As one who avidly enjoys reality television, I have to admit, there are worse ways to spend an afternoon than relaxing and watching drama unfold between a family of celebrities. With an empire of companies like SKIMS, 818 Tequila, Kylie Cosmetics, Good American, Poosh, and more, the Kardashians clearly know their way around both the media and business worlds. And despite the controversial opinions surrounding the Kardashians on social media, they have taken the world, and now GQ  Magazine, by storm. 

Earlier this month, Kim Kardashian was named one of GQ’s prestigious Men of the Year. On the front of the issue, scheduled to print on November 28th, Kardashian is specifically declared the Tycoon of the Year, following the creation of her SKIMS men’s shapewear line. Since it was launched in September of 2019, SKIMS has been an immense success, reaching a stunning valuation of $4 billion.

After first hearing about her new title, I was confused by the idea of a popular international magazine like GQ creating awards exclusively for men, yet still including Kim Kardashian and 11 other female stars on the UK list. Why have a category claiming to be for men if women are being included as well? Furthermore, why have this category at all, when it presents such obvious inequality between genders?

After further research, I’ve discovered critics and Twitter users berating GQ for taking away opportunities and attention from certain men who may deserve that level of fame and popularity from the magazine.

I don’t see one reason for a magazine to even have a Men of the Year cover, especially if they intend to include both male and female figures on the cover. Why not open the category to all People of the Year? Not only will this aid any upcoming uproar, it will allow any person who truly deserves the position to receive a spot. This controversy could be so easily avoided if the magazine could edit their mistakes and make changes accordingly.

No matter how many people dislike Kim Kardashian and what she stands for as a businesswoman in today’s society, I see a benefit in her being awarded this title;  she will be able to represent women in this unfair and unequal magazine category, as well as cause a necessary negative reaction that can potentially have the magazine change its ways. Furthermore, no matter how popular GQ is, there is no excuse for the blatant inequality between genders it is presenting through its Men of the Year Issue.