Every time a Kardashian-Jenner is in the news whether on a red carpet or starting a new venture, the internet erupts into the same argument: they ruined beauty standards! Here’s a question: why do we love blaming women for a world they didn’t build, but one they had to learn how to survive in?

The Kardashians  via ENews

Let’s rewind a bit. Do you remember what beauty standards were like before the Kardashians became cultural juggernauts? It wasn’t exactly a utopia of self-love and inclusivity. Beauty standards have been dictating women’s worth for centuries, and all the Kardashians did was hack a system that was already broken and profit from it.

Beauty standards via artsy 

This isn’t defence. It’s a reality check.

The cycle of bullying and beauty

Khloe Kardashian via ENews 

Khloé Kardashian was called the “less attractive Kardashian sister” before her body transformation. Similarly, Kylie Jenner didn’t just wake up one day with lip fillers and a billion-dollar beauty empire. Before the "Kylie Lip Kit" craze, she was a teenager who was often publicly ridiculed for her thin lips. Kylie Jenner via Kylie Cosmetics 

Here’s the irony: society bullies women for not looking “right,” then bullies them for doing something about it. This vicious cycle doesn’t just apply to celebrities; it’s the lived experience of so many women. The difference is, Kylie and Khloé did it on a global stage, with everyone watching—and judging.

Privilege, power, and the Golden Globes drama

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMkfaKBKD/

 In a video that surfaced online from the annual Golden Globes held on 5th January 2025,  Demi Moore appeared to have snubbed Kylie Jenner, and netizens were engaged in a heated argument, with some calling it out. While others praised the snub as justice, they claimed it highlighted the Kardashians’ unchecked privilege. Critics questioned why Kylie Jenner, who has no direct ties to the film industry, was invited to an event meant to honour cinematic achievements. For many, her presence symbolised the growing influence of celebrity over merit.

But what does that really solve? 

Tweet via X 

The Kardashians’  access to spaces, money, and opportunities is undeniable, but finding joy in moments that humble them feels counterproductive. Are we dismantling privilege, or are we just being petty?

The bigger picture: a broken beauty machine

Toxic beauty standards via Dove 

Here’s the truth: the Kardashians didn’t invent unrealistic beauty standards. They didn’t create the billion-dollar beauty industry that thrives on insecurity, nor did they start the centuries-old obsession with women’s appearances. They stepped into an already-flawed system, learned how to manipulate it, and became wildly successful in doing so.

Plastic surgery photography via Pinterest 

Yes, they’ve shaped trends and their influence is enormous. But holding them solely responsible for our cultural obsession with perfection ignores the deeper problem: the industries and systems that profit from making women feel less-than.

So, who’s really to blame?

The Kardashians are easy targets because they’re famous. But pointing fingers at them is like blaming the whole ocean because one wave knocked you over.

We’re all part of the machine that upholds toxic beauty standards—whether we’re buying products, engaging in criticism, or idolising perfection.

Rather than tearing down women (famous or not), lets  start holding industries accountable. Let's start demanding better representation, celebrating diversity, and rejecting the idea that there’s only one way to be beautiful.