I like this picture. It really makes me think. In fact, here is a working theory:
The amount of media attention being spent on the demise of the Kim K affair seems rather trivial in the grand scheme of all the other much more important things happening in the world. However, when you stop to consider why the sordid tales surrounding her ill-fated, or planned, love affairs seems to spark our collective interest, it actually makes a bit of sense. And its not so much that the story feeds our need for gossipy tabloid news (although that has a part in it) but more interestedly, Kim K kind of acts as the personification the modern day version of Marie Antoinette.
Not that she is royalty, although she make like to think she is, but there is no denying the grand frivolous and superficial nature of her lifestyle including her fairytale wedding, complete with three designer gowns, half a million dollars in champagne and almost a million dollars worth of grub. And it was all captured on tape to be played ad nauseam to for our adoring eyes.
The egregious displays of wealth normally wouldn't bother folks. In fact, in better times, we have all enjoyed the spectacles of lavish spending and grandiose affairs. However, these are not good times. And the country - hell, the world - is in the throes of declining wealth among the middle class, high unemployment and poverty and insurrection in the streets, via the Occupy movements. All the while the top tier elite continue to get richer and spend frivolously.
Now Kim K and her affairs may not be warranted all this attention or even ridicule. I mean, what does she have to do with politics, poverty and world affairs? However, some would argue the same for Marie Antoinette, who after all, wasn't exactly the most influential member of the French monarchy. But she was a part of the french monarchy, which had been wasting a good amount of tax dollars on themselves while their citizens starved. By beheading the many nobles at the time sent a as a message that profligates would no longer be tolerated. So perhaps like a modern-day Antoinette, it makes everyone feel better to crowd around the guillotine, chanting "off with her head," while Kim K is executed - or at least dragged through the tabloid gutter - for her crime of being extravagant and recklessly wasteful.
Again, that's a working theory. Don't hold me to it.
RSS Feed