For Kim Kardashian, Sons Carry Family Lineage And Being A Brown Daughter I Didn't Find It Strange, Here's Why

When a video of Kim Kardashian from the show ‘The Kardashians’ went viral where she cited how their family line will be dead if her brother Rob doesn't have a son, I wasn't surprised a bit. Celebrated influencer Tanvi Geetha Ravishankar AKA The Chubby Twirler took to her Instagram handle and shared this short clip from the show, asking her followers if they agreed with it or found Kim's statement problematic.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tanvi Geetha Ravishankar (@thechubbytwirler)

Well, as absurd as it might sound but being a brown daughter, the statement didn't leave me dismayed. As I grew up, the notion that sons carry forward the family's lineage was ingrained in my mind. 'Ghar ka vansha bete badhate hai' (sons carry forward the family line', 'Ladkiya toh ek din apne ghar chali jaati hai' (girls eventually go to their own family), some way or the other, I was schooled that it is the son of the family who was responsible for shaping the family's future, bring wealth and worthy enough to take up all responsibilities.

Sons And Lineage

Today, when I look back, I realise where it all roots patriarchy. The social system that believes men should be in a position of power should be attributed to inequality at the core.

For the longest time, the patriarchal views have prevailed in our society and they just don't die down. Sons bring respect to the family, sons are assets, sons protect the family, and sons strengthen the family's finances, no wonder why Indian families are ready to do anything and everything for a male child. All of it is to get an heir who promises them the continuity of the clan.

When I was expecting, my mother used to share tales from the time she conceived me. She shared how my grandmother asked her to follow many astrological remedies to ensure she delivered a baby boy. "Now that there is a girl in the family, we don't want any other girls, the next child should be a boy," she was told. Fortunately, it was a male and the family couldn't be happier.

No Silver Lining

Oddly, it is 2023 and things haven't changed much today. A few months after I delivered my baby girl, a close relative suggested that I plan my second baby quickly since it is easier to conceive a baby boy while I am young. Problematic. No? But do we have a silver lining? Highly unlikely, I think.

Today, girls are making it big in every sphere. They are financially independent, running successful businesses, into high-paying jobs but still not worthy enough to carry their family's line.

For those finding Kim Kardashian's statement problematic, tell me what's more bothersome? It coming from a woman who built a billion-dollar empire or a celebrated figure, looked up to by the world holding such regressive views? The sons and lineage obsession just won't budge till we all collectively change the way we think.