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WMC Unspinning the Spin

Karen

this pejorative is used primarily for white women displaying entitlement, or arrogantly, unreasonably, and often racistly using their (assumed) privilege to get their way. It has also been used of several men. University of Virginia media researcher Meredith Clark says the idea of a white woman of whom Black people need to be leery "has always been there; it just hasn't always been so specific to one person's name." As a slur, avoid it. As poor writing, avoid it: (1) not everyone will grasp the allusion; (2) a number of "Karens" have been seen over the past centuries, e.g., "Becky," "Miss Ann," "Susan," and this one may not last either; (3) describing behavior is more effective.


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Unspinning the Spin: The Women's Media Center Guide to Fair and Accurate Language

By Rosalie Maggio


 

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