So this is something I posted first on my Patreon page. But definitely wanted to share here as well.
Now unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, even with this pandemic, it’s been some racially tense times. Not only with the Black Lives Matter demonstrations, but attacks on the Asian community for racially fueled blame for COVID-19.
And part of all this, a term has sprung from it, and that would be, Karen.
For this image, there’s a person in my immediate community that I’ve come to regard as a Karen. Personally seen him act in the same vein as viral stories would suggest, like calling the police on people of color, when the POC is not doing anything of question.
And this Karen has definitely acted out towards me. Which I always found interesting. As I’ve never done anything to this person. So with actions I’ve seen him take towards others, and actions he’s taken towards me… I can’t help but think it’s a prejudice towards POC.
And yes, this Karen is white.
But being Asian-American, the compulsion to return his energy in-kind isn’t there. Something I learned in a college class on Asian-American studies, being the source… and that would be a term of “Model Minority”. Essentially Asians of any decent having a strong aversion to conflict.
I mean, instances in my life, I will definitely defended myself. But in this case, I didn’t want to fall into this negative energy the Karen was putting out.
But I had all this frustration from this Karen, and being a creative person, definitely thought it would be more productive to put that energy from the frustration, and create something from it. Almost exorcising that frustration, and putting it into something else.
So I ended up with the design below. And I have to say, it definitely feels good to get that energy out of system.
And like the public post spoke to, if there’s a Karen in your life, put this on a t-shirt for sale at: https://yellowrant.threadless.com/designs/hey-karen/mens/t-shirt/premium?color=sea_green
Be safe, be healthy, and love each other! And if you get the tee, enjoy!