The Beauty of the Kardashians

Kim, Kourtney, Khloe, Kylie, Kris, Caitlyn and Kendall…

It seems like we have always lived with the Kardashians, or even attempted to keep up with them (a little joke for those who know), and it seems like they are now an institution that we all love and enjoy.

But why are they the family we all turn to and admire?

“Keeping Up with the Kardashians,” back in 2007, was treated like any other reality TV product of its time. In my family, more people tuned in to “Survivor” or “The Apprentice” than to the ups-and-downs of a mixed family that seemed to be made for each other (“The Brady Bunch” with kids who really do belong with each other and feel less annoying). I found myself following the same pattern of ignorance…until a tape was made public and Kim became a household name.

Yes, it was a sex tape. Yes, she did decide to make one with her then boyfriend, Ray J. (quite a talent; musically, I mean). I do remember the ugly jokes and slur, and I wondered if she would be able to make it in the big, bad world (the show had not even aired yet; it was going to be a rough ride).  Well, I think that we can all agree that Kim had one of the greatest comebacks in American life that we have ever seen. A business woman who once contemplated becoming a lawyer to change unfair laws and reform prison life, she has appeared on “Saturday Night Live,” “American Horror Story,” several movies, books, apps and even made it onto Time Magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world.

And that is only one member of this family…

Caitlyn Jenner became one of the most prominent celebrities to come out as transgender after a long and successful career as an athlete, television personality, writer, race-car driver, business man, and respected role model for anyone questioning their identity. Kylie has her own cosmetics and clothing companies, and is the fifth most followed person on Instagram. Kourtney also endorses products on social media, along with Khloe. And do I really have to delve too deep into the incredible success story that is Kendall Jenner (interesting to see my own namesake here)? A fashion icon (the highest paid model, according to Forbes – she was on their famous “30 under 30” list – and the most followed one online, with currently 303 million followers on multiple platforms), business woman (founder of 818 Tequila and partner with various skin-care, makeup, and clothing companies), and practitioner of Transcendental Meditation (eat your heart out, Maharishi!). She also remains massively popular online and keeps the Kardashian brand going under her own name.

So, why does my title mention their beauty?

It is so obvious that people want to state the obvious: they are all physically very attractive. And we are a visual culture, so this opened the door that many others may not have had the chance to get through. But look at what they have done with this gift from above? They worked hard and made sure their names entered the zeitgeist; they dated outside of what many feel is really their wheelhouse (Kanye West, Lamar Odom, and do not forget Ray J.); they continued to hold their heads up high while still dealing with the sniggers and guffaws of the fourth estate who clearly did not understand why their fandom stayed faithful and grew; and they kept going on and on and…

...that seems quite attractive to me.

Well, let’s see if we can keep up with them.

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You can find more poems, stories, and articles by Kendall Defoe on my Vocal profile. I complain, argue, provoke and create...just like everybody else.

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