Let's get married

I have never visited Hollywood, but because of the media, we all get a steady dose of what the culture is like out there.

There are pros and cons to this. On the positive side, it is interesting to see how the other half lives. In the grind of our daily lives, we can fall into the trap of believing that this is all there is. Therefore, it is eye opening to see another approach to life.

On the other hand, there are times when I believe the approach to life out there is crazy. Obviously, I understand that everything seen from Hollywood is through a media filter. Because of this, it is important not to take what is seen at face value. We see what they want us to see.

However, I just do not understand what I see sometimes. The most recent example of this is all the hullaballoo surrounding Kim Kardashian's filing for divorce from Kris Humphries after only 72 days of marriage.

Back in the summer, their wedding was huge news, and it is estimated that Kardashian raked in $18 million from the event. These riches came from money earned through her reality television show and gifts from friends.

Already wealthy, the event showed the young woman to be a sharp businessperson when it came to capitalizing on the event. Still, because of the briefness of the marriage, many are speculating as to whether it was a sham from the beginning.

After all, 72 days is not a long time to put into a marriage. It is one thing if she has legitimate grounds for divorce, but given the cynicism of our culture, many believe this may have been a stunt just to promote the 'Kardashian brand.'

I have no idea if this was a stunt or not. If it was, this would not be the first time somebody has pulled the wool over the public's eyes for a big payday. Still, I have to wonder what kind of example this is to the public.

Treating marriage in such a disposable manner is troubling. Again, if she had legitimate grounds for the divorce, that is one thing. However, nothing has surfaced to indicate that.

Some of the most interesting spin coming out of this situation has been from people who support gay marriage. Some gay marriage supporters have said the Kardashian situation is another example of traditional marriage being treated in a cavalier way.

I can understand their point of view. Though I oppose gay marriage, it has to be very frustrating for homosexuals to see heterosexuals treat the institution in such a flippant way.

If Kardashian did use her marriage to generate a big payday and was a sham, gay marriage supporters must wonder why they cannot be invited to the carnival as well. Most must justifiably feel that they cannot do a worse job than she when it comes to handling this institution.

Cynicism is one of my least appealing traits, but I am oozing cynicism when it comes to the Kardashian marriage/divorce. Then again, maybe my feelings are a sign of the times.

Her wedding generated big ratings for her reality television show, and the money she made cannot be denied. Everything has a price, you know, and I am sure her divorce should make a compelling storyline for her show.

The young women who swoon on every movement Kardashian makes are likely learning from this event. However, I hope they understand how they are being manipulated.

It's all about ratings, and the latest chapter of Kardashian's life should make for a few good episodes of her show. It is nothing more and nothing less.