How to identify if you’re a ‘Karen’ as Gen Z decide on new name for them

The whole 'Karen' meme phenomenon has been a thing for quite some time now.

As we know, a 'Karen' is the blanket name given to a person who fits the stereotype: mostly middle-aged women who are rude, obnoxious or disrespectful to retail workers, service staff and just about anyone else who crosses their path, famous for phrases like 'get me your manager' and 'I'm taking my business elsewhere'.

Since the term's mainstream conception around 2018, the concept of 'Karen criteria' appears to have evolved, and it's now less about age, gender, a short haircut, chunky highlights and huge sunglasses and more about your overall vibe and how you carry yourself.

Such an evolution has paved the way for Gen Z to coin their very own name to use for someone who fits the bill, and that is none other than 'Jessica'.

What is the actual 'Karen criteria'? (ChatGPT)

But how do you know if you're being a 'Karen', or a 'Jessica', for that matter?

Now, the general idea on social media is that what makes you a 'Karen' is being arrogant, entitled, racist and all-round problematic in a number of ways.

Basically, it's being needlessly difficult in a social situation.

Also, it's important to note, 'Karen' can be a gender-neutral term used for both men and women who exhibit 'Karen-like' behaviour, but we often don't see male 'Karens' demonised online in the same way as their female counterparts.

But what, specifically, puts you at risk of teetering over into 'Karen' territory?

Heather Suzanne Woods, a meme researcher from Kansas State University, told The Atlantic that a 'Karen' is someone who can be described as having an 'entitlement, selfishness, a desire to complain'.

She says 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'.

The essence of a 'Karen' is 'entitlement, selfishness, a desire to complain' (ChatGPT)

Meanwhile, psychotherapist Sara Ouimette echoed on her website: "The term Karen is often used to describe a woman - typically white - who is demanding, self-righteous, and quick to call the manager or the police when she feels uncomfortable or inconvenienced. The name became shorthand for public displays of entitlement, often captured on video and shared widely online.

"While sometimes used humorously, the term also reflects serious cultural tensions around race, class, gender, and power."

And, lastly, Dr Courtney D. Porter categorises the behaviour into four main traits - showing a general consensus among experts.

1. Entitlement: A Karen tends to show a sense of superiority and demands special treatment or privileges.
2. Unreasonableness: This includes having unreasonable demands or complaints and turning small issues into bigger conflicts.
3. Aggression: Karens may exhibit a confrontational attitude, often with passive-aggressive vibes or just outright hostility.
4. Lack of Empathy: They may demonstrate insensitivity to others’ needs, feelings, or perspectives, solely focusing on themselves.

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