Bourke Accounting clients are pretty nice. They’re polite, they’re friendly and they don’t make ridiculous demands that are impossible to meet. Most importantly, our clients don’t talk down to any of us. I like them.
I realized how very lucky I am yesterday while at a Walgreens. Prominently displayed was a sign in the window advising that face coverings must be worn. All right, no problem, let me just fish this out of my purse and, yay – I was compliant. The masked gentleman guarding the doors acknowledged me with a nod and I returned my own masked head nod. Within five minutes, there was a commotion.
The source of the trouble was an unmasked woman who had just walked in, accompanied by a little girl (who was similarly devoid of facial covering). The employee informed her that she would have to leave if she did not have a mask. The woman mentioned that she lived in America and had no idea what country he was from. She then, inexplicably, enlightened him that her handbag cost more than he made in a month. Finally, she proudly stated that some kid, from somewhere, wasn’t going to tell her what to do. The employee sighed, pulled out his phone and said that his only choice was to get the authorities involved. The poor child looked mortified as her mother stalked out of the store, four-letter words and disparagement of the gentleman’s parentage raining down.
I looked over at the employee and said something along the lines of, “Jeez, relax, Karen,” he chuckled and I went about my business. It has recently come to my attention, however, that some people find the term “Karen” to be sexist, ageist, classist and on par with a racial slur. Eh, say again? Okay, what is a “Karen”? A “Karen” is typified by the example above: an entitled, culturally insensitive, snobbish nightmare. Generally, “Karens” aggressively treat those they deem “beneath” them as sub-human.
The Guardian argues that the term is used to silence women in general and confident women specifically. In addition, because “Karens” are generally on the older side of 25, it’s a way to tell mature women that they are irrelevant. Finally, because a “Karen” is thought to be well-off, the title engages in “wealth shaming” (seriously, this is a thing now).
I rather think these opponents of the “Karen” moniker are missing the point; it is a term that attacks who a person is, rather than what a person is and is not meant to characterize all women; “Karen” even has a male counterpart, which I’ve seen as “Kyle” or “Bill.” When we see a customer berate a store clerk and scream for a manager because an expired coupon cannot be honored, we are judging the behavior of the shrieking individual, not the quality of her/his shoes.
While it’s true that our country still faces discrimination issues, I don’t believe that we should go looking for fire where there isn’t even any smoke. There are enough legitimate examples of prejudice to fight against. And, really, people who misbehave and treat others terribly should not be surprised when the recipients of their abuse get a little snarky.
Bourke Accounting bookkeepers and tax preparers, being utter professionals, can handle a “Karen” or a “Kyle.” However, it doesn’t come up much as, like I stated, Bourke Accounting clients are wonderful. Perhaps it’s the fact that Bourke Accounting experts are personable and impressively knowledgeable or perhaps it’s just that Bourke Accounting got lucky. Either way, here’s a big “thank you” to all of Bourke’s great clients!
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.