Editor’s note: This article is a part of a head-to-head. Read the other article here.
The Kardashians are under constant scrutiny. They may not be the cream-of-the-crop face of America, but they’re important individuals in media. The broadcasting of their lives has been positive for many and allows for people to relate to a dysfunctional-yet-entertaining family.
A majority of the fame the Kardashian’s have today are due to the leaking of Kim’s sex tape in 2007, and many use this as a reason to dismiss any fame and fortune the family have since accumulated. However, we need to realize that we’re all humans who have sexual desires and make mistakes. The leaked sex tape doesn’t take away from the positive influence she and her family have.
They set a positive example in many ways, most of all with their interracial relationships. They’re all often seen dating outside their race, such as Khloé with current boyfriend Tristan Thompson and Kim with husband Kanye West. They’re regularly displaying something that was illegal until just 50 years ago in 1967. Though some insist they date out of their race to steal the ideas and benefit from other cultures, they remain an example of people who refuse to adapt to the norm. It appears these relationships are genuine and proves they’re unconcerned with the opinions of others.
People should acknowledge and appreciate the Kardashians’ fun and carefree attitudes. They maintain their put-together image even when things are crashing around them, and they use mortifying situations to their advantage. They use their show “Keeping Up With the Kardashians” as an outlet, showing people the good, the bad and the ugly. Even with the bad and the ugly, they continue to show the world they’re able to work as a family and move forward.
Their show has done a lot to help many people, whether through a release at the end of a long day or giving people situations to relate to. Only so much of the show can be made up, as people insist it is, and their interactions and day-to-day lives can’t always be scripted.
Kim has used the show to openly discuss her fertility difficulties, something the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 12.1 percent of women aged 15-44 in America have to deal with. It has allowed many to feel less alone. The show is raw and encapsulates how normal they truly are underneath their wealth.
A lot of people talk about how the Kardashians are a terrible example of body images for women. However, we all have the choice to conform to the media or not, and we can’t hold the Kardashians responsible. The women of this family dress as they please and don’t regard what others say of their bodies. If anything, we should follow in their guidance instead.
It’s important to remember no one is perfect, and they will never seem flawless with the amount of eyes watching them. Their flaws are headlining front pages and trending on Twitter daily. The mistakes they make are no different than ours. They’re simply blown out of proportion and receive a lot more attention. We can’t judge them for the things we all have done.
The Kardashians are living their lives. They’re having fun, and their show is incredibly addictive. Some people see the Kardashians as sleazy, vapid and lacking any real contribution. However, simply changing your mindset will show that they’re hardworking, bubbly people.
Chantelle Baker is a 20-year-old communication studies senior from Waipahu, Hawaii.
