'm allowed to be as picky as I wish!" Yea right Karen, that is called double-standard. If you're going to vet a guy, then it's only fair that he vets you equally. But hey, equality exists for you only when it's convenient, right?

So there you have it; Karen is a modern-day SJW devoid of logic, thinks with her emotions, and expects the world to bend to her. She is the walking contradiction who simultaneously demands for gender equality and female privilege. In fact, she is the very embodiment of female stereotypes that exists today - irrational, emotional, flawed, and contradictory. The biggest irony of all? These so-called feminists who insist on fighting these stereotypes are the ones reinforcing them! LOL!

So... are YOU a Karen? 😏