A beauty journalist who revealed that her daughters were called the N-word at the age of six during a discussion on unconscious bias – has been criticised for using the term ‘Karen’.
Ateh Jewel, who lives in the Cotswolds, appeared on Good Morning Britain alongside journalist Rebecca Reid to discuss Prince Harry’s interview yesterday in which he admitted he didn’t know unconscious bias existed until he ‘walked a day in Meghan Markle’s shoes’.
While discussing the need to educate adults to break the cycle of prejudice she said her nine-year-old twin daughters have already been victim to ‘racism in the playground’ – and that she was once asked ‘who her social worker was’ after rushing her sick daughter into hospital.
Despite the disturbing racism Ateh described, GMB viewers ignored her points and instead focused on the fact she used the term ‘Karen’ to describe white women perceived as racist – accusing her of ‘double standards’.
Ateh Jewel (bottom left), who lives in the Cotswolds, appeared on Good Morning Britain alongside journalist Rebecca Reid, 28, from London (bottom right) to discuss unconscious bias
The beauty journalist revealed that her daughters were called the N-word at the age of six at school, and that she was once asked ‘who her social worker was’ after rushing her sick daughter into hospital
‘I have nine-year-old twin daughters and at the age of six they have already been called the N-word,’ said Ateh.
‘They have had so much racism thrown at them in the playground, it’s not the children’s fault, it’s the parents who need to educate themselves.’
She recalled rushing her sick baby into hospital, only to be instantly asked who her social worker was.
‘I had a negative narrative put on me because of the colour of my skin,’ she explained.
Despite the disturbing racism Ateh described , GMB viewers ignored her points and instead focused on the fact she used the term ‘Karen’ to describe white women perceived as racist
She went on to explain that white people may be able to understand the racist microaggressions due to the ‘invisible threat’ of Covid-19- using the term ‘Karen’ to describe white women who assume the worst of black people.
‘I think this is totally a different time,’ she told. ‘We’ve all seen Rodney King, we’ve all seen Karens calling the police for black people going to the gym or being outside their home.
‘I think because of Covid-19, everyone knows how it is to be black, there’s an invisible threat, there is trouble, there may be something happening.
‘People understand what it’s like to be uncomfortable, even though you’re told you’re free – I think for the first time people feel what it’s like to have invisible rules put on them. ‘
Prince Harry reveals the ‘upbringing and education’ that he had meant he had no idea about unconscious bias and that walking a week in Meghan Markle’s shoes helped him understand
Viewers quickly took to Twitter, and while many praised the educational debate, others focused entirely on the fact that Ateh had used the world Karen.
‘Did that lady in Buford just now refer to someone as “Karen” whilst talking about the racism she’s had to fight all her life?’ wrote one.
Another said: ‘I couldn’t believe it. I’m finding the whole Karen thing very insulting. I consider myself to be a very nice person.’
The same angry user continued: ‘Stop using the term being a Karen. Very insulting.’
Despite some negative comments, many praised the journalist for having an informed and ‘educational’ conversation about racism
A third said: ‘So people have to be careful not to stereotype but it’s okay to stereotype Karen’s… double standards.’
Despite some negative comments, many praised the journalist for having an informed and ‘educational’ conversation about racism.
It comes after the Duke of Sussex, 36, spoke about racism in an interview with Black Lives Matter activist Patrick Hutchinson for GQ magazine and admitted his ‘upbringing and education’ did not equip him to understand the issue.
Journalist Rebecca, 28, from London, admitted that she can feel uncomfortable speaking about race, but that she is trying to ‘educate herself’ in order to be part of the conversation.
‘I should say I don’t think being afraid of saying the wrong thing is an excuse,’ she said. ‘It’s not something I’m proud of, but it’s something a lot of white people experience.
The beauty journalist went on to explain that white people may be able to understand the racist microaggressions due to the ‘invisible threat’ of Covid-19
Rebecca, 28, from London, admitted that she can feel uncomfortable speaking about race, but that she is trying to ‘educate herself’ in order to be part of the conversation
‘I’m trying to educate myself so I can be part of the conversation without that holding me back. I think what happens is the responsibility to speak about race falls on people who experience racism themselves.
‘The time biting your lip because you’re afraid of what someone might say to you is over – white people like me not saying anything isn’t helping and like Harry says the time for that is over.’
Speaking of the interview, Ateh added: ‘I almost spat my tea out when I heard a prince of the realm discussing unconscious bias and racism.
‘It is a real marker the world is changing, it’s all about having these conversations with strength and honour and kindness. I think Rebecca is very brave and I think she represents lots of people.’