What is a Karen?

The term “Karen” has recently become a popular meme and insult used in the internet and public discourse to describe a person perceived to be an entitled, obnoxious, and demanding woman. The Karen meme typically portrays a mid-20s to mid-40s white woman with an attitude and a ruthless self-entitlement. But who is this Karen and why is she so loathed?

The Karen Stereotype

The archetype of a “Karen” has been defined as a spoiled, middle-aged white woman who uses her privileged social status to assert power and demand better service. She is often hostile and demanding towards shop assistants, restaurant staff, and other people in customer service roles, and has no interest in respectful and polite dialogue. In other words, she is not a pleasant person to deal with.

Karens usually carry a sense of entitlement, and are often seen as having an uncompromising and confrontational attitude. They often direct demands to customer service staff instead of politely asking, and some Karen memes even go so far as to suggest that they think they are above the law.

What is the Origin of the “Karen” Meme?

The term “Karen” is believed to have originated from a 2004 episode of the sitcom “Arrested Development.” In this episode, one of the characters makes a joke about ‘self-entitled white women’ called “Karen.” This term has since become a much-used meme used to describe an entitled and demanding person in general, although it is more commonly associated with white women.

Other popular Karen memes focus on Karens’ alleged attempts to use the police to report relatively minor issues or inconveniences. This Karen meme depicts a Karen as someone who has a spiteful view of the police and tries to punish people for minor offences like not letting her cut in line or not providing the service she wants.

Conclusion

In its current incarnation, the “Karen” meme is gaining popularity as an insult used to describe someone perceived as entitled, selfish, and unwilling to cooperate with others. It typically portrays a white woman between the ages of 25 and 40 who displays an unfriendly and aggressive attitude. The Karen meme originated from a 2004 episode of the sitcom “Arrested Development”, and has since evolved to include other various stereotypes, such as attempts to use the police to report minor issues or inconveniences.