How to Avoid Being a Karen
By Hannah Eckert
I was talking with some friends the other day and the pejorative “Karen” was brought up. Someone said something like, “Hey, don’t be a Karen!”
Some of us laughed and others didn’t know what they were talking about. If the internet has brought us anything good, it’s the creation of memes.
One of the biggest meme trends the last few years has been focused around society’s favorite soccer mom, a Karen.
Kansas State University professor Heather Suzanne Woods, whose research interests include memes, said a Karen’s defining characteristics
are “entitlement, selfishness, a desire to complain,” and that a Karen “demands the world exist according to her standards with little regard for
others, and she is willing to risk or demean others to achieve her ends.”
We’ve all had our Karen moments. Lord knows I’ve had mine. And if you’re wondering if you’ve been one too, then you probably have (and that’s
okay) because here’s a few tips on how to not be a Karen:
1. Tip your bartender and servers. Come on, guys. At least a 20% gratuity can really help a person out that makes about $2.50 an hour. They are
making your drinks, serving your food, and picking up your trash, so it’s the least you can do to make their jobs a little easier.
2. Let pedestrians cross the street. A few years ago, pedestrian crossing lights were installed at every crosswalk on Butler Ave. A family walks
up to the pedestrian sign, presses the button, and is supposed to have the right-of-way to cross the street. However, I am always astounded at
how many people speed right through the crosswalks, because they have no regard for other people’s safety.
3. Pick up your trash. I wrote an article about this a few months ago and don’t feel like rehashing this one out. Also, it’s pretty self-explanatory.
Throw your trash in the designated trash cans and then go about your day like everyone else.
4. Please let cars pass on Jones Ave. Jones is a great alternative to Butler on busy days. I’ve had to facepalm a few times though when I’ve been
stuck behind a golf cart going 10 mph. If there is a line of cars behind you, maybe you should pull over to let them pass. Better yet, go to 2nd Ave.
if you’re driving a golf cart.
5. If you’re upset with someone, give it a day. If you’ve had a disagreement with a friend or stranger, try not to react immediately. Think it over
for a day and if you’re in the wrong, apologize. Reacting immediately in an argumentative situation has 100% never worked out in my favor.
6. Getting back to restaurants, please be patient with the staff. No server wants to hear the dreaded “can I speak with the manager?” If tables
are full, it’s likely that the staff is stressed out and busy. Understanding and patient guests receive better service too :)
In addition to avoiding becoming a meme, these are basic good human rules to live by. Like I said before, we’ve all had our Karen moments
(sorry Blair!). What you put into this world is what you get out of it, so be nice, patient, and mindful of every situation, environment, and person
around you.
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