The San Francisco board of supervisors on Tuesday unanimously approved legislation aimed at cracking down on frivolous calls to 911 against people of color, a move that will make it the latest city to enact an ordinance against racist calls to the police. The legislation, the Caution Against Racial and Exploitative Non-Emergencies Act, has a memorable and provocative acronym — CAREN. Although the lead sponsor denies this was his intent, the name evokes “Karen,” the online meme that has morphed into a symbol of racism and white privilege. On social media, a Karen is a busybody, typically an older white woman, often caught on video calling 911 to report a Black person doing something benign. Mayor London Breed plans to sign the legislation after that, a spokeswoman said.

Source: New York Times October 20, 2020 20:48 UTC