This article was reviewed by Tami Claytor and by wikiHow staff writer, Ali Garbacz, B.A.. Tami Claytor is an Etiquette Coach, Image Consultant, and the Owner of Always Appropriate Image and Etiquette Consulting in New York, New York. With over 20 years of experience, Tami specializes in teaching etiquette classes to individuals, students, companies, and community organizations. Tami has spent decades studying cultures through her extensive travels across five continents and has created cultural diversity workshops to promote social justice and cross-cultural awareness. She holds a BA in Economics with a concentration in International Relations from Clark University. Tami studied at the Ophelia DeVore School of Charm and the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she earned her Image Consultant Certification.
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The name Karen, which used to once be just another ordinary name, has recently come to mean an entitled, rude person, and it can hurt a bit if someone calls you out as being a Karen. We’re here to explain exactly what this name has come to mean and give you advice on how to respond if someone calls you a Karen. While your initial reaction might be to say a snappy comeback right away, we’re here to emphasize the importance of staying calm and being honest about your feelings.
Things You Should Know
- If someone calls you a Karen, take a deep breath to stay calm rather than reacting aggressively. This shows them that their words don’t mean anything to you.
- Ask for clarification as to why they called you a Karen and honestly tell them how their comment made you feel. For example, “That makes me feel really disrespected.”
- The term “Karen” is often used to refer to people (usually white, middle-class women) who act entitled, rude, and/or racist toward others.
Steps
Expert Q&A
Tips
References
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/hide-and-seek/201302/how-deal-insults-and-put-downs
- ↑ https://www.apa.org/topics/anger/control
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/hide-and-seek/201302/how-deal-insults-and-put-downs
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/how-to-respond-to-rude-or-inappropriate-remarks
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/hide-and-seek/201302/how-deal-insults-and-put-downs
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/hide-and-seek/201302/how-deal-insults-and-put-downs
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/how-to-respond-to-rude-or-inappropriate-remarks
- ↑ https://www.npr.org/2020/07/14/891177904/whats-in-a-karen
- ↑ https://guides.rider.edu/privilege