Call me Karen (2024)

The Karen meme originated as a stereotype caricaturing entitled, demanding, and often aggressive behavior associated with certain middle-aged white women. Its roots can be traced back to social media platforms around the early 2010s, gaining significant traction during COVID. The meme typically depicts a woman with a “can I speak to the manager?” haircut, symbolizing a tendency to complain or assert authority in trivial situations.

The name “Karen” was chosen to represent this stereotype, perhaps stemming from its popularity as a common name during the generation
associated with the meme. Over time, the Karen meme evolved to encompass a broader critique
of privilege, entitlement, and self-importance. Its spread was facilitated by the meme culture of the Internet, where users create and share humorous or satirical content. However, it also sparked discussions about sexism, racism, ageism, and classicism, as the meme often intersects with these issues. In this drawing Atlas is replaced with Karen carrying her burdens.