I started watching “Rich Kids of Beverly Hills” the other day. Seriously? I don’t know what to think. Apart from being hooked I don’t why on earth these kids would subject themselves to “starring” in this show. I’m sure they think they’re so much better than everyone else and that people want to be them. (No one is denying they’d like just a little bit of their money). It’s really sad. For me it always comes back to, “what do their parents think?” Are they so far removed from the real world that they think the same way (after all the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree?).
So it got me thinking about my kids growing up in Beverly Hills. Thankfully, we’re not in the flats so our worlds are vastly different and (it feels like) the only real thing we share is a postcode. Having said that the kids have friends that live there and they seem normal too.
I’ve mentioned that my kids go to an exclusive private school and there are a large number of uber wealthy families there. The school is a lovely nurturing community that has welcomed us with open arms, both as a family and for the kids. Not for one minute does this warm welcome feel put on in any way either. So, to me my reality doesn’t fit with the premise of the Show.
In the episode I watched they were planning a party (one that hardly anyone attended I might add!). When planning their list they named people from outside their clique “groupers” (pronounced by them groopers–as in “groupies”) yet they were planning to invite them. I guess they need the groupers as much as the groupers need them? (Groupers are bottom feeders in fish terms lowest on the list, when translated to #RKOBH speak means those who want to get invited to the “cool” parties . I thought things like that finished in high school, no wonder these girls don’t have jobs.
Recently my son went to a birthday party at the Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel. It was on Saturday night and the hosts had cordoned off an area for the party guests.
It was a pretty swank affair for Year 8 kids (same in Australia; Yr 9 in UK)–actually it’d be a pretty swank affair for me I have to say.
The party gave everyone lots to talk about and the girls had to decide what to wear