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The Kardashians Explain It All
One of the boldest questions Barbara Walters ever asked was less a question than an insult. The year was 2011, and Walters was interviewing three members of the Kardashian family—the sisters Kim, Khloé, and Kourtney—and their mother, Kris Jenner. The conversation was, in theory, a compliment to her guests; Walters had included the Kardashians in the most recent edition of her annual “10 Most Fascinating People” list. But now, sitting with the four women, she observed: “You don’t really act; you don’t sing; you don’t dance. You don’t have any—forgive me—any talent.”
TL;DR
- Barbara Walters questioned the Kardashians' talent in 2011, to which they responded that they entertain people.
- The Kardashians' reality show, *Keeping Up With the Kardashians*, premiered in 2007 and ran for 20 seasons, redefining fame as being famous for being famous.
- The family has evolved into a business conglomerate, selling products and themselves, with their brand identity extending into social media and corporate assets.
- Their success challenges the notion of a meritocracy, as they have achieved immense wealth and influence without traditional talents, instead mastering the attention economy.
- MJ Corey's book, *Dekonstructing the Kardashians*, analyzes the family as metonyms for American culture and the media landscape that elevated them.