A Halloween outfit allowing people to dress up as a ‘Karen’ has provoked a backlash.

The costume features simply a bob-style haircut wig and a pair of sunglasses but promises to transform the wearer into an over-privileged white woman who will no doubt be asking to speak to the manager.

It is being marketed by the American company Spirit, one of the country’s biggest suppliers of Halloween costumes and decorations.

Shoppers have begun sharing the outfit on Twitter after spotting it on the shelves, with some claiming it is this year’s must-have costume. ‘I need this wig’, said one person online.

Others however were less convinced a Karen disguise is what the world needed, with ‘no they didn’t’ and ‘why is this a thing?’ typical comments.

Some have hit back and say the meme has made racism into a joke which people are now profiting from.

‘This is exactly why we need to stop making jokes out of racism. The Karen thing was never funny to begin with’, said one person.

Others added: ‘And just like that, the word “Karen” has lost all contextual weight and importance. It’s just now a silly quip’ and ‘I don’t like how they’re profiting from the very real issue of racism.’

‘Karen’ has been used as a catch-all term for middle class women who are often entitled and demanding.

It’s also been associated with racist micro-aggressions, where the stereotypical ‘Karen’ will make complaints against black people for minor infringements.

Those who are actually called Karen have, perhaps understandably, been left upset and have begged for their name to stop being stigmatised.

Last year Vincent Brook, from Los Angeles, pleaded for people to stop calling out Karens in the LA Times.

He said: ‘I’m writing on behalf of my wife, Karen, and I’m sure for Karens of all colors and ages when I say, please cease the senseless sexist stigmatizing of a name that means no harm to anyone.’

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