The Reality Star: A Glorified Socialite

From Laguna Beach, to The Hills, to the Simple Life, to Keeping Up with the Kardashians, reality television has been around for as long as I can remember. It’s often garbage, I know, but let’s pause for a second and delve deeper: there is something about the idea of capturing life events as they really happen that is truly profound. Although I’m sure this rarely happens in television, it’s a brilliant idea. There’s nothing more fantastic than raw footage. How often do you actually get that? Who knows, but let’s give credit where it’s due.

“What do they even do for a living?” “They have no talent.” “They do nothing with their lives.” Wait. Freeze. Have you ever even met these people? Do you know anything about who they really are, what they have accomplished, who they are trying to be, or where they are today? Let’s try something! Look at the positives and give them a little bit of credit, if not respect—they’re people.

I know what you’re thinking: The life of a socialite must be hard, especially with the all-expense paid trips and meals. I mean, you’re essentially getting paid to hang out with friends and family and shop and give your skewed perspective of life to the world, right? Must be nice. Except not. I guarantee the life of the reality star is not at all what it’s dolled up to be and I know if I were approached on such a lifestyle I would answer with a big, fat no thank you. Think about it. They spend their entire lives in the public eye, with a camera crew following their every move, and tabloids publishing lie upon lie. They don’t even really know the meaning of privacy. Many of them have been raised in Hollywood and are somehow connected to celebrities in their own right and it’s true, they ultimately chose this lifestyle, but maybe, just maybe, their lives are already hard enough without the constant criticism.

http://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2015/06/caitlyn-jenner-photos-interview-buzz-bissinger 

http://www.hollywoodtake.com/rob-kardashians-money-problems-depression-and-weight-gain-scare-kris-jenner-kim-kourtney-78152

“But they can’t relate to the struggles of normal, middle class people.” I get it, I do. I agree, wholeheartedly. But who said one person’s struggles were worse than the next? Not me. But isn’t not judging a book by its cover like a commandment, or something? And don’t people like Kris and Caitlyn Jenner have issues just like you and I? And don’t they, to some degree, represent a mixed up, messed up world where so many people share similar trials? Life is all about lessons! And here is one for all of us: We definitely all need compassion in this world (even if the struggle is lost diamond earrings [yes, we can all even be dramatic and ridiculous sometimes]).

So go ahead, feel sorry for them! I don’t necessarily blame you. It definitely does seem like a sad life. But retiring at age 40 with millions of dollars doesn’t. Especially when most of the world is struggling to move out of their parent’s basement…maybe they feel kind of sorry for you. Here’s what I say: to each their own!

AND haven't you ever heard of that one Journey song? How does it go? 

"We all need clowns to make us smile"