Kylie Jenner’s tribute to her late grandmother, MJ, is a prime example of the Kardashians leveraging grief for fame and clicks. Just days after the matriarch’s passing, Kylie inundated Instagram with “heartfelt” throwbacks that likely serve more as publicity stunts than emotional tributes. It’s all too predictable—raise a little sentimentality, and watch the engagement numbers soar.

Mainstream media outlets like CNN and BuzzFeed are quick to swoon over this “wonderful” display of family values, conveniently glossing over the current culture of influencer exploitation. Are we really believing that this public emotionscape is genuine? Or is it merely another cog in the machine of Kardashian commercialism?

While Kylie showcases her heart on her Instagram Stories—self-curated moments of nostalgia—news networks uncritically amplify her narrative as the authoritative take on familial love. It’s almost as if they’re tempted to forget the mountain of superficiality these celebrity families stand on. In this game, authenticity takes a backseat to algorithmic visibility.

Fox News, typically not seen as a friend to this clan, still manages to contribute to the glorification of their so-called “genuine” moments without questioning the broader implications of this narrative. Instead of critical analysis, viewers are fed a sanitized version of grief that conveniently serves the Kardashians’ brand.

What we’re witnessing is not just a poignant gesture; it’s poorly veiled self-promotion wrapped in the guise of heartfelt mourning. It’s time to peel back the layers and critically assess whether these tributes are for the family or a deeply ingrained quest for relevance.