What is a ‘Karen’? And why do we have this term? Perhaps it is another way to keep women in their place.
by EK Wills
Karen is used as a derogatory name for mostly Generation X women, who speak out directly about perceived injustices. From a generalised point of view, I would argue that this persona has been created by society and developed as a reaction to circumstance.
According to a recent article in the Sydney Morning Herald (SMH), the term refers to ‘white, uptight and middle-aged’ women. It was written to reflect on the author, herself, as a Karen, entitled and outspoken about trivialities of first world problems.
When I read this self deprecating opinion piece, I recognised that the author was trying to communicate that she regretted her own behaviour in an interaction in a frustrating environment. Perhaps she was also suggesting that this sector of society is becoming entitled and we all need to give some thought to the way we communicate.
While the tone of this article was light and jovial, it grated on me and it took a while to figure out why. Am I being defensive (as a Karen)? Do I not have a sense of humour? Or is this really offensive?
Full disclosure, I fit the demographic and have often been told that i am angry, brusk and too sensitive. I also feel compelled to defend injustices and speak plainly about these to the powers that be. This does not make me popular but I feel that at least I have not been complicit in these interactions. I would clearly be labelled a Karen.
On reflection, I would suggest that there is substance to the potential development of such pathology.
Generation X grew up with Boomer parents, who were a largely self interested, ground breaking group, busy making their mark on the world and generally negotiating their parental duties in this brave new world. They also laid the ground work for feminism and the next generation was expected to follow suit.
The next generation of women didn’t need to burn their bras but they needed to compete in the business world and be the ‘superwoman’ that could juggle everything: work, family, friends and balance their own health priorities.
But we couldn’t figure out why we couldn’t do it all when we clearly had it all laid out for us.
The mansplaining continued, as well as bropriating, and we didn’t even have a term for that yet. The battle continued around whether women deserved affirmative action.
Even in the age of supposed equality, women are not able to sit at the decision tables.
Those of female gender are voted to be excluded from the ‘halls of power’ groups, such as shown in the recent media attention on the Australia Club (also in the SMH yesterday).
While gender specific groups are not illegal, it is interesting that the ‘real networking’ occurs in these clubs rather than in the board rooms and offices they were designed for, thereby excluding the “bossy women”, as per the article.
The general view of women with power is seen to be derogatory, whereas that quality in a man is ‘ambitious’ or ‘outspoken’. The very public persona of the Theranos Founder, modelled herself on a successful man to be taken seriously. She lowered her voice and wore gender neutral clothing and managed to swindle millions. Clearly coming a man worked all too well.
And for those without power, the development of the #MeToo movement revealed what was actually still going on.
It is worth noting that women are also still subject to the patriarchy because they lack physical dominance. Statistics still show high levels of sexual assault and domestic violence: approximately 1 in 6 women are exposed to both and the reports of both are on the rise.
It was not until the recent case in Australia’s parliament and one of our Australians of the Year have spoken out about such incidents, that the spotlight has turned on it. But there is no quick fix and issues prevail.
Token power is given in business and women are still paid less than their counterparts.
The domestic domain is too often still dominated by physical force or considered ‘cultural’ necessity.
While it could be thought this is blaming others for the development of the Karen label, we are all a product of our set and setting, not to mention hormones (but that is a whole other story). And humour is often used to stop people from defending their position.
In this context, it is little wonder that Karen will stand up to be counted when the opportunity affords it.
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