It is not often that reality TV, on any channel, takes a moment to get away from all the trash, all the ratchedness, and all the superfluity that they consistently pump into the minds of those who watch the craziness. And one of the shows, based on its regular programming, least likely to take a serious note in the hopes of benefiting the overall greater good, has actually done just that.

We are all familiar in some form or fashion with Keeping Up With the Kardashians. Whether we watch them faithfully, every now and then or never, we have a pretty good idea of what their show is about. Usually filled with their antics, demands and overall super chic lifestyles of some of the most famous people in the world, they recently put all of that aside to talk about a sensitive subject that is obviously very personal to them. And I’m being honest here, they really could not get around not talking about it.

Rumors have been circulating for months about Bruce Jenner’s decision to start the process of becoming a woman. We have heard everything from him liking men to him stilling wanting to be with women… as a woman.  And to be honest, the media made such a big deal about it, to the point that any seriousness or opportunity for an open discussion about people who have sex changes got lost in the fluff and insignificance of the usual run of the mill celebrity gossip.

That is perhaps why KUWTK filmed a two episode special that focuses on Bruce, in an attempt to tell the story from the perspective of those who are affected by it the most – Bruce and his family.

While I don’t care much for the Jenner/Kardashian clan; they are attention whores who don’t really use their influence in a way that brightens the world in my opinion. I am a big believer in giving credit where credit is due though. With that, the Kardashian’s two episode special on Bruce Jenner’s transitioning process is something that people of all beliefs and backgrounds can learn something from.

The first episode opens up with Khloe showing Kim some pretty hot shoes that she got for Bruce. We are then whisked away to his Malibu house where she shows Bruce the shoes and asks, “I don’t know her tastes yet” to which he says, “I don’t know her tastes either.” He tries on a pair as he sheds some tears and thanks Khloe for the gesture.

Khloe then asks him if he feels better now that more people know, and he says when you hold a secret that long, it is hard to keep it to yourself. Various interviews with the family members reveal that most of them have known for a while about Bruce’s crossdressing because some of them have “caught” him in the act, but none of them knew about his transitioning.

Khloe asks him if he plans on not being Bruce any time soon and he says, “That’s quite possible.” She kind of checks him right there and says that while he doesn’t need their permission, he most definitely should have let them known this.

You really see the emotion here with Khloe and Kendall because they are essentially losing their father, which speaks to a broader issue about transitioning. An issue that Bruce himself hits right on the head when he says, “Sometimes it’s tougher for them than it is for you… it’s a tough transition for the people around you.”

After seeing everyone’s reactions to finding out that he is indeed becoming a woman, the support that he gets is overwhelming. Most of them seem to be okay with it, although Kylie literally says nothing.

Kris Jenner’s interview and her scenes are probably the most heartbreaking, because as his wife, she had to have known…something. Furthermore, as his wife, how do you go on knowing? This is a man that she built a life with and shared her most intimate moments.  That is not something you just forget about. The emotions were definitely high, which really shows this family in a vulnerable state. It makes them relatable…almost likeable.

If I am being open here, before watching this, I didn’t understand why someone would want to transition into the opposite gender.  In my view, being gay or a lesbian is fine, but why take it THERE. I was raised in a strict religious background that taught a man should be a man and a woman a woman in how they act, speak, dress, etc. Now that I am older, I have more tolerance and empathy for this subject.

After watching this, even with my personal views and lack of full understanding of these kinds of situations, I had a much better understanding of what Bruce has been going through. I believe that a person who feels as strongly as Bruce does about his life and what he has gone through in hiding who he believes he really is, should do what they feel is necessary to live their most authentic life.

With life choices like this, those who choose to transition run the risk of losing relationships. Right now, his family (only the women from what I see) are “okay” with it, but just like it’s a transition for him, it is a big one for them and not everyone may make it through. They have a right to choose their reaction just as much as he has a right to choose this action.

This episode (and I’m sure the next one) is important because it gives the situation a much needed seriousness that, as mentioned before, has been lost. Kudos to the Kardashian clan for being sensitive to the subject (although I’m sure the ratings aspect had something to do with it too). Now if only their other endeavors were as genuine as this one.

