Keeping up with the Conceited

It hit me while I was watching TV with my roommate. She was watching Keeping up with the Kardashians again. She insists that their antics and stupidity makes her laugh. I insist that the show is the McDonalds of TV -- okay in small doses, but too much will make you feel sick inside. It’s greasy and cheap, and if you keep consuming it, your body and mind will start to feel the effects.

This time was no different. In this particular episode, Kim got laser surgery on her hands, taking away all the little wrinkles and scars. And it just hit me. How much these women were willing to do just to look good. To look the part. Absolutley nothing could have a flaw, even something as simple as your hands. Everything must constantly be worked on and doted over so that there is no question that they are beautiful and perfect.

And I hate this idea. That no one can ever see your flaws. Even the ones that aren’t actually flaws. Who in the entire world is going to look at Kim Kardashian’s hands and think, “Ugh, her hands are so ugly. They would look so much better without those wrinkles and that little scar. Disgusting.”?

Why would anyone ever want to live in a world so unforgiving?

And there’s nothing wrong with looking presentable or taking pride in the way you look. In fact, that’s my point. Why can’t I be okay with my stretch marks and scars and cellulite? Why should I have to hide all of that away? Can’t I like myself just the way that I look?

Can’t I just let my body be a body?

And to an extent, I understand that this is their career. They are paid to look like this, and to keep up this image. I suppose one could argue that there is use in it after all. Unfortunately (or fortunately), this idea will never have any value to me. Thank God that isn’t my job. I would go mad. My heart would be the lattice to the parasitic vine of self-loathing, slowly and surely choking the life out of me.

And I don’t think that the Kardashians themselves are useless. Nobody is useless, and everyone has value, one way or another. But this notion they spread through their massive means of influence is destructive and dangerous and not something I could ever support.

It’s vain.

Damaging.

Fake.

Shallow.

Hollow.

It’s utterly useless.