Yesterday, Kim Kardashian caused a Twitter meltdown by revealing how she celebrated her 40th birthday. 'After 2 weeks of multiple health screens and asking everyone to quarantine,' she wrote on Twitter, 'I surprised my closest inner circle with a trip to a private island where we could pretend things were normal just for a brief moment in time.' The caption preceded a parade of photographs of the star, posing and partying with a large group of friends and family. It took about three seconds for the world to respond with viral memes and criticisms. Many have slated her for the apparent insensitivity of showing off her wealth when others are struggling with their finances amid the global pandemic. Others have suggested that it is irresponsible behaviours, regardless of how careful she and her posse were. Some asked why she couldn't just keep her celebrations to herself.
But I have absolutely no issue with Kim's posts. Kim Kardashian has built an entire career on sharing her life. She has made millions from her role as herself, the bonafide, top billed star of Keeping Up With The Kardashians. Her Instagram and Twitter accounts take her fans through everything from the growth or her children to the latest pair of shoes she has bought. We have been taken into The White House. We have explored her closets, bigger than our homes. We know what her kitchen looks like. We know when she's in labour. Why shouldn't she share her own birthday party celebrations? Yes, the pill may be tougher to swallow at the moment, but the images are wholly consistent with her life and her brand which, in the case of Kim Kardashian, seems tantamount to the same thing. I respect her for her commitment to her eternal schtick and for the escapism that she provides.
There are also other practical factors to consider. First of all, finances. Kim and her family benefit greatly from brand deals and social media engagements. It is not impossible that these images are not a contractual obligation in return for discounts or kick-backs offered by whatever tourist board is involved, or the gifting of the outfits, accessories, perhaps even the cake. For Kim, social media is currency. Even if she didn't receive a penny for presenting these pictures, the engagement and rise in followers will be used as proof of her influence and impact in future deals.
Additionally, silence can often be far more destructive than over-sharing. If Kim had gone off to her island with her friends - which she has every right to do, having taken every safety precaution - and implemented a social media ban, then we would not have heard about the event for, perhaps, a week or so. But people talk. Rumours spread. It would have not taken long before we found out that she and her clan had crept off to a tropical hideaway for an enormous birthday party. After the fact, her description of how she ensured quarantines and testing would have sounded like empty excuses. Instead, she chose to be upfront and honest. Her husband is, after all, technically running for President.
So before you criticise Kim for flouting her privilege - which she freely acknowledges - for over-sharing her life, for rubbing her wealth in our faces, ask yourself: what do you expect from her? And if you don't like it, unfollow her. Block her. Mute her. Whatever brings you peace. Because she and her carnival of decadence aren't going anywhere.
Kim, you're doing amazing sweetie.
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Don’t forget, you can watch the new season of Keeping Up With Kardashians - plus every old episode - on Hayu now.