Photo by Robert Zunikoff, courtesy of Unsplash
If you Google what the slang term “karen” means, there’s just so much about it and so many ways to analyze it, and misuse what it originally meant. In a nutshell, nowadays, it’s any middle-aged white woman who complains to a manager because she feels entitled. We’ve gotten to that point where the term is so misused (like the words “narcissism” and “literally”) it’s derogatorily tossed at ANY woman who complains. It’s a stupid word that translates to “Shut the fuck up — WOMAN!” It is downright nasty — and creepy! And merely another way loser men try to belittle women; taking us back to the 1800s. Way to go, assholes!
I get it, you think you’re such a big deal sticking up for a worker who doesn’t do his/her job right? Well, let me ask you, why should a person who works in service be cuddled like a little lamb? If you are hired to do a job of service your job is to do it with a smile on your face. Don’t take your shit out on customers!
This is where society has gone wrong — big time. Long gone is the saying, “The customer is always right.” We’re living in times where it’s frustrating to even call on a manager because no one has the balls to train their employees correctly. People of service can do whatever the hell they want — and get away with it. They will lie and so will the manager in order to not look bad. No one wants to man up and be responsible for screwing up.
That is bad news. You can’t even say it’s “bad business” because no one cares. From the largest corporation down to small businesses, everyone has to be right. All. The. Time.
And you have the self-righteous stander-bys chiming in, “Calm down KAREN” which makes the situation no better. Doing that makes you a BULLY! Why don’t YOU calm down and mind your own business? No, man’s gotta be a “hero” — but the “hero” has it all wrong. Making someone feel small just because she spoke up for herself makes you a ZERO! And a CREEP! In fact, anyone who jumps on the “karen” bandwagon is a CREEP and here’s why:
- Mentally stable people don’t call names. If there’s a problem, they talk to each other like adults.
- Mentally stable people don’t randomly attack others. They mind their own business.
- Good service is a part of the job. A worker is representing a company. When you go to an establishment, you deserve good service. No one should be called names for calling a manager if service is not up to par. In fact, going to management will help the establishment develop and grow. You learn from mistakes, so put on your big boy pants and LEARN!
- Using a sexist/ageist term in general means you are a loser. Sexism and ageism is a thing. Educate yourself.
- Women should not be silenced. Simple as that.
So, you have a choice. Do you want to continue acting like a big baby and calling others names? Or do you want to up your game and learn that it’s not cool to judge people?
And, to the ladies, I say, continue to stick up for yourself if you’re being treated poorly. Don’t let men try to silence and shame you by name-calling. They are fools. You know who you are!
Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.
She is available for blogging, ghost writing, writing. She is also available for book signings and motivational speaking engagements. In addition to Love Cats, she is the author of the following books :
“Be (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Hero” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit:Be (Extra)Ordinary
“I Don’t Want to Be Like You” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback, Kindle or audio copy, go here: I Don’t Want To Be Like You
Her fiction book “Love Cats” second printing is now available, under the pen name Krystianna Mercury, from Pink Flamingo. You can purchase it here: Love Cats
Visit Maryanne’s You Tube Channel here: Be YOUnique
Hi Maryanne, it’s Eleonore again ! I’ve already read about it and it really made me cringe. Here’s another article about the Karen meme you might have already seen :
https://www.feministcurrent.com/2020/06/23/the-karen-becky-meme-has-officially-gone-too-far/?fbclid=IwAR1WVA54MOIqUwQ2jPHAXirbQanIVarqnh7uWLu_qjYC3vEioVQ8VE7OPlw
In France, we have something a little bit similar (but not aimed at the same kind of women) with calling some girls “Chloé” and/or “Jessica” – and some guys “Kévin” – on social medias. The “Chloé” and “Jessica” tend to target young, naive and supposedly not very clever girls, usually coming from a privileged, wealthy social background – therefore, some girls who are said not to have a single clue about “real life”.
On the reverse, the “Kévin” are aimed at “basic” guys with very “basic” tastes, and coming from a lower social class…
Hi Eleanor, Always a pleasure to hear from you. (Please put me on your email mailing list so I can see your web page updates.)
Yes, I saw that article and it’s sad. We’ll never evolve as a planet if we continue with hate and name calling. Since I struggle myself with a learning disability it’s hurtful when I see people being targeted for not being clever. Instead of judging and pointing fingers, why not teach each other, with love?
Class shaming — in either direction — is not cool. Any sort of shaming is not cool.
Thanks again for your insights! Love from USA! xoxo
Well, actually, I’ve stopped involving myself in this website and running it for a while… It was too much work, too much to worry about, too many issues to deal with, and above all, it didn’t work at all ! So it’s far better this way. I’m actually relieved not to have to think about it anymore.
Congratulations! Now you have more energy for other creative outlets.