Secrets from the Book of Karen

There's been a lot of online discussion about a type of woman, generically known as "Karen". She is a retail worker's worst nightmare. Her high-maintenance demands and petty complaints culminate in the outburst, "I want to speak to the manager," or "I was TOLD...(she was somehow entitled to her latest demand, usually a discount)". Posters often observe other characteristics of the Karen which make her recognizable before the transaction even occurs, giving them a chance to emotionally brace themselves for an unpleasant encounter She is usually middle-aged, with a particular hairstyle, asymmetrical with blonde frosting, reminiscent of Kate Gosselin and she often wears big sunglasses. Online posters often speculate if there is any correlation between this particular appearance and her peculiar behavior. Maybe because she tries to imitate a star, she fancies herself to actually be a star, and, thereby, deserving of special treatment. I have my own theory about the Karen, which may be a revelation as an

Having known some rather nice people with that name, I kind of internally bristle when people use "Karen" as a synonym for an .unpleasant woman, but I have to accept that it's a name common to a generation. And people seem to act like her behavior is new and unique for customers and the rest are all angels. Ha! Ask anyone who has worked in customer service for any length of time, and they will certainly have some tales to tell. Petulant customers demanding to speak to the manager have been around as long as there has been such creatures (customers and managers). (And I know what it's like to be amused when the person demanded to get the manager turns out to be the manager I feel it is kind of racism in reverse to just pin this behavior on white woman. While working in retail, I saw this behavior exhibited in many different ethnicities. In addition to the manager demand, I would hear, "I'm going to sue." On multiple occasions, people from predominantly non-white countries, which to avoid drama and offense, I will not identify, would say, "In my country, you would be sued!". (This would be over a place in a checkout line!) They just didn't have a first name in common, so we couldn't give them as people do with Karen. The big complainers did tend to be middle-aged, mainly women, though they were some dramas with some middle-aged men, as well. I believe this is probably because that age group may well spend the most time shopping. However, I do recall as a customer in line in a fast food restaurant, two women in their twenties insisting that a manager personally make sure that there were five napkins in one takeout bag and six in the other. So crucial! However, if I were to have to make a generality, I would say the most easy-going shoppers are men in their twenties, and male senior citizens. They just want to get what they need and leave. They are not as emotionally invested in shopping. The frosted blonde hair of the Karen, and the commonality of the name has gotten it pegged as a white phenomenon. As for particular appearance as it relates to this behavior, here's the Big Reveal:

Way back when I was working ,in retail, myself, I read in a woman's magazine an excerpt from a book that was supposed to help readers enjoy the good life through shopping.As I recall, the book encourages you to say that the manager gave you a discount, whether you were or not! In fact, to act like you were tight with the manager as a habit, when you shop, and that stores have a certain number of discounts to give and not to miss out. I can't remember the name of the book, and maybe that's a god thing. I'd fear for the life of the author, once this gets out. Another section talks about getting high-end hair salon services for free or at a reduced price on certain days. I'm sure the Karen, in an effort to get all she can from this occasion, picks the most complicated style she can find, and one that a star would get. Hence, the Kate Gosselin 'do.

So instead of being downright evil, the Karen may just be following some misguiding bargain-hunting advice. Am I asking you to give the Karen a break? No. Just let your manager deal with her!