Keeping up with the Kardashian's
The fame of the Kardashian's and the Jenner's is ever-growing. Everyone who watches news or talk shows or even glances at magazine covers when checking out at the grocery store knows one thing or another about the Kardashian/Jenner family. For example, Kim has her huge behind and her sex tape, which is what's talked about a lot in the first episode, "I'm Watching You." The show started back in October of 2007 and has been following the lives of the Kardashian's and Jenner's since then. In the beginning of the shows, the Kardashian's and the Jenners all introduce themselves. Kris Jenner is the mother to all of the Kardashian/Jenner children whereas Bruce Jenner is only the father to Kendall and Kylie Jenner. The first episode of the very first season of KUPTK was interesting enough to put it in simple terms which leads me as a viewer to believe that the episodes continuing from the first one can only get more interesting as they go. There was a lot that went on in the first show including the introduction of all of the characters. All of the characters throughout this show and the introductions were very monotone which poses the question of whether or not the introductions were scripted or if throughout the show there was a lot of re-takes and staged reality. Either way, the techniques used by the producers make for a funny and wild roller-coaster of events throughout each season.
 |
| Keeping up with the Kardashians - Season 1 |
Throughout the show, there is a lot of little dramatic moments between the siblings and just about a character alone that made me laugh. In the very first episode, Kourtney and Kris were talking about how Kim "has a lot of junk in her trunk," which if you read any news and have stumbled over people talking about Kim Kardashian, you know that she is known for her big behind. Personally, I think that most of the dramatic elements throughout the show are funny but also dumb which makes the show entertaining to watch. Also shown in the first episode was a moment when Kris, who is not just Kim's mother but her manager as well, informs Kim that Tyra Banks has asked for Kim to make an appearance on Tyra's show but that Kim would have to talk about her sex tape. Now, you don't hear many good things said when talking about someone's sex tape. Kim talks about how it was something that happened and something that was supposed to be private to her but that she wants to forget about it and move on to do better things. Them talking about the tape and how it was leaked is a moment that I can relate to. No, I did not make a tape myself but I know of plenty of people from my high school and the areas surrounding mine back home that had things that were supposed to be private to them that were sent around. It makes the show more dramatic but also, a lot of people can relate to their private things being shared with others. It doesn't happen to everyone but I'm sure Kim never thought it would happen to her either. This example gave a lot of personal feeling and emotion into the first episode alone, which June Deery may coin as "real." Deery states, "As a concept, 'real' can mean different things - actual, authentic, genuine..." (Deery 55) and in the moment when Kim talks to Kris and then to her family about her perceptions of the tape, you can see the real emotion that Kim portrays.
All of the Kardashian's are looked up to in one way or another by a crowd of girls who want to be just like them. From Kylie's pastel hair colors to Kourtney's new bod, KUWTK serves the followers of the Kardashian's with some more entertainment. Jeff Jensen states in an article on the Kardashian sisters, "Somehow, someway, the Kardashians have gone from a freak show to a multimillion-dollar brand that appeals to young women and teenage girls, who view the sisters as trendsetters and--gulp!--role models" (Jensen 42-46). A normal day on social media consists of people retweeting pictures of girls who are turning 15 and 16 and look like they're grown women. These girls get all dressed up and put on tons of makeup and plump their lips to look like none other than Kylie Jenner. I'm sure we've all heard of the Kylie Jenner Lip Challenge. This was a challenge done by a handful of girls all over who wanted to make their lips as plump and juicy as Kylie's plastic surgeon did for her. Idolizing the Kardashian's is just something that comes along with the popularity of the show, just like how people want to be just like Ellen or Jessica Alba but it's the same way with every celebrity.
"For boho fashion, health tips and interior design, fans can download Kourtney’s app; for make-up tutorials and tips on organic dog food, they can download Kylie’s" (Monteverde 159). This is just one of the many ways that the show KUWTK and the stars on it are influential to the show's viewers. This show gives good laughs and just a fun viewing experience. From the dramatic events that make the girls tear up a bit or call each other names to Bruce Jenner transforming into Caitlyn Jenner, KUWTK never leaves you unsatisfied and not knowing the newest drama with the family.
Work's Cited
Deery, June. Reality TV. Malden, MA: Polity Press, 2015.
Jensen, Jeff. "Naked Ambition: Why Are These Women Famous?." Entertainment Weekly 1118 (2010): 42-46. Academic Search Complete. Web. 17 Feb. 2017.
Monteverde, Giuliana. "Kardashian Komplicity: Performing Post-Feminist Beauty." Critical Studies In Fashion & Beauty 7.2 (2016): 153-172. Art & Architecture Source. Web. 17 Feb. 2017.
No comments:
Post a Comment