The Kardashians: you either love them or hate them. And after 20 seasons spanned across 14 years, an insight into the lives of America’s most famous sisterhood, momager Kris and all their spin-offs, it’s safe to say that it will be the end of an era.
For those that hate the attention this family has gained in media coverage, those that mock the names of their offspring, question their wealth and spread disgust instead of devotion, you’ll be thrilled that your Facebook feeds will no longer contain season previews and spoilers of what’s to come in Calabasas.
A glamorous world
However, for some of us, the Kardashian-Jenner clan offered a little more. A little more than just something to fill up a Saturday afternoon, or some merch to splurge on occasion. Instead, they portrayed glamour and excitement, an insight into a world entirely different from mine. I sat on my sofa with a cup of tea in my fluffy Primark socks, admiring Khloe’s shoe collection, her Oreo jars, Kendall’s success on the runway, and even Kylie’s choice of cars.
“My world was an opposite of theirs, and yet, I, like so many others, was addicted to witnessing this insane lifestyle”
Positive or negative attention?
From a young age, I was exposed to the harsh reality that so many women face of undergoing surgery to complete their self-image, lip-fillers and waist-thinners, the tears over diamond earrings washed away in oceans, and seemingly endless baby showers. I sat through Kourtney and Scott’s relationship ups and downs, all of Kim’s weddings, Kylie in her teenage years, and Caitlyn’s transformation. My world was an opposite of theirs, and yet, I, like so many others, was addicted to witnessing this insane lifestyle.
Positive or negative attention?
The negativity that surrounds their lives did infiltrate mine, however. I couldn’t deny the pressures that were placed upon them, that they unknowingly placed upon young women around the world. No girl should be thinking about corsets, be following their cultural appropriation and casual surgery, yet, at the same time, we should all admire the confidence and self-respect they exhume as women.
So it is the end of an era. The end of debates over whether they really are powerful businesswomen, or if their producers (including Kris) are just some of the smartest people on Earth, that succeeded in giving one household so much attention on a global scale.
While I can understand the negativity surrounding this family, even a hater can admit the impact they’ve had on society. Kendall openly sharing her acne story, Khloe’s struggles as a single mother, and even the breakdown of all of Kim’s marriages. They may not be the image of a powerful woman as businesswomen in their sharp tailored suits, but they have definitely made a memorable change to society. And in my opinion, it’s a good one.
Meghna Amin
Featured image courtesy of Ahmet Yalçınkaya via Unsplash. Image license can be found here.