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A Karen - Time to Stop

(112 Posts)
Musicgirl Tue 25-Mar-25 09:15:40

On MN at the moment, there is a very interesting discussion on the lazy, misogynistic and ageist use of it name Karen to describe an older lady who is not afraid to stand up for herself. As Karen was a very popular name for girls born in the fifties and sixties, it is exactly targeted at the demographic of most of us here. There is no male equivalent. It is also upsetting for ladies called Karen. I would be interested in your thoughts, especially if your name is Karen or you have been insulted by being called a Karen

Diplomat Wed 26-Mar-25 20:40:35

Sick and tired of the 'Essex' references. I am a retired, professional woman, family to be proud of, lovely house, Christian. And yes I live in Essex.

kazziecookie Wed 26-Mar-25 21:37:16

Allira

kazziecookie

Well the anti-Karen brigade members certainly show the level of their intelligence in the notice banning Karen's (sic) from the store.

Yes, I've seen derogatory posts on our local FB page in the UK.

I live in Wales U.K. and there have been several Karen comments and posts on my local FB page.
But being on a worldwide group of Karens I see things that other Karens see and the ones in the US definitely get it the most.

sazz1 Wed 26-Mar-25 23:13:51

Yes I've been called Karen a few times when I've put comments on current affairs sites. I'm quite opinionated and not afraid to put my opinion out there regardless of who disagrees with it.
Am I upset about it? No not at all. I'm entitled to my opinion the same as everyone else.
I'm secure in knowing that I'm a kind, caring person who has always helped others in need.
I like myself for who I am. If others have a problem with my opinion that's their problem not mine. I'm not really bothered lol.

WelwynWitch3 Tue 01-Apr-25 10:17:22

Named my daughter Karen in 1975, it was the only name I could get my husband to agree to! I dislike the references to ‘Karen’ as something degrading. My daughter has a Masters and three degrees in health and paramedicine and there are probably many more Karens with degrees in many subjects.

Esmay Tue 01-Apr-25 10:49:13

Extraordinary prejudice against anyone called Karen !
I know one Karen ,who has passed .
She was a loud and opinionated about politics ,but always very nice to me .
Now I know two Karens-both very different and both very sweet in entirely contrasting ways .
I treasure their friendship with me .

rafichagran Tue 01-Apr-25 10:59:41

When my son played in the under 11's football team, they used to call boys Norman's. They were the boys who were a bit slower.
It was not nice but I don't hear it so much these days.

eazybee Tue 01-Apr-25 14:42:33

It was used to describe the sense of entitlement that the “Karens” had in telling people off, for no good reason.

I know this is part of a quote referring to the harassment of black women by white women, but it perfectly describes a Karen I know, who creates upset and resentment wherever she goes, quite indiscriminately, but thinks she is a paragon of virtue.

silverlining48 Tue 01-Apr-25 16:25:33

Easy. Expect there are many women like you describe, but they will all have different names, so why do they pick on Karen.
Worse still the more it’s repeated the longer it will be until this nonsense ends.

Redblueandgreen Tue 01-Apr-25 16:30:44

Ilovedogs22 love it!

Redblueandgreen Tue 01-Apr-25 16:32:36

What’s the relevance of being Christian Diolomat?

Blossoming Wed 02-Apr-25 12:35:53

You go Maw,