‘Calling all Karens’: Domino’s looks for ‘nice’ Karens as part of free pizza promotion
Pizza chain Domino’s is attempting to leverage the ‘Karen’ phenomenon for a promotional giveaway.
The term ‘Karen’ is currently used online as a derogatory way to dismiss white women who don’t recognise their privilege, are rude to retail staff and believe they are above the rules.
It has become a talking point throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and civil unrest in the United States, with a number of videos going viral in recent days of women in Victoria refusing to wear face masks and speaking aggressively to staff and authorities.
Wearing face masks in public became mandatory in Melbourne and the Mitchell shire from 11:59pm on Wednesday 22 July, in the midst of Victoria’s six-week lockdown to counter the second wave of COVID-19 cases.
Domino’s, however, wants ‘nice’ Karens to come forward, with 100 of them to be rewarded with free pizza. They will have to submit their photo ID and explain in 250 words what makes them a ‘nice’ Karen.
The brand said it was a tough time to be a Karen, with Domino’s chief marketing officer for ANZ, Allan Collins, saying the brand wants to take the name back.
“In 2020, ‘Karen’ is no longer content to speak to the manager. Now, she’s dobbing in her neighbours, refusing to quarantine, or wear a mask,” he said.
“Consequently, the name ‘Karen’ has become synonymous with anyone who is entitled, selfish and likes to complain. What used to be a light-hearted meme has become quite the insult to anyone actually named Karen.
“Today we’re taking the name Karen back. At Domino’s, we’re all about bringing people together and we want to celebrate all the great Karens out there by shouting them a free pizza.”
Love this…poor Karen
This wins
White women who don’t recognize their privilege? Really Zoe? Karen is just a rude knob and rudeness is not a white or black thing. It transcends all 96 genders! Let’s just call her rude. Her colour has NOTHING to do with it!
Hi DD,
I will step in here, as I added the contextual paragraph about the origin of the ‘Karen’ meme/ phenomenon.
Race does have something to do with it.
While there are certainly female, and male, people of colour who display problematic behaviours, and can be rude/aggressive, the term ‘Karen’ – and the types of behaviours it is calling out – refers to ‘whiteness’.
I am not an expert on race relations, but I do know how the media, culture and internet are using this phrase.
You can read more about it from various sources:
* How the ‘Karen meme’ confronts the violent history of white womanhood: Time
* How the term ‘Karen’ became a stand-in for problematic white women and a hugely popular meme: Insider
* How ‘Karen’ went from a popular baby name to a stand-in for white entitlement: The Conversation
* How ‘Karen’ became a coronavirus villain: The Atlantic
* How ‘Karen’ became the name for rude, middle-aged white women: Lifehacker
* The ‘Karen’ memes and jokes aren’t sexist or racist. Let a Karen explain: The Washington Post
* ‘Karen’ is an easy target. The truth about white nationalism is much worse: Los Angeles Times
* How ‘Karen’ became a symbol of racism: Vox
Her colour does indeed have lots to do with it.
Vivienne – Mumbrella
This is a brilliant, timely concept that is generating a huge amount of free PR. Bravo to whomever came up with it.
bye felicia
Smart.
Hi all, I guess all names have good and bad people attached to them. Would be namist if we are all tarred with the same brush. I personally would not berate someone doing their job or asking me to do the right thing….. not that I would do the wrong thing. Most of my life I have volunteered to help others in differing roles including an active volunteer firefighter for 10 years+.
At the end of the day I am true to myself and shame on people who put other lives at risk regardless of their name.