The World Needs Karens!
Karens are people too.
What’s A “Karen”?
Derived from the depths of internet memes, the term “Karen” has taken on a life of its own. But what exactly is a Karen?
She’s a mythical creature, a misunderstood superhero, your neighborly lady who insists on winded conversations with the manager topped with a threat to call local law enforcement.
A “Karen” is not just a name. She’s a force of nature — typically identified by her demanding demeanor, an unwavering belief in the righteousness of her cause, and an uncanny ability to spot the slightest deviation from what she deems acceptable.
Armed with a healthy sense of entitlement and a bob cut that defies the laws of nature, a Karen is a creature you can’t ignore. No matter how hard you try!
What Does A Karen Do?
The activities of a Karen are as diverse as the bob cuts they sport. Patrolling suburban neighborhoods and grocery store aisles, Karens are known for their remarkable crowd-pleasing talents of asserting their unwanted opinions and unrealistic demands on others.
Watching a Karen at work is both impressive and perplexing. Some of her skills include:
- Managerial Conquests: One of Karens’ most well-documented skills is her ability to summon managers with a mere snap of her fingers. Armed with a coupon that expired two months ago, she will boldly stride to the front lines, demanding justice for her perceived slights.
- Gatekeeping Expertise: Karens are gatekeepers of societal norms. From the appropriate way to stack cans on a supermarket shelf to the acceptable volume level of neighborhood gatherings, Karens are ever-vigilant protectors of the status quo, whether the rest of us asked for it or not.
- Social Media Mastery: The Karen’s influence extends beyond the physical realm into the digital sphere. Convinced of the righteousness of her cause, and armed with an old smartphone, Karens upload videos of their encounters on social media, with the hopes of getting the public on their side. That almost never happens, which, often leaves normal members of the population simultaneously scratching their heads and laughing.
Why The World Needs Karens?
Now, you might be wondering, “Why on earth would the world need more of these creatures?” So, let me throw some reasons your way.
- Entertainment Value: Let’s face it, life can be mundane. Enter the Karen and suddenly you don’t feel like a bored loser anymore. Now you’re witnessing the antics of a sitcom character brought to life, who brings drama and humor into any normal situation. Whether it’s a heated argument over a misplaced restaurant napkin or a standoff over how to fold laundry, Karens provide our dreary lives with narrative and dialogue even Netflix’s writers can’t make up.
- Job Creation: They may not intend to, but Karens are needed in the churn of our labor economy. How many times have workers left their jobs, for better ones because some Karen has motivated them enough is enough? How many entrepreneurs are made because some Karen speech has lit a fire in some hopeless waitress? And in these trying economic times, Karens inadvertently contribute to job creation. Every time they demand to speak to a manager, they’re essentially helping the economy by ensuring that someone, somewhere, has the special job of talking to these cretins.
- Innovation: Karens are a force to be reckoned with, unknowingly pushing the boundaries of human innovation. With every unreasonable demand for a refund or a free dessert, they inspire businesses to improve on customer service and develop new ways to appease even the most impossible customers. The “Karen Effect” is the crucible where the impossible is made possible.
- Thickening Our Skin: Normal people can sometimes be overly sensitive. Karens take on the role of being easily triggered so that the rest of us can benefit from some toughening up. Their unapologetic, no-nonsense approach forces us to confront uncomfortable situations and develop the resilience needed to face life’s challenges.
- Community Bonding: Nothing brings a community together like a Karen. As it turns out, we share more than we let on. It takes a Karen encounter to create a sense of unity among bystanders, fostering connections and shared experiences that will be retold at family gatherings and neighborhood picnics for years to come.
While the term “Karen” might be thrown around with a touch of humor and a dash of exasperation, the truth is, that the world needs Karens.
They add spice to the mundane, challenge the norm, and inadvertently contribute to the vibrancy of our collective human experience.
So, the next time you encounter a Karen in the wild, take a moment to appreciate the spectacle, for, in her own unique way, she is helping to shape the world we live in.
