Conference Strand

Social Change, Leadership, and Advocacy

Abstract

In light of recent news where White women have called the police on Black people for participating in harmless everyday activities, terms like “Karen” have grown in popular use to describe these middle-class White women whose behavior is fueled by their privilege. Dr. Cheryl E. Matias (2020) notes in her book, on Surviving Becky(s), that White women are in somewhat of a unique position to be oppressed and to oppress, as evidenced by the intersectionality of their gender and race. The impact is felt by colleagues when “Karens” lack this awareness. The presenters will facilitate increased knowledge and awareness around the weaponizing that occurs with words and actions in the ivory tower.

Description

See Abstract

Evidence

Not available- external review

Format

Individual Presentations

Biographical Sketch

Rebecca George and Alexanderia Smith are Instructors at Webster University.

Location

Virtual Conference

Start Date

2-11-2021 12:30 PM

End Date

2-11-2021 1:30 PM

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Feb 11th, 12:30 PM Feb 11th, 1:30 PM

When “Karen” Is Your Coworker: Managing Peer Policing in the Academy

Virtual Conference

In light of recent news where White women have called the police on Black people for participating in harmless everyday activities, terms like “Karen” have grown in popular use to describe these middle-class White women whose behavior is fueled by their privilege. Dr. Cheryl E. Matias (2020) notes in her book, on Surviving Becky(s), that White women are in somewhat of a unique position to be oppressed and to oppress, as evidenced by the intersectionality of their gender and race. The impact is felt by colleagues when “Karens” lack this awareness. The presenters will facilitate increased knowledge and awareness around the weaponizing that occurs with words and actions in the ivory tower.