Kim is grappling with her buying addiction again. Kris is getting brand new boobs. Kourtney has decided to do some grainy water birth and Scott is talking about getting a vasectomy – fitting, as his nickname is “Dicky Boy”. The littlest tykes of the Kardashian-Odom-Jenner clan have blossomed into bona fide models and then there’s the men who teeter somewhere on the outskirts of the clan’s fame, vying for a dramatic side-story or foray into the booming business that is the Kardashian name.
I know, as I flip to the E! Network in excitement, that all of this is ridiculous, stupid, vapid, you name it. Yet, I can’t tear myself away. I mean think about it, the Kardashians are famous simply for being famous. Yes, there are the clothing stores, the makeup lines, and Rob’s infamous sock business, but that all happened after the show took off. My parents often reprimand me for watching hours of Kardashian drama on breaks from school. “It’s my mental break. I don’t have to think when I watch it.” I’ll reply, hoping the content of what I’m saying is actually true. So, I admit it. I am a Kardashian addict. But I’m not the only one and in my eternal quest to discover what it is that draws me in, here are a few reasons why I love to keep up with those crazy Kardashians.
They Put It All Out There
Ryan Seacrest struck gold when he found a family that was willing to film everything from surgery to birth, no hold barred. It kind of feels like he created this psychotic family and had them exist for pure amusement for the American population. While I can’t say I’d like to have my life filmed quite like theirs, I give them major props for putting it all out there, there is a certain confidence that goes with that, that’s admirable, if not also utterly stupid.
They Live The Fabulous LifeÂ
 Why do countless Americans buy People, Okay, and U.S. Weekly? Because we love getting a peek into the fabulous lives of our favorite celebs. From jetting off to Vegas for the weekend (did Kendall ever get that tattoo?) to partying at Pure nightclub and living it up in fabulous hotel after fabulous hotel, the luxury and opulence never stop. In one of the more recent episodes, Mr. Fabulous himself, Kanye West gives Kim’s already overflowing closet a makeover (Can I have those Louboutins you’re “giving away”? Please and thank you). The lavishness never ends and getting to spend just an hour making a foray into their lives is thrilling.
They Are A Family That Loves Each Other
Amidst the catty fighting, Kim’s apology emails, a seemingly staged therapy session, and so much screaming, when it comes down to it this is a family that truly loves and cares about each other. The older siblings take care of the younger ones, family dinners seem to be a common occurrence, and the ebb and flow of drama throughout an episode always seems to end in a reaffirmation of the love this family has for each other.
They Bring Up Real Problems
I know what you’re thinking, whether to travel to Ireland or Bora Bora is not a real problem. I would absolutely agree. However, beneath these asinine and superficial issues are deeper and more complex ones that viewers can identify with. Khloe’s issues with getting pregnant, the imminent demise of Kim’s marriage, Kendall’s and Kylie’s school struggles, Rob’s loneliness and grief over his father’s death, and Lamar and Khloe trying to fit in to whatever location Lamar’s career carries them to, are all life obstacles that many of us have had to face. This family facing them in front of an enormous viewing audience is brave and courageous.
It’s Good, Pure, Fun…in the Craziest of Ways
When it comes down to it, even if you hate them, you know you can’t look away. The Kardashians are an absolute blast to watch, and spending an hour or so seeing Kourtney be dragged across the floor by Khloe, Kendall and Kylie steal clothes from their mother’s closet, Rob talk about the stress of creating his sock line, or Kris doing well…whatever it is Kris does, leaves you laughing until your sides hurt. This family is nuts and they welcome their viewers aboard the crazy train with open arms. At the end of an episode, you end up walking away with a sense of lightness, a smile on your face, and a feeling that your life is pretty darn sane.
So no, I may not be growing infinitely smarter by watching these lovely ladies fret over fashion and jet set across the world. Nevertheless, the Kardashians will always hold a special place in my heart. In a recent interview with the family, Oprah called them a cultural phenomenon and wanted to know what it is that makes so many of us want to be part of their family. I’m not sure if she ever got to the bottom of it, but in the words of Katniss Everdeen, I volunteer! After all, Rob is still single right?
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