Forbes proclaiming Kylie Jenner as the youngest self made billionaire in their latest issue of their magazine has sparked uproar and outrage on social media from people angry at the presumably inappropriate use of the word “self-made.” This doesn’t seem like something that requires such outrage from people, and while it definitely isn’t that serious, it should be acknowledged how and why their claims are incorrect and just another way to pat rich people on the back for being rich and using that to their advantage to make even more money.
First, it’s important to understand what the guidelines are for what really makes a person self-made in Forbes’ eyes, and after backlash from the Kylie cover, Forbes stated that their definition of a self-made billionaire is “someone who built a company or established a fortune on her own, rather than inheriting some or all of it.”
This is incredibly ironic because by their own definition, Kylie is not self made. Let’s be real for a second here, without her family’s fame and wealth, it would’ve been a million times harder to have become so successful with her e-commerce makeup brand. She grew up her whole life incredibly privileged, living in a mansion with her rich and famous family. Kylie could come out with a brand that sells 12 fl oz water bottles for $15 and her millions of followers would eat, or should I say drink, it up, and it would sell out in minutes.
In no way am I trying to downplay Kylie’s success or saying that she has never worked hard. It obviously takes a lot to run a business, let alone one as successful as hers, and that in itself is an achievement. I am, however, saying that it’s impossible to be self made when you have such a massive safety net and so much money, fame, and fans who will support you in any business endeavor you choose. It’s important to be able to realize that there is a difference between being a self made, successful business woman opposed to being a successful business woman who’s already incredibly famous and wealthy.