Family fights are nothing new—but put them on camera, and suddenly they shape public opinion. The Kardashians turned feuds into empires, while the Braxtons gained notoriety for airing family tension. Both gave us drama, yet one’s seen as a “guilty pleasure,” the other as flat-out “ratchet.” But, what is the reason?
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Both families became popular household names, entering reality TV at two very different points in its history. The Kardashians’ 2007 debut with the hit show “Keeping Up With The Kardashians,” marked a turning point for family-based reality television. Following Kim’s infamous Ray J. sex tape scandal, the show served as a platform to present the family in a controlled, positive light.
The Braxtons came with a different vibe. Debuting in 2011, “The Braxton Family Values” offered viewers an unfiltered look into the life of legendary singer Toni Braxton and her four sisters. From the very first episode, their family dynamics showed a lot of love and conflict.
The families’ realities may differ, but the media treatment makes the distinction even clearer. The Kardashians’ emotional breakdowns are often cast as pure entertainment, like the physical confrontation between Kim and Kourtney.
Viewers were split about the behavior of the two sisters.
“Kourtney slapping Kim’s makeup on the wall will forever be the best reality TV scene ever,” one TikTok user wrote.
Others saw something deeper.
“Their fame has broken them as a family,” another user posted.
As the comments poured in, we noticed a tone shift in the branding of both shows. How is it that the Kardashians’ drama is viewed as “must-see TV, but the Braxtons as “messy?” We’re going to hold your hand and say the quiet part out loud: It’s because they’re Black.
Take one of the Braxtons’ most talked about therapy sessions, where accusations – and almost fists – were flying. The goal was to heal, but the session quickly pivoted to a confrontation about Tamar’s perceived “mean girl” attitude and feelings of being attacked. As the session continued, the family’s emotional struggles were finally unmasked.
Even one YouTube user called it, “They all look at each other and point the finger at how the others need to change instead of understanding that’s who they are.”
And let’s not forget the coaching session with Iyanla Vanzant. Tensions ran high as Tamar was called out for her behavior. The “Love & War” singer’s defensive behavior was so unbearable that their mother, Evelyn, had to put her daughter in her place.
“Whether you agree with Ms. Iyanla or not, you will respect her,” Ms. Evelyn demanded to Tamar.
This exchange raises a logical question, as one TikTok viewer asked about the session: ‘The mom allowed all of that ‘behavior’ to transpire before stepping in, why?’” While valid, the comment draws attention to the role that both Kris Jenner and Evelyn Braxton play in shaping their children’s behaviors and family dynamics.
And its sad to say, but many believe that both mothers are the blame for their public behavior.
Ms. Evelyn, a traditional, no-nonsense mother, does her best to maintain order among her emotionally charged children. Yet she’s still blamed for their behavior, despite stepping in and getting her child together—like threatening to “discipline” Tamar mid-argument.
A fan called her out, saying, “She’s mad at them for displaying the behavior she’s taught them.” Oop!
Meanwhile, Kris Jenner, a glorified “Momager,” is praised for turning family chaos into profit. But this approach blurs the line between business and boundaries. When Kim criticized her for siding with Khloé’s ex-husband, Lamar Odom, during his addiction struggles — this was red flag framed to be a TV moment for ratings.
Over the years, both families have proven that while there can be an ugly side to family issues while captured on film for the world to see, there is a thin line between authentic vulnerability and creating a chitling circus.
Sisterhood can be a beautiful bond, but when it’s broadcast on television, who gets grace—and who’s called “loud and wrong” is debated in the court of public opinion. Beyond the two sister groups, this is deeper than ratings- its about respect.
One TikTok user put it best about their individual relationships: “When boundaries are set, respect it.”
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