Kim Kardashian West has a history of being wishy-washy when it comes to feminism, but it looks like the reality TV celeb might be fully embracing the term—or at least embracing it enough to get people to buy the latest update to her Kimoji app.
In a tweet on Wednesday, Kardashian announced she was “so proud” of the newest expansion pack for her $2.99 emoji mobile app. It includes new Kimoji with catchphrases like “the future is nasty,” “my body my choice,” and “grab America back.” There’s also a straightforward “fulltime feminist” emoji.
So proud of this KIMOJI pack. Update or download today: https://t.co/KK3TmDsFh6 pic.twitter.com/3zC5S8PK1S
— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) March 6, 2018
The internet is torn on whether the Kimoji are actually promoting women’s empowerment or just capitalizing on current feminist politics.
I love the message behind the new Kimoji’s. I’m obsessed with seeing women encourage, support and empower other women. It’s my favorite. We need more of it. #KIMOJI pic.twitter.com/S8k4SBKUjl
— Christina Curatolo ❥ (@MUNCHKiN_XO) March 5, 2018
This #Kimoji speaks to the soul pic.twitter.com/46euR7WQV8
— SRH. (@SRHperiod) March 7, 2018
I pray this is sarcasm.
— Zack Pittman (@zackpittman) March 7, 2018
Women’s Empowerment emojis is a slap to every women who has stood to fight for our rights. I'm sure #AnnFrank #MalalaYousafzai #rosaparks fought for us all so u can use girl power to sell this…All Class pic.twitter.com/eJsJ4dV8PZ
— Elizabeth Yorkshire (@ElizabethThee) March 6, 2018
So Kim Kardashian only became a feminist once she could market it with #KIMOJI pic.twitter.com/HFXnNZqrOv
— Currently Nerdy (@CurrentlyNerdy) March 7, 2018
The Kimoji pack left a lot of folks trying to remember if Kardashian actually considers herself a feminist or not. Many people mistakenly presumed her feminism has anything to do with the way she presents her body, forgetting that ultimately, feminism is about whether or not someone believes in equal rights for women and men.
I don't fully understand what a Kimoji is, but I will state for the record that slut-shaming is not feminist, and showing your boobs or being proud of your butt is not inherently anti-feminist. You don't have to like this woman, but don't be a hypocrite.
— joanna schroeder (@iproposethis) March 7, 2018
Kardashian wrote on her blog in 2016 said that she didn’t identify as a “feminist.” The culture influencer and businesswoman later amended the comments, telling Harper’s Bazaar Arabia in 2017 that she does “feel” like a feminist, but she doesn’t like to subscribe to the term.
“I said once before that I’m not really a feminist. But I feel I do a lot more than people that claim that they’re feminist,” she said at the time. “To clarify what I said before: I feel in my soul I’m a feminist. I just don’t need labels to make me feel or know what I am inside.”
https://twitter.com/whatupKFK/status/970881134816002049
I thought you've said before you don't identify as a feminist? But if you do now, that's great!!
— EllCee (@ELLCee88) March 7, 2018
For some, the real question is whether Kardashian will put the money where her Kimoji are.
Kim Kardashian should donate the money she makes from her feminist kimoji pack to a charity that supports women/women’s rights rather than pocket it. Didn’t she wanna get involved in helping planned parenthood? Now is her chance!!! Just saying!!!! pic.twitter.com/oxHhD1sZR6
— onnalise (@starshollowed) March 7, 2018