Real Talk 31st May 2018 by Helen O'Neill

Does Kim K Really Deserve The Criticism She’s Received After Trump Visit?

The star was visting to discuss prison reform.

No matter how much someone says they don’t keep up with the Kardashians, you will be hard pushed to find someone who doesn’t have some sort of opinion on Kim Kardashian West.

With her millions of followers on social media and die hard fans in tears queuing up at her public appearances, there is no doubt that Kim K has a lot of love. However, especially in recent years since her fame has skyrocketed, Kim can’t simply post one photo or comment without being criticised.

With some of her posts, criticism can be expected the minute she hits that post button. For example, Kim has been slammed for promoting appetite suppressing lollipops and posting a photo that her daughter North took of her semi nude. The criticism never seems to stop.

Most recently, she visited the White House to meet with President Donald Trump to discuss prison reform, specifically the case of Alice Marie Johnson. Johnson is a 62-year-old great-grandmother who has been locked away for a life sentence since her 1992 conviction for a first-time, non-violent drug offence. Kim has been advocating for Johnson’s release since her case was written about back in October:

So why is it that meeting with the President to discuss this case has brought Kim so much backlash?

Whether you agree with Kim’s request to grant clemency on the case or not, it’s good that she’s using of her star power and public persona to try and combat injustice. Kim is also personally funding a new legal team to support Johnson’s appeals.

And while any association with Donald Trump is wholly unpopular at the moment, this issue is bigger than her husband, Kanye West’s, endorsement of the President.

At first thought, Kim Kardashian West is not the most qualified person to talk about prison reform to the US President. The star is often labelled ‘stupid’ and ‘famous for nothing’ but it is clear to say that Kim is far from unintelligent.

Kim’s name can open doors and she is aware that by using her brand she can draw attention to pressing and important subjects such as Johnson’s case, which usually would be left on the back burner.

It is safe to say that not many people would know that much about Johnson’s case, and cases similar to it, if it were not for Kim’s tweets about it.

And from looking at Trumps previous actions, it can be said that he is more likely to listen to Kim’s statement rather than an actual prison reform advocacy expert. As we all know, Trump loves a photo op with any popular celebrity that will get him in the good books of society.

For someone like Kim, she really is damned if she does and damned if she doesn’t. While her loyal fans will always stand by her no matter what, Kim’s association seems to bring criticism with whatever she does.

If Kim gets up and stands up for a cause she believes in she’s bombarded with comments about ‘sticking’ to her reality show life. If she stays at home and posts pictures of herself or make-up she’s labelled as vapid and brainless.

While is it completely fair to say that Kim has had her share of damaging and risky posts on social media, she has used her voice for good as well.

During an episode of Keeping Up With the Kardashians, Kim strayed from the usual family antics and visited Planned Parenthood with her sisters. The episode went into the critical social issue of the defunding of the reproductive health service, which led to Kim saying: “I do like to speak up on social media about topics that mean something to me, and I want to be more informed.”

For Kim, visiting the President is not a safe decision. This bold move could potentially tarnish her American celebrity, mostly non-political image, as these days any association with Trump will often been seen as bad.

Whatever your stance on Kim Kardashian West, her fight for social justice and standing up for what she believes in should not be rejected because of her lifestyle choices. It’s easy to see why some people criticise Kim for her naked selfies or promotion of weight loss but it cannot be said that she simply is good for nothing.

Tags: