Reality TV and Disability: Kylie Jenner as Disability Savior

This presentation analyzes the ways in which Kylie Jenner promotes the "saving" of people with disabilities without critical exploration of disability, disability culture, or the lives of disabled people in her reality... [ view full abstract ]

This presentation analyzes the ways in which Kylie Jenner promotes the "saving" of people with disabilities without critical exploration of disability, disability culture, or the lives of disabled people in her reality show Life of Kylie. 

Life of Kylie is an 8 part American reality television show starring Kylie Jenner. Each half-hour episode follows Jenner on her day to day activities, such as red carpet appearances, makeup launches, and international travels. In the show's construction of Jenner's persona, Jenner is often depicted as one dedicated to service - particularly service to people with disabilities. As the perspective aligns itself with Jenner, the relational dynamic between Jenner and the people with disabilities becomes exploitative as its ultimate focus is on the part of Jenner.

In this presentation, I will be drawing from two examples in season one of Life of Kylie. First, Jenner's meeting with a 15 year old "super-fan" who has Cystic Fibrosis followed by Jenner's partnership with Smile Train, an organization providing surgeries to "re-construct" children who have Cleft Lips in developing countries.