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Original poster

Karen

273 replies

strawberrydaquiari · 12/04/2022 15:14

The use of Karen as an insult isn't going away is it?
I'm fed up. I feel silenced. I can't stand up to the insult without being accused of acting "like one" and being shut down.
It's everywhere and I hate it.

OP posts:
DrSbaitso · 15/04/2022 11:54

This reply has been deleted

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MarshmallowSwede · 15/04/2022 11:58

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MarshmallowSwede · 15/04/2022 12:00

Sorry I meant Karen.. since both are equally offensive in the Uk! No big deal

DrSbaitso · 15/04/2022 13:48

Hard to say, actually. Your earlier post where you accused everybody on the thread of being Karen has been deleted. My later ironic post designed to illustrate what a weak, lazy and shit insult it is, was also deleted. And your post calling me a cunt has been deleted too.

However, your very next post, in which you call me Karen, currently remains. I'm not sure why that one has stood when your other abusive posts, using both slurs, have been removed.

Maybe Karen really is a kind of quantum state slur that changes based on how it's being observed. That's interesting, but it doesn't improve my respect for those who use it.

CailleachGranda · 15/04/2022 16:34

As loads of posters have said, it's ageist and misogynistic. Designed to shit women up

Those who use the term, and those that blithely talk about "Karen like behaviour" are just a bit thick really

VladmirsPoutine · 15/04/2022 17:34

My position on it has always been if the shoe doesn't fit don't wear it. In other words don't behave like one and there'll be nothing to be offended by.

Ereshkigalangcleg · 15/04/2022 19:49

In other words don't behave like one and there'll be nothing to be offended by.

No I'd rather not be called a misogynistic slur thanks, when I've done nothing wrong. Don't use lazy misogynistic slurs and there won't be any issue with women complaining about it, in other words.

SausagePourHomme · 15/04/2022 20:11

"Those who use the term, and those that blithely talk about "Karen like behaviour" are just a bit thick really"

Agree, it has become a useful radar that someone is not so great with the critical thinking. If I see someone use the word I immediately know that they don't engage their brain and blindly repeat things they have seen other people say on facebook. Useful.

VladmirsPoutine · 15/04/2022 20:17

There've been countless threads like this over the years on mumsnet. Karen is a wonderful shorthand.

"Vlad how was your weekend?"
"Pretty good but a Karen got upset that I'd booked the table next to hers."

SausagePourHomme · 15/04/2022 20:19

@VladmirsPoutine

There've been countless threads like this over the years on mumsnet. Karen is a wonderful shorthand.

"Vlad how was your weekend?"
"Pretty good but a Karen got upset that I'd booked the table next to hers."

case in point
SausagePourHomme · 15/04/2022 20:20

i mean it doesn't even make sense.

Ereshkigalangcleg · 15/04/2022 20:21

If I see someone use the word I immediately know that they don't engage their brain and blindly repeat things they have seen other people say on facebook. Useful.

Yes.

HRTQueen · 15/04/2022 20:43

I have some sexism thrown my way it’s not nice and certainly different more dismissive now I’m older I deal with it. I also have enough self awareness to not see others as thick or stupid to use a term that I am well aware has different meaning

If the American (as some might claim) meaning wasn’t widely known I would understand why it’s just instantly brushed off as an off the cuff meaningless slur. But every case that has been highly publicised and I have been aware of is when a woman who has been outed as a Karen (social media and in the news) has been about racism and privilege

It’s a one word term that sums up a particular behaviour that I don’t thankfully have directed at me

I also have never been called a Karen I’m middle aged opinionated and work with a lot of young people who use a lot of social media terms. Though I have a feeling I might be followed around mn and be called it by a new poster very soon so I to can feel the pain of being called a Karen

DrSbaitso · 15/04/2022 20:45

Though I have a feeling I might be followed around mn and be called it by a new poster very soon so I to can feel the pain of being called a Karen.

Why do you think that?

DrSbaitso · 15/04/2022 20:46

@VladmirsPoutine

My position on it has always been if the shoe doesn't fit don't wear it. In other words don't behave like one and there'll be nothing to be offended by.
Oh hi, Vlad. We've been expecting you.
HRTQueen · 15/04/2022 20:48

Why not

I was targeted before when I called out bullying of a popular member on MN

HRTQueen · 15/04/2022 20:51

^ that sort of behaviour for one

Who is the we …

mnnewbie111 · 15/04/2022 20:53

I don't know anyone IRL who would use this thank god.

DrSbaitso · 15/04/2022 20:53

@HRTQueen

Why not

I was targeted before when I called out bullying of a popular member on MN

Were you?

You must have said something amazing. I piss people off on a regular basis but I've never had a groupie follow me round. Damn. Need to learn some technique.

DrSbaitso · 15/04/2022 20:55

@HRTQueen

^ that sort of behaviour for one

Who is the we …

Oh sorry. Should I have called her a Karen?
HRTQueen · 15/04/2022 20:56

No just pointed out they were once again putting someone who was openly saying they felt fragile down

VladmirsPoutine · 15/04/2022 21:05

Having said that I do think Karen has been completely misused and has changed from its original intent. Much like the word 'woke'. I'd say this bastardization of these words is very intentional and far from being a case of language naturally evolving. But regardless like I've said on all the other Karen threads you're not going to tell a vegan forum that bacon is actually one of life's greatest pleasures. Try as you might but they just won't listen to you.

DrSbaitso · 15/04/2022 21:06

@HRTQueen

No just pointed out they were once again putting someone who was openly saying they felt fragile down
Ah, they should have just called her a Karen if she was feeling low. That would be OK.
HRTQueen · 15/04/2022 21:06

No. I don’t use the term and obviously you don’t either

It was reference to who is the we in we’ve been waiting for you

kennelmaid · 15/04/2022 21:37

Don't feel sorry for anyone called Karen. I'm Karen, I love my name and always have.