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" 'cause them Karens just turned into terrorists"-Beyoncé // "You can't win, you can't break even and you can't get out of the game"-Michael Jackson and the cast of The Wiz

"Look, pal, she's all upset. It's just a cab. There's thousands on every block.".

By 'Vive AkughaPublished about a year ago 5 min read
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Image credit: Screenshot by me

According to Urban Dictionary, a 'Karen' is:

A Karen, historically known as a Nancy, is a pejorative term used for any 29–55 year old middle to upper-middle class white woman. A Karen will go out of her way to impose their belief structures on any unwitting or unsuspecting individual, once broken off from their pack and cornered a Karen will publicly berate the victim, possibly involving an authority figure if the victim is of minority decent.

In The Best Man: The Final Chapters, Julian and his two daughters, Kellie (Samantha A. Smith)and Keisha (Jamilah Rosemond)encounter a Karen(Jenny Strassburg). After their meetings with Quentin and Kennedy, they catch a taxi to head home. However, as Kellie is present in the back seat from the left, a lady and her dog attempt to enter from the right. This confusion despite the clear indication of the girl being present already causes the lady to hysterically cause a scene calling the attention of anyone that wanted to see as well as two police officers. The two Caucasian policemen try to figure out what happened with little opportunity for Julian to voice his perspective. One of the two officers(Brian Colin Foley) says, "Look, pal, she's all upset. It's just a cab. There's thousands on every block.". The thing is it's not about the cab obviously, as Bob from Bob's burgers says "it's the principle". Julian perturbed and trying to make his feelings known says, "I'm upset. And I understand that, but…". The second officer (Gabe Bowling) cuts him off saying, "Hey man, you're making things worse." Keisha makes him calm down saying "Dad, please.". They get Kellie and leave after he said "Okay. Okay. You're right, officer. We'll catch another ride.". The hysterical lady feeling justified says "That's right. That's right" and tells the officers, "Thank you for doing your job.".

When they get home Kellie and Keisha are expressing their feelings about what just happened. Kellie said, "But dad did nothing." which Keisha accepts but asks saying "Dad versus a Karen. What was he supposed to do?". Kellie unsettled but feeling slighted says, "I don't know" and Keisha tells Kellie, "He could have got his head blown off, stupid." after they disagree to talk about it. Their brief discussion tells of a sad understanding of their father's inability to do anything as she's a 'Karen' and engaging would only cause more problems for them instead. They seem okay, with Kellie a bit more offended but not as affected. They are probably desensitized to it, especially with so many brutal and unfair situations publicized on different social media platforms.

This situation is all too familiar to minority groups and is just as aggravating to watch. Julian had so much pain and hurt in his eyes. He's extremely angry but that doesn't matter because this wrongful woman decided to play the damsel-in-distress in a play as old as time. Many know this moment all too well and for some, a lot more than is acknowledged or should be okay with.

Image credit: Screenshot by me

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Julian tells Quentin about this and Q questions him asking if he did all the necessary things to protect himself. As sad as it is, there is always some form of protective procedure to do. Quentin asked if he recorded the situation for there to be some form of accountability with proof of everyone's actions. He also asked if Julian at least got the badge numbers of the officers. Unfortunately, he did neither as he said, "I was so mad in the moment. You know what I mean? My mind was racing with a million different ways to respond, and none of them were good solutions.".

He said he didn't think of bringing out his phone or anything at that moment because he was overwhelmed with anger. This happens but it's important to not let the anger overtake you so much that you don't act smart in the situation.

Lance joining them in the discussion tells of his recent moment in his neighbourhood. He said a lady that moved in two doors down from him called the cops on him despite living in this gated community for 15 years. Luckily, he was not arrested or harassed due to his identification for his regular donations to the policemen's association(and as a beloved successful athlete). The lady had all the audacity after profiling him and calling the cops unjustly to ask for an autograph for her parents but because you "gotta keep the peace" he did it for her.

Image credit: Screenshot by me

Julian's anger festers on for a while and he even fantasizes about confronting the lady when he comes across her sitting outside with her friends(Jessica Bishop and Paige Herschell). Seeing her unbothered and enjoying her time angered him even more. He had played out multiple versions of confronting her with varying outcomes which he never won. He decidedly walked away doing nothing. This was such a realistic and relatable situation because sometimes people consider what could have been done after a situation to construct their feelings accurately.

They say, "don't hate the player, hate the game" but you can't win the game as it's rigged already, formed to make you fail despite the progress and enlightenment, the game is still rigged and still playing.

This was originally written in my "The Best Man: The Final Chapters tackles racial issues." write-up.

If you enjoyed this, for more of my articles:

  • you can check through the Geeks category on my profile or The Best Man list on my Medium account
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About the Creator

'Vive Akugha

I write on various things: social issues, well-being, cinema and out of curiosity. More!

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