The Kardashians are setting a poor example for pandemic behaviour

It has been almost eight months since COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic. Everyone has felt the harrowing effects of social isolation and quarantine. 

 

In true Kardashian fashion, Kim Kardashian decided it would be an appropriate time to relieve her family’s stress by renting out an entire island for her 40th birthday bash. The news came days before Kendall Jenner threw a Halloween-themed birthday party with an alleged guest list of 100 attendees. 

 

With the virus surging across the world, people need to be abiding by public health guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Regardless of your social standing or economic status, we should all be working together to stop the spread of this deadly virus. The Kardashians are no exception. 

 

In an Instagram post, Kim claimed to be “humbled” by her privilege while sharing pictures of extravagant outings and activities her partygoers had on the private island. 

 

Kim’s post feels like a tone-deaf attempt to validate herself for being the self-absorbed social icon who prioritizes partying over the health and safety of those around her. Perhaps it’s time to remind the Kardashians and other A-listers  the pandemic isn’t over, and our circumstances won’t improve unless we collectively continue to socially distance and act responsibly. 

 

When people with massive fortunes and social platforms behave in a way that flies in the face of the interests of public health, it’s incredibly disheartening. While there's been an onslaught of criticism coming from other celebrities and the public, they seem unbothered by the bad press. It’s frustrating to see people like the Kardashians behave this way and feel zero repercussions. 

 

Rather than spending a copious amount of money on a lavish getaway, Kim could have tastefully directed her funds to those who are struggling to provide for themselves during the pandemic. Just as well, Kim could use her social media platform to inspire others to stay home. 

 

It’s moments like these that remind us that celebrities aren’t just like us: they believe they have the privilege to flaunt health regulations, ignore the safety of others, and prioritize their lifestyle over the spread of coronavirus. 

 

Despite the example set by Kim and her family, we can be smarter by staying home and saving the Bahamas for a time where there’s not an ongoing pandemic. 

 

Now is the time to set a precedent for others. Not every A-lister is as flagrantly ostentatious as the Kardashian-Jenner clan, but enough are. All we can do is hope  they will do better in the future and unsubscribe from their self-centered narratives. 

 

Instead of continuing to fuel the Kardashian fire, we should redirect our focus to those use their platforms for the good of others. For example, Taylor Swift has actively used her position to influence others to do their part to stop the spread of COVID-19 and has quietly donated money to fans who have faced financial stresses due to the pandemic.

 

We shouldn’t engage with the Kardashian-Jenner’s posts, purchase their products, or watch their content. They’ve demonstrated their money isn’t going anywhere useful, and their influence isn’t being used productively. If anything, these stunts prove it’s time to stop keeping up with the Kardashians for good.