An author whose material I generally enjoy posted a fairly good story about a shrewish customer who threw a hissy-fit to get a refund -- only to be revealed, on video tape, as a fraud. But, rather than calling the character a shrew, bitch or virago, the author titled the story 'A Karen Gets Her Commeuppance" . What the hell? To save a few words or sound hip or who knows what, he had to slander 1.5 million American women (even more world-wide) and forever stain what has been a perfectly lovely name? He even says in his author's notes 'My apologies to anyone actually named Karen. I feel your pain. But life isn't always fair, is it...?'
I have a suggestion -- DON'T NAME SHAME! The apology is as convincing as some of the excuses I heard over the years for certain ethnic jokes. Life may not be fair -- but you don't have to be a jerk! If anyone, here, on social media, in person or whatever resorts to this lame practice of using a name as shorthand for certain unappealing behaviors or character traits, call them out! Just say or post Don't Name Shame. With any luck we can exterminate this revolting practice.
I have a suggestion -- DON'T NAME SHAME! The apology is as convincing as some of the excuses I heard over the years for certain ethnic jokes. Life may not be fair -- but you don't have to be a jerk! If anyone, here, on social media, in person or whatever resorts to this lame practice of using a name as shorthand for certain unappealing behaviors or character traits, call them out! Just say or post Don't Name Shame. With any luck we can exterminate this revolting practice.
for you, though
