The Kardashian-Jenner family has been a pop culture staple for over a decade. Their reality TV show, Keeping Up with the Kardashians (KUWTK), and multiple business sidelines kept them in the spotlight. They’re one of the most successful, famous families to grace the entertainment industry. However, are the Kardashian-Jenners already “canceled” due to changing pop culture tides and ongoing dramas?
In 2007, KUWTK first aired on TV, shooting the family to fame. The reality show on the lives of Kim, Kourtney, Khloé, Kendall, Kylie, Rob, and their “momager” Kris Jenner, was a hit. However, Kim’s leaked sex tape with Ray J, her then-boyfriend, made her infamous even before the show aired. Marriages, divorces, cheating scandals, high-profile relationships, and lucrative business ventures keep the brood in the spotlight.
Over the years, the family built up their empire even more. They started various side deals, including Kim’s KKW Beauty and Skims, Khloé’s Good American denim line, and Kylie’s company, Kylie Cosmetics, rumored to have made her a billionaire, though that was disputed. Kendall Jenner also made a name for herself as a top model in the fashion industry. Are tides turning for the Kardashian-Jenners?
Could This Really Be The End?
Additionally, their personal lives and feuds with other celebs also kept them in the news. There was Kim’s 72-day marriage to Kris Humphries, Khloé’s relationship with Tristan Thompson, and the Jordyn Woods scandal. They shared their entire lives with the public, and their social media presence grew their fame. Kim’s “Break the Internet” Paper cover and the Taylor Swift-Kanye West feud also bolstered their popularity.
Despite their success, the Kardashian-Jenners have faced critics and beefs. Remember Kendall’s famous Pepsi commercial? Social change and Black Lives Matter activists accused her of trivializing the movement. Kim’s multiple instances of alleged cultural appropriation upset the public. Two of the most recently cited problems are their lack of “authenticity” and “reliability.”
One illustration is Kim’s shapewear line. Initially named “Kimono,” the name drew anger for stealing items from a culture, not hers. The kimono is a traditional Japanese garment with significant meaning for the culture. Kim eventually re-branded the line as Skims. However, the incident left a sour taste in many people’s mouths.
The 2023 Met Gala Drama Is Just The Tip…
One of the most recent dramas is the whiplash-inducing 2023 Met Gala invite scandal. The entire family was declared “banned” by Page Six. The outlet reversed its claim just days later and said Kim was in. But can the Kardashian-Jenners, a family whose very foundation is pop culture, indeed be “canceled”? Their ability to bounce back from controversies is admirable. Even more, maintaining a stronghold of public attention is a testament to their resilience and adaptability. As they pivot their brands to accommodate changing societal values, they still possess the potential to remain relevant.
Take Kim’s foray into criminal justice reform, for example. Her efforts to free Alice Marie Johnson from a life sentence are impressive. Also, her pursuit of a law degree is a new side of the reality star we haven’t seen. Similarly, Kendall’s recent activism, including her support for the Black Lives Matter movement, seems legit to some. Yet, to others, it’s just more family finessing.
Scandalous Shakeups
However, with a family routinely caught out for stealing ideas, lying, arguing, and outright faking drama for PR, who knows? Kardashian-Jenners must maintain this momentum and show genuine growth and accountability if they want to reclaim trust. Their controversies extend beyond those mentioned above. Remember Rob Kardashian’s up-and-down relationship with Blac Chyna? Even worse, their reality show Rob & Chyna and their public and messy breakup.
Further, Kylie Jenner initially denied using lip fillers, fueling rumors and criticism on social media. She eventually admitted to having lip fillers, but the incident raised questions about the family’s honesty and transparency. Additionally, Kendall and Kylie faced backlash for their “vintage” T-shirt line. The two youngest of the clan superimposed their images over iconic musicians, including Tupac, Biggie, and Pink Floyd. The outrage was fast and real. The entire line was pulled, and the sisters quickly apologized, but the damage to their reputation was already done.
Are The Recent Family Changes Sincere Or More Of The Same?
Critics say the Kardashian-Jenners’ involvement in multiple controversies is their own doing. They add that their struggle to keep up with the changing times has been insincere. Social media echos this feeling and has led to an increased number of people calling for their “cancelation.” While it’s true that they still have a large fan base and continue to make headlines, many say it’s too little too late. They need to adapt more genuinely to the ever-changing landscape of pop culture and social awareness.
The family’s relevance depends on their ability to grow, learn from past mistakes, and authentically contribute to society. Can they do that? The answer depends on who you ask. One thing is for sure: the Kardashian-Jenners will not go down without a fight.
So, what happens next? While the Kardashian-Jenners aren’t “canceled” yet, will they be? Regardless of the recent shake-ups, the family faces a crucial turning point in their careers. As the public demands more accountability and authenticity from celebrities, only time will tell. Will the Kardashian-Jenner clan evolve and continue to captivate audiences worldwide? Or is this just the writing on the wall?
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