How the Kardashians Became Flesh-and-Blood Memes

"Kim Kardashian's life maps onto the entire history of media in the new millennium, starting with her family's role in the O.J. Simpson trial, which was a major televised event."

"The release of a sex tape in 2007 became an early case study in virality, coinciding with the debut of 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians,' which transformed the family into television celebrities."

"The internet clinched and multiplied their fame, making the Kardashian clan perhaps the biggest examples of 'new media' celebrities, as documented in M. J. Corey's book 'Dekonstructing the Kardashians.'"

Kim Kardashian's life reflects the history of media in the new millennium. Her family's involvement in the O.J. Simpson trial marked their entry into public life. Kim's early career included styling for Paris Hilton and appearing on reality TV. The release of a sex tape in 2007 became a viral phenomenon. The same year, 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians' launched, solidifying their status as reality TV stars. The internet amplified their fame, making them significant figures in new media, as documented in M. J. Corey's book.

Read at The New Yorker