ENCORE: The Kardashians | Break The Internet | 108
Mar 29, 2022
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Kim Kardashian, a media mogul celebrated for transforming scandals into thriving brands, dives into her journey navigating fame. She reflects on her controversial Paper Magazine photoshoot and the backlash over cultural appropriation related to her and her family's actions. Kim examines the challenges of public perception and accountability, especially during significant movements like Black Lives Matter. The conversation also highlights her rebranding of Kimono to Skims, showcasing her adaptability in a rapidly changing cultural landscape.
Kim Kardashian’s ability to turn scandals into opportunities has evolved, reflecting the changing dynamics of celebrity culture and public expectations.
Amidst criticism and a shifting cultural landscape, Kim transitions from a superficial celebrity to a socially conscious advocate for criminal justice reform.
Deep dives
Kim Kardashian's Iconic Paper Magazine Covers
In November 2014, Kim Kardashian joyfully opens her long-awaited Paper Magazine covers, revealing two distinct yet provocative images. The first cover is bold and sensual, showcasing Kim's oiled body posed in a suggestive manner, while the second cover captures a playful moment of her laughing and pouring champagne, a concept conceived by renowned photographer Jean-Paul Goude. Despite her excitement over the covers, they spark immediate criticism, leading to accusations of racism and cultural appropriation due to the historical implications of Goude's work, particularly a controversial photo he took of a Black model years earlier. This backlash marks a significant moment for Kim, forcing her to confront a cultural landscape that increasingly requires public figures to engage with social and political issues.
The Impacts of Cultural Appropriation
The issues surrounding Kim Kardashian's Paper Magazine cover lead to broader discussions about cultural appropriation, particularly within the context of the Kardashian-Jenner family's public image. Critics highlight that while Kim garners praise for features typically associated with Black women, such as fuller lips and curvier bodies, the same attributes have historically drawn negative scrutiny for Black individuals. As Kim tries to navigate this backlash without responding initially, the culturally sensitive climate shifts her image into one perceived as increasingly out of touch. The episode underscores how celebrity engagement with cultural representation is fraught with challenges and evolving expectations.
Kim's Shift in Social Awareness
After months of silence in response to the criticism, Kim Kardashian begins to recognize the changing demands of her audience amid the growing Black Lives Matter movement. Following a poorly timed social media post, she starts to articulate her position and publicly supports Black Lives Matter, marking a pivotal transition in her approach to social issues. This newfound awareness motivates her to take action in various forms, including an impactful meeting with President Trump advocating for criminal justice reform. Kim’s commitment to this cause intertwines with her personal reputation, showcasing her attempts to reconcile her celebrity status with meaningful advocacy.
Becoming an Advocate Amidst Celebrity Culture
Over time, Kim Kardashian shifts gears from a celebrity known for superficiality to one with a burgeoning social justice profile. Her advocacy leads her to successfully campaign for Alice Johnson's release from prison, spotlighting systemic issues within the justice system. In pursuing legal studies and becoming more vocal about criminal justice reform, Kim aims to leverage her platform for positive change, albeit not without scrutiny regarding her motives. The duality of Kim's identity—as a fashion mogul maintaining her brand while simultaneously taking on activism—reflects the complexities of navigating fame in the modern era.
Kim’s developed a sixth sense for spinning scandals into publicity – and publicity into new brands. But what worked in 2010 won’t work in 2020. To stay on top, Kim’s going to have to work against all the instincts that have gotten her this far.
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