In a blog post, Kim Kardashian announced to the world that she has discovered racism. Being a mother has, in her words, allowed her to “[see] through my daughter’s eyes the side of life that isn’t always so pretty.”
To this we say: bravo!
It takes a lot of courage to admit that you have only just realized that “racism and discrimination are still alive,” but Kim has boldly taken that step, making us all the richer for it. Now that she knows about this cultural affliction, she has set a lofty goal: to “ensure that hate is something our children never have to see.”
Seriously, it’s kind of amazing that she is only just beginning to realize the racism is still a problem in our society. Was she not paying attention to all the criticism she and Kanye West received for the infamous Vogue cover? Did she really think that was only because people disliked the fashion choices?
The Donald Sterling incident has once again thrust racism into the national discourse, but it wasn’t so long ago that we were talking about Trayvon Martin and George Zimmerman, and before long there will be another incident occupying our attention. It’s kind of hard to miss, even if you aren’t really watching or listening.
Whether we like it or not, though, Kardashian has a bigger platform and wider audience than almost anyone in our society. She actually has a chance to affect some positive change, should she decide to channel her time and energy appropriately.
While the idea of her discovering racism at age 33 is more than a little bewildering, at least she is now aware of it. The real test now becomes what she does with that knowledge, if anything.
You can view her blog post here, or read the full text below:
I never knew how much being a mom would change me. It’s amazing how one little person and the love I have for her has brought new meaning to every moment. What once seemed so important, now feels insignificant. It’s like I get to see the world for the first time again, but through someone else’s eyes. It’s a beautiful thing to feel and experience so much more, but with that beauty comes a flip side – seeing through my daughter’s eyes the side of life that isn’t always so pretty.
