Calling someone a 'Karen' is 'borderline racist, sexist and ageist', tribunal suggests

Extra.ie​

15 hours ago

A tribunal has suggested that calling someone a 'Karen' is 'borderline racist, sexist and ageist.'
An employment tribunal judge this week said the slang term, typically targeted at middle-aged white women, is 'pejorative.'
The statement follows claims of unfair dismissal, direct race and age discrimination and victimisation from 74-year-old Sylvia Constance at Watford Employment Tribunal. A tribunal has suggested that calling someone a 'Karen' is 'borderline racist, sexist and ageist.' Pic: Getty
Ms Constance made the claims against Harpenden Mencap, a charity which provides support to adults with learning disabilities.
Ms Constance, who is black British, said she was dismissed on June 13, 2023 and was targeted because of her race.
She stated this was due to an 'irrevocable breakdown in the relationship' with Mencap. An employment tribunal judge this week said the slang term, typically targeted at middle-aged white women, is 'pejorative.' Pic: Getty
Ms Constance had previously been suspended over claims of 'emotional/psychological abuse of a tenant in your care' and 'bullying and intimidation of colleagues', the tribunal heard.
Christine Yates, who represented Ms Constance at the tribunal, said in a document: 'The respondents have acted like the stereotypical 'Karen' having weaponised their privilege and more powerful position against the complainant, making up and suspending the complainant for numerous fictitious infringements, and deflecting from their personal misconduct.
'As egregiously, they encouraged residents under their care to do same. There is also something very sordid about the way in which white, female management have facilitated racism by colluding with white, male residents to give a misogynistic, racist view of the black complainant.' The statement follows claims of unfair dismissal, direct race and age discrimination and victimisation from 74-year-old Sylvia Constance at Watford Employment Tribunal. Pic: Getty
Employment judge George Alliott interjected, saying: 'We note Christine Yates uses the slang term 'Karen', which is a pejorative and borderline racist, sexist and ageist term.'
The judge dismissed Ms Constance's claims, saying that the complaints against Ms Constance were 'legitimate' and 'did not constitute a targeted racist campaign against her.'
Defined by Merriam Webster, a Karen is an 'insulting term for a privileged, indignant, or discriminatory woman.'
'Karen is a slang term used to disparage a stereotypically middle-class, middle-aged white woman who rebukes or reports others in angry, sometimes racist public displays.
'More generally, it is an insult for anyone, though still typically a woman, who shows entitled behavior, especially in the form of outspoken complaints or intrusive criticism. Depending on context, it may be considered sexist.'