S2. E22. Author Uncut Podcast - Sensitivity Reader Question: Is Calling Someone a "Karen," Racist? (AuthorUncut.com)
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Recently while doing a Sensitivity Read, an author asked me if calling someone a "Karen" is a slur or racist. I'll answer that question in this last episode of season 2.
So what exactly is a "Karen?" It's a term used to describe a woman, usually a white woman wielding her privilege by approaching a stranger, usually a black man or woman, accusing them of one thing or another. They may have an issue with their kids in a swimming pool, them sitting on a bench, walking through a neighborhood, sleeping in a student lounge, a child selling water on a stoop, a child mowing lawns for money, a family cookout bbq... the list goes on.
A KAREN, is calling out someone's outrageous racist behavior. It's another way of calling someone racist.
So why are some calling it a slur or racist?
Well, number 1, no one likes to be called a racist; especially if they are racists.
Number 2, one woman on Twitter called it "class prejudice." That's a new one.
Number 3, they feel that they are "victims" of the term and are cast in a bad light.
I believe that is exactly what it is intended to do; cast that person and their outrageous behavior in a bad light and to publicly shame.
MENTIONS IN PODCAST:
Alicia Sanchez Gill (@aliciasanchez)
Sister Outrider - https://sisteroutrider.wordpress.com/
Julie Bindel (@bindelj)
Karen Fleshman, Esq. (@FleshmanKaren)
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