To read Part 2 of A Conservative’s View on the Transition of Bruce Jenner, go here.

To see all the articles in this six-part series, go here.

The Kardashians have shifted the focus of their show to highlight the transition their father Bruce Jenner is making from a man in to a women. His change has certainly stirred up much discussion in America about what it truly means to be a transgender. Positive or negative feelings aside, an important discussion is currently going on about the topic and that’s a good thing.

Apparently this special was filmed before the Diane Sawyer interview so everything was still very raw for the family. They always say there are two parts to every story. The Diane Sawyer interview was his part of the story and this special shines the light more on the Kardashians. While I still think it was shitty not for them to speak during his interview, they apparently very concerned with not mixing the two narratives. Still seems a little selfish on their part, but whatever,

From the time the entire controversy started with Bruce, it felt like a publicity stunt. Even though I understand how hard it is to come out with something like that, he let the rumors circulate way too long. It was especially interesting that the rumors started during a time where the Kardashians were becoming more and more irrelevant. Suddenly, this mega intriguing plot twist pops up! It’s still an aspect that makes the entire thing feel like a potential publicity stunt. Considering how much this family loves the limelight, no matter how shameful it gets, I would not be surprised at how far they would go to stay relevant.

That being said, I’m very sympathetic towards Bruce’s plight. I can’t imagine the pressure he must feel waking up in a body every day that doesn’t feel like his own. However, this special really shows that the Kardashians are not handling it as bad as people think and Bruce didn’t handle things as well as he could have.

It’s clear to me from part 1 of the About Bruce special that his children really do love him! He was an amazing father and the children appreciate that more than anything. I think what he doesn’t realize (or misinterprets as being unsupportive) is the fact that the children are grieving the loss of their father. Bruce keeps telling them he’s not going anywhere, but he is. They are losing their father and gaining…..a mother? It will be like gaining a new parent.

I’ve never had a problem with transgender people as I feel they have to want to be the opposite sex so bad because if there was any alternative for them, they would choose it. Who would willingly put up with the pressure and judgment of society just to “act like” the opposite sex? My problem comes in when they lie to people and then expect people to jump on board with them. I think it is wrong when people marry someone in an attempt to hide things, create a life with someone and then busts out of the closet with such emotional information. Everyone should be true to themselves, but when you involve others in the cover up your identity it’s just wrong.

Bruce was not as honest about the transition as he could be. He’s started doing hormone shots and getting surgery without telling the family. That was a big mistake because the girls feel like he hasn’t been completely honest with them. They want to be supportive and they really do love him, but in order for them to heal from this he has to continue to be honest with them.

Tolerance is important in our society. However, when secrets are kept from people that could change their entire life, it’s only natural that they have a mildly negative reaction. None of the children plan on turning their back on Bruce, but they’re all asking for a little more grieving time. They’d like to feel their feelings before being introduced to him as a female. I believe that is totally in their right. This is hard for them seeing their father change in to a completely different person and I don’t think they should be expected to just jump on board with everything.

On the flip side, Bruce said during the Diane Sawyer interview that the kids are not as supportive when the cameras are turned off. I do believe him on that point. While Kim was said by many to be unsupportive of her father’s change, during the show she is the intermediary between him and the children. Kim is a person who is always on for the cameras so, I really have to wonder just how supportive she was when the cameras weren’t pouring over her.

It’s very clear that Kendall Jenner is not nearly very supportive both in front of and behind the cameras. She seems stuck on her father being further along in his journey then she realized and taking it personally. While it may hurt, it certainly isn’t done on a personal level.

Khloe also felt the same way and is taking the journey harder it seems more than anyone (even Kim to my surprise). I thought it was cruel for Bruce to say that he was more concerned about how Kendall and Kylie were taking things than Khloe. Is it because they’re younger or because they’re his natural children. It just sounded mean and insensitive considering Khloe has known him longer than them!

It will be interesting to see how this all plays out. While this is clearly more than publicity for him, how long will the family drag this through the mud for their own gain. It’s easier to deal with now that he’s still a man, but how will they really handle everything when they meet him as a women. Will they be able to keep up the supportive nature for long?

To read Part 2 of My Problem with Bruce Jenner, go here.

To see all the articles in this six-part series, go here.