Please can we talk about using the name Karen as an insult?

[NiceKaren]

I'm seeing the name Karen being used as an insult all over social media. It started as a meme, but in the last few days I've seen 'Karen' being blamed for panic buying, refusing to self-isolate and general selfishness. My name is Karen and in these tricky times it feels really unpleasant to see my name being used this way. It feels sexist, ageist and most likely classist too. Now I'm seeing it on MN as well and it makes me so sad. I can't help my name and while I used to laugh it off, I'm feeling quite upset by it tonight. Why do people do this?

I suppose I'm just posting for solidarity and wondering whether there is any point in trying to call this sort of thing out? Before, I felt it was just me being precious or unable to take a joke but now it feels quite personal and ugly.

When the people using "Karen" memes are openly admitting that they're using it as a pejorative synonym for a word used to strip women of our humanity and reduce us to a single reviled hole, it's pretty damned obvious we should be kicking up a stink about it.

This.

Just on men's names. Haven't rtft but when I was growing up Derek was the equivalent to Karen. There was also Norman, Nigel, Kevin and Chad for someone who was claimed to not be very bright. They were far more prevalent in the 90s

I don't think you get it properly, it's not about you because you're cLled Karen, it's simply an off hand term, like Mary sue.

My name is Karen and i am at my whits end. I am American and for the last couple of months it has been insane. Now thanks to Central Park “Karen” my name is synonymous with racist. I literally dont even use my name anymore. I actually introduced my self to some on a couple of weeks ago and she said “so your a racist”. It was a statement not a question. It was funny for a bit but now it is just cruel. I am glad i read this thread it made me feel much better

I actually introduced my self to some on a couple of weeks ago and she said “so your a racist”

Gosh there are some thick people around (unless she was trying and failing to make a joke?)

Sorry you're experiencing this, Dugan.