The Kardashian/Jenner clan seems to be in the news more often than any other celebrities. From who they’re dating to who they’re wearing, our country seems to have a fascination with these people, yet no one really knows how or why they’re so damn famous. Yes, we know it originally began with Kim K’s scandalous relationship with Ray J, but how did these vain, self-obsessed people become the center of our pop culture universe? We all are guilty of getting sucked into the occasional, mindless "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" marathon, but is it just the entertainment of their stupidity that keeps us hooked? I think the most valuable thing I’ve ever learned from watching an episode is “The bigger the hoop, the bigger the ho.” Thanks, Khloe.
Instead of losing brain cells watching the Kardashians bash each other and pout their lips, we should be turning to other sources for role models. As funny as it is to watch Kourtney hang up on her mother mid-phone call, in the real world, we know we should never treat our mothers in such a way. And luckily, our mothers, in turn, know not to exploit their children for money or encourage them to pose for a nude photoshoot. Here are five people who have better things to say than the Kardashians. We should be listening to them.
1. Audrey Hepburn
When you think of Audrey Hepburn, you automatically think of class and grace. She was always poised and had a very successful career as an actress. Her movies are classics that are still watched and loved to this day. While there is no doubt in my mind the Kardashians will be reflected as a joke in another 50 years, "Breakfast at Tiffany’s" will still be an American favorite. Not only did the talented Audrey Hepburn actually have a reason to be famous, she was philanthropic, charitable, and intelligent, which is what morphed her into an icon. She was constantly using her words to inspire people, and make them believe in themselves. She once said, ““Make-up can only make you look pretty on the outside but it doesn't help if your ugly on the inside. Unless you eat the make-up.” The Kardashians could learn from that one.
2. Humans of New York
Not one person, but many different people from all different walks of life share their stories with "Humans of New York," and those stories are then shared with millions of people. Life lessons, how-tos, and what-not-to-dos, all on a single Facebook page for us to learn from. It’s a collection of imperfect people leading imperfect lives, but learning and changing along the way. And isn't that what life truly is about? There are billions of non-famous people in this world with words of wisdom that are much more valuable to our lives as normal human beings than Kylie Jenner lips.
3. Jennifer Lawrence
J-Law is one of those celebrities that actually should be a celebrity. She is an incredibly talented actress and is not afraid to speak up, be loud, and be heard on social issues in today’s world. Body image is something that many girls struggle with because of people, especially women, in the media creating impossible standards. While the Kardashian sisters are posting mirror selfies in their waist trainers, Jennifer Lawrence is pushing to change the standard of beauty. She is encouraging young girls to be comfortable in their bodies and to not change for anyone, which is something all girls need to pay attention to and hear.
4. Kid President
I want to be like this little kid when I grow up. Seriously y’all, this kid has so many amazing things to say, and he’s stinking cute too. I don’t think it’s physically possible to watch one of his videos without smiling. I have a quote of his that hangs on my wall. It's a quote I believe we all should try to live by every day—“Be somebody who makes everybody feel like a somebody.” It is a very simple quote, but it means so much. To me it means go through life impacting each person you meet and make them feel like an important part of this world, because believe it or not, each and every soul on this planet is important. Even the Kardashians. One interaction with one person can impact your entire life. You never know when you could be that person to impact someone’s entire life, positively or negatively; so always aim for the positive.
5. Our Parents
This one is a little cliché, but your parents will always be your number one supporters. They didn’t drag you to church every Sunday just to watch you squirm in the pew. They did it in an effort to impart morals into your being and to give you something deeper to believe in. Whether you’re Christian, Jewish, Muslim, or anything else under the rainbow, one thing stays the same; our parents want us to be the best people we possibly can be. When I was in middle school my mom would always tell me “garbage in, garbage out.” I thought that saying was just a ploy to keep me from watching MTV, but now that I’m older, I understand it. The more I watch the Kardashians, the more I want to pout my lips and throw sass at anyone who comes my way, but that’s not me, and that’s not who I want to be. So I’ll keep saying please and thank you, sir and ma’am, and strive to live like my mother, and not the Kardashian momager.
