Ever since 2007, Kim Kardashian has been the reality TV star on the move. She has starred in over 5 TV shows, 13 reality TV shows (3 of which are her own), and has endorsed over 4 perfumes. How much more famous can this woman get? Kim Kardashian has become a sensation in our culture, an endorsement in our society. But...what kind of an effect does she really have on our generation, and what are its consequences?
Recently, I have been reading a book titled "Social Media and the Secret Lives of Teenagers" by Nancy Jo Sales (2016), in which the effects of sexism, pornography, and objectification are described (specifically aimed towards teenagers) According to Sales, an specific occurrence which happened on the show was one in which it Kris said, "'Kim, you're doing amazing, sweetie,'" during "an iconic moment on Keeping Up with the Kardashians, in which Kim, naked except for jewelry and heels, is on her knees, arching her back, and posing as a photographer snaps pictures--as does Kris, with a little personal camera." What can this say about society itself and about the culture which her family has created, encouraged, and exploited? Sales also said that, "The moment is striking in its depiction of another element of the cultural tempest that delivered us Kim: the hypersexualization of American girls and women." It seems that Kim's behavior, supported by her parents, is one which has encouraged many young girls to see themselves as sexual objects which are good for only make-up, hair extensions, and lingerie (although this also dons selfies). Kim's recent publication of her book "Selfish" is one in which she has published nearly over 100 selfies inscribing her "personal life" into every page. Girls are being inspired to become "rich and famous" (as said by one girl interviewed in Social Media and the Secret Lives of Teenagers), while also wanting to have no real reason for becoming so (no real talent, no huge discoveries, etc.). They just want to get famous, be rich, and "look hot." But, as one may ask, is this total bullshit? Or is there a deeper meaning here? Has Kim really allowed for a revolution of women and narcissism to occur, or is she simply leading a life of her own?
In my opinion, the game plays out both ways. On one hand, she herself is viewed as an object and, whether she likes it or not, is encouraging other young girls to do so. However, through her showings on Playboy Magazine and other controversial images, she has been able to visualize and display the real sexuality of a female being and women's freedom of expression. So, the card really does play both ways.
References
Sales, N. J. (2016). Chapter One. In American girls: Social media and the secret lives of teenagers (pp. 28,29). New York City: Alfred A. Knopf.
Recently, I have been reading a book titled "Social Media and the Secret Lives of Teenagers" by Nancy Jo Sales (2016), in which the effects of sexism, pornography, and objectification are described (specifically aimed towards teenagers) According to Sales, an specific occurrence which happened on the show was one in which it Kris said, "'Kim, you're doing amazing, sweetie,'" during "an iconic moment on Keeping Up with the Kardashians, in which Kim, naked except for jewelry and heels, is on her knees, arching her back, and posing as a photographer snaps pictures--as does Kris, with a little personal camera." What can this say about society itself and about the culture which her family has created, encouraged, and exploited? Sales also said that, "The moment is striking in its depiction of another element of the cultural tempest that delivered us Kim: the hypersexualization of American girls and women." It seems that Kim's behavior, supported by her parents, is one which has encouraged many young girls to see themselves as sexual objects which are good for only make-up, hair extensions, and lingerie (although this also dons selfies). Kim's recent publication of her book "Selfish" is one in which she has published nearly over 100 selfies inscribing her "personal life" into every page. Girls are being inspired to become "rich and famous" (as said by one girl interviewed in Social Media and the Secret Lives of Teenagers), while also wanting to have no real reason for becoming so (no real talent, no huge discoveries, etc.). They just want to get famous, be rich, and "look hot." But, as one may ask, is this total bullshit? Or is there a deeper meaning here? Has Kim really allowed for a revolution of women and narcissism to occur, or is she simply leading a life of her own?
In my opinion, the game plays out both ways. On one hand, she herself is viewed as an object and, whether she likes it or not, is encouraging other young girls to do so. However, through her showings on Playboy Magazine and other controversial images, she has been able to visualize and display the real sexuality of a female being and women's freedom of expression. So, the card really does play both ways.
References
Sales, N. J. (2016). Chapter One. In American girls: Social media and the secret lives of teenagers (pp. 28,29). New York City: Alfred A. Knopf.