Dr. Burton discussing "The Karen Phenomenon" on Dr. Phil. (Photo: Screenshot)
Dr. Burton discussing “The Karen Phenomenon” on Dr. Phil. (Photo: Screenshot)

The Burton Wire‘s Nsenga Burton, Ph.D. appeared on the Dr. Phil Show to discuss the, “Karen Phenomenon.” Karen is a term used to describe a behavior, usually practiced by a white woman, perceived as entitled or demanding beyond the scope of what is appropriate or necessary for the occasion. “Karens” sometimes physically attack workers of color, weaponize the police against people of color who challenge their perceived authority, launch into tirades against people when in the wrong, engage in toxic behavior including using their media platforms to malign people of color, and blame their nefarious behavior on others including white men, ostensibly playing the victim. Dr. Burton discusses the issue with Dr. Phil and adjunct professor of law and attorney Wendy Murphy, who believes it is a pejorative and sexist term and we should blame White men for the behavior instead of the White women actually engaging in the dubious behavior with negative consequences for people of color.

Check out an excerpt of the show below:

 

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ML7XkXDkLM4[/embedyt]

 

This episode originally aired Wednesday, September 16, 2020. Check local listings for re-airing dates or On Demand to watch the entire episode.

Follow Nsenga on Twitter @Ntellectual. Follow The Burton Wire on Twitter @TheBurtonWire.

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TheBurtonWire.com is the premiere online destination for people who think for themselves. This blog offers news from the African Diaspora, culture that is produced by often overlooked populations and opinion that is informed and based on fact. Tired of the onslaught of websites and talking heads that regurgitate what people want to hear, TheBurtonWire.com is a publication that elevates news and perspectives that people need to hear. TheBurtonWire.com is for individual thinkers who understand that they are part of a larger collective. What is this collective? Free thinking people that care about the world, who will not be categorized or boxed in by society or culture and are interested in issues and topics that defy stereotypes and conventional wisdom.