Question

Unless you have been living under a rock, chances are you've at least heard of America's most famous family. Over the last thirteen years, the Kardashian-Jenner "klan" has infiltrated and dominated almost every aspect of American culture, from entertainment and fashion to the business world thanks to being smart and business savvy. Kim Kardashian-West, who has created mobile apps, a cosmetics company, and fragrance lines, to name a few, is currently worth an estimated $900 million dollars (Forbes, 2020).

Kylie Jenner, the youngest of the family, was named in 2019 by Forbes as the world's youngest "self-made" billionaire. Kendall Jenner is one of the most sought-after and highest-paid models in the fashion industry. Rob, Khloe, and Kourtney are all fixtures in the tabloids, where every aspect of their loves lives are documented for the masses. Despite the family's overwhelming financial status, many critics argue that the family is simply "famous for being famous". While it is true that without the success of their reality show, "Keeping Up With the Kardashians", they may not have been presented with some of the opportunities that have helped make them who they are, it is hard to ignore the facts. They have used their reality show platform to build an empire of businesses that they are actively involved in running. Whether you love to hate them or hate to love them, there is no denying that the Kardashian-Jenners have left their mark on Americans.

Answer 1

The essay talks about the distinction between 'old money' and 'new money' in U.S. society, points out how some wealthy individuals prefer modest living, and touches on social mobility and the inspiration derived from success stories overcoming systemic barriers.

Step-by-step explanation:

U.S. society has long differentiated between "old money" and "new money".

The former refers to inherited wealth, carrying social prestige and historical ties to the upper echelons of society.

In contrast, 'new money' is a term for wealth that individuals have built for themselves, often holding a different social status despite similar net worth.

Individuals with old money might become professionals such as business managers or lawyers to maintain their wealth.

Celebrities like Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian exemplify those who have leveraged their status as affluent socialites to gain fame and build thriving businesses, often being perceived as famous for being famous.

Conversely, some famous individuals choose to live modestly despite their wealth, like Jennifer Lopez with her affordable fashion choices, or Keanu Reeves using public transport, challenging societal expectations.

Their practicality can sometimes lead to media buzz, as they defy the norms of wealth display.

The concept of social mobility is inspiring to many, as stories of individuals overcoming poverty and systemic barriers to achieve success hold a particular fascination.

Examples include Mariano Rivera, Alice Coachman, and Pelé, athletes who rose from humble beginnings to reach the pinnacle of their sports.

Despite systemic obstacles like discrimination and limited access to resources, social mobility allows for upward movement through education and employment opportunities, albeit for a relatively small portion of the population.