It's no secret that I love the Kardashians -- ever since I started watching their reality show in 2009; I've been a super fan. I've read their books, loyally viewed their spinoffs and read their personal blogs.
There is something fascinating, captivating even, about this family that has drawn me in. Part of that I believe is the fact that the family is full of strong, independent women. Being such an avid feminist activist, this is obviously appealing.
Although, I openly acknowledge that there are problematic things about the Kardashians. But that doesn't mean that they are all bad. All people have good and bad qualities.
Feminists take note: Here are five things I think you can learn from this famous family.
1. There is Power in Sisterhood:
If the Kardashian sisters represent anything, it's sisterhood. They have a strong bond as sisters and support one another in their lives, work, and personal endeavors. They believe they are stronger together as sisters than they are on their own and practice that with their joint ventures and level involvement in each other's lives.
Feminists often, in my opinion, spend too much time and energy focused on who's popular, what celebrity has become the spokesperson for feminism this week and also how to assure men that we don't in fact hate them.
Feminism is supposed to be about uplifting women as a group, which is basically sisterhood by definition. Can we get back to this?
2. There is No Such Thing as Bad Publicity
No one has stopped talking about the Kardashians since they're debut on the showbiz scene. They dominate the tabloids, news media, gossip blogs, and television. Not to mention all of their products and endorsement deals.
My point is that the Kardashians are everywhere and make no apologizes for it- in fact it's a part of their brand messaging. It's all Kardashian, all the time.
Feminists have been doing a better job lately of bringing feminism into all aspects of society, but we need to do more of it! We can only smash the patriarchy if everyone is aware it exists.
3. Kim is the Queen of Turning Lemons into Lemonade
Many people still like to focus on the fact that Kim's leaked sex tape (that by the way, was released without her consent), is a big part of the reason that she's famous.
Even if that is the case (which likely it isn't, considering how many celebrities have been in sex tapes but were just a blip on our radar), Kim managed to turn this icky situation into a multi-million dollar empire and a pop-culture icon.
You have to admit, that's pretty amazing, isn't it?
A lot of people criticize feminists for complaining without actually doing anything about the problems they discuss. I don't think this stereotype is true, but I do think sometimes that we can get driven down too much from the backlash. We have to rise up, take some names, and use our enemies as the fuel to our fire!
4. Everyone Makes Mistakes and It's Okay to Own Up to Them
Remember when Kim was married to Kris Humphries for 72 days before filing for divorce? Remember the even bigger media circus that followed?
What you may not remember is that shortly thereafter, Kim took a hiatus. She stayed at her mother's home, didn't wear makeup and took a good, hard look in the mirror.
She wasn't afraid to apologize and yes, reevaluated her priorities.
I see a lot of people when they get called out acting in fear. I understand and on both sides, I think we, as feminists need to own our mistakes, but also not be so quick to judge and call out. I know we do it often out of fear, hoping the finger won't get pointed our way next.
But acting this way will never get us anywhere.
Let's learn how to mourn, make retribution, and move on.
5. Sometimes, We Just Need to Have Fun
Self-care is critical to being productive and staying healthy and happy.
The Kardashians know this better than anyone, as they are constantly playing silly games and entertaining themselves just for shits and giggles. They aren't afraid to look foolish and always know how to have fun.
If you need a laugh, checkout this scene where Kim and Kris get into a cupcake war
or this one where Khloe is dragging Kim around the house.
We could all use a break to just be goofy, so let's take it!