Famous for nothing

Like most, I associate family with love, loyalty, support and warmth. 

At his recent wedding to Kim Kardashian, Kanye West gave a 20-minute speech during which he referred to his in-laws as “an industry.” 
They have a long-running reality show that is arguably as tasteless and pointless as anything out there – the constant rumours of its impending cancellation notwithstanding.  They have a line of clothing and handbags and dozens of endorsement deals. 

They’re all over the tabloids.  And it all started with a sex tape.

So who wants to be a Kardashian? I’m not talking about marrying into the family or moving into their mansions.

Famous in 12 is a new reality show on The CW Television Network that’s being promoted as a “social experiment.” It will follow one family for 12 weeks as they attempt to become the next Kardashian Empire. 

The family members will work with TMZ, which is creating various opportunities for them to make their name. 

In other words, they will be seen as the hottest “It” spots and mingle with the rich, the famous, the vacuous. 

This family claims to have talent – singing, dancing, modelling, writing, and acting – which they feel they can parlay into fame and fortune. 

But let’s be honest.  It’s not their talent that they’ll be selling – not on Instagram or Twitter. 

No, if they are anything like those Kardashians they want to emulate, they will become famous simply for being famous. 
Only later will they try to create a product that they can sell to keep the fame going. 

Could it work? Possibly. After all, they have something today that the Kardashians didn’t have when they launched themselves – social media.

Each family member’s “Star Power” will be measured based on how people are tracking them on various social media.  Consequently, viewers will be able to influence whether their “fame campaign” succeeds or fails.

But do we really need another Kardashian clan?

You have to give them credit. The Kardashians are the gift that keeps on giving. 

They continue to find ways of staying in the limelight despite being arguably the most disliked and publicly ridiculed family in the media. 

And marrying themselves with arguably the most outspoken and delusional celebrity has simply strengthened their chances of survival for the immediate future. And who looks beyond that anyway?

Of course, they could be as all-powerful as Kanye claims, capable of making “the world a better place.” 

However, if they had ever attempted a selfless act for humanity – or even thrown a quarter in a donation box – the selfie probably would have made it to Instagram before you heard the clink of it landing.

But Kanye’s right about one thing.  They are remarkable and will be remembered. Like Seinfeld who made millions with a show about nothing, the Kardashians have made millions with a family that does nothing.

Is it any surprise that this Famous in 12 family wants in on the action?  With any luck, it will only last 12 weeks.