The year 2020 has been tough on everybody, but it’s been especially cruel on women named Karen. For whatever reason, that name has been singled out to personify something that is not exactly flattering. While no “official” definition exists for a “Karen,” social media seems to have an adept skill of identifying one when they see one.
A loose definition might be something like a middle-aged white woman who combines blissful ignorance with the ability to make a big fuss. Having a bad haircut usually helps, and for some reason there always seems to be a video camera rolling when a “Karen” emerges.
Karens are the women who might insist on “speaking with the manager” when they feel they’ve been wronged or who are quick to call the police over small infractions. They also have a tendency to be called out and discovered when the said videographer capturing the scene thinks there might be a racist element to the actions of the accused Karen. Than all hell breaks loose on social media.
The problem of this stereotype is real for women actually named Karen. A dating app called Wingman is reporting that women named Karen are getting one-third fewer matches and responses from potential suitors this year than they did in 2019. And the problem affects Karens who spell their name differently, as the Karins of the world have seen a 22% decrease in potential love on Wingman.
And on a moderately serious note, in case you think this doesn’t affect a lot of people, it is estimated that there are more than 1.1 million women named Karen in the United States. Statistically speaking, it’s the 36th most popular name in this country.
So if you know a Karen, one with the actual name, give her a hug today. For God’s sake she deserves it.
Add comment