Karens United for Respect
Fighting All Forms of Identity-Based Prejudice Including Namism
For all who believe that names and the people who hold them deserve respect.
"A person's name is to that person, the sweetest, most important sound in any language."
- Dale Carnegie
Due to the misuse and exploitation of the name Karen:
Harassment: Karens of all ages are suffering harassment, ridicule, mockery, bullying, and threats of violence.
Name Bombardment: People with the name Karen are constantly bombarded with seeing and hearing their birth name in a negative context, including in media consumed at home.
Stereotyping and Dehumanization: People named Karen are presumed to conform to an image, be homogenous, possess negative qualities, and deserve uncivil treatment because of their name.
Silencing: People named Karen are frequently told that their opinions are invalid or unwanted due to their names.
Negative Attention: Karens are singled out for unwanted attention in homes, work, parties, meetings, public spaces, schools and routine interactions because of their name.
Fear from Children: Children are displaying fear and aversion to relatives teachers and medical professionals named Karen - making school, healthcare and home life more stressful for children as well as adults.
Distress to Family Members: Parents, spouses and children have been shamed about relatives named Karen.Some children report being bullied or fearful about their parent's name.
Social Exclusion and Isolation: Karens are specifically barred from online and offline spaces by name. Many Karens have been forced to shrink their social circles and activities to avoid name bombardment and negative attention.
Disappearance of Non-Stereotypical Representations of Karen: The media, literature, music, and drama are creating a permanent legacy of Karen as a caricature rather than a real person.
Loss of Name: People of all ages feel forced to changing the name they go by, some even legally, with all of the anguish and loss of family history that accompanies that change.
Professional/Career Damage: Karens are losing jobs, careers, income, advancement opportunities, and professional reputations due to stereotyping, exclusion, harassment, and degradation of personal brand.
Compromised Healthcare: People named Karen report harassment, ridicule, and harmful treatment in healthcare settings.
Psychological Harm: The mental health of many people named Karen is suffering. Many suffer depression and PTSD triggering and several have attempted suicide because of Karen name-shaming.
What can I do to help?
Take Action for Karens
Under construction - coming soon.
About Karens United For Respect
Karens United for Respect (KU4R) is a non-partisan, non-political international group of people who believe that names and ethnic identities merit respect just like any aspect of identity. KU4R grew out of the Karens United support group serving women and girls being name-shamed, bullied, and harassed, and is led by members of that group. It is a not-for-profit organization. Inquiries may be directed to Team@KarensUnited.com. For media calls only: 303-276-1865.