We have all seen countless videos of Youtube of “Karens” refusing to put their mask on at a local Trader Joes during the pandemic, but what happens is said Karen makes an appearance at your own local supermarket? Here are the top 5 ways to combat the Karens this Coronavirus season.
1. Make ‘em an offer they can’t refuse
This is a great reason to always carry an extra mask with you! Offering a mask and maybe even a few words of wisdom(without being preachy) is a great way to help everyone!
2. Tell an Employee
During COVID-19, employees have seen a surge of Karens come into stores. If you do not want to confront the said Karen, tell an employee! Employees are usually trained to handle difficult customers. However, please do not make the employees fend for themselves. Stand with them and try to help pacify the situation!
3. Educate without the Preachiness
Though it is highly unlikely, some people may not know the harm or the degree of harm they are causing themselves and others. Telling someone the benefits of wearing a mask properly in the pandemic is a great thing, but keep in mind that the more preachy you are, the less likely someone will follow your words. This is a pretty fine line, but one big thing to not come off as too preachy is to not explicitly tell them to wear a mask, rather give them reasons to do so on their own. An example of this would be to say something like “Masks not only protect you but those around you” or “By not wearing a mask you are hurting customers and also people who work here, please be respectful of others around you”. Many people will either apologize and wear a mask or disagree with you. It is suggested that when you are educating someone you do not record them, until and unless they start becoming violent to you or those around you or they do something to put you in danger.
4. Polite Peer Pressure
Peer pressure isn’t just the kind you see in high school movies. By wearing your mask and encouraging the people in your family and those around you to do the same, this causes a sense of peer pressure to those who do not wear masks.
5. Pick your battles
If you have the time and energy to tell someone the dangers of not wearing a mask in the pandemic then combat the Karens, however, if you are in a rush and/or do not have the energy do not feel bad. By wearing your mask you are doing your part already!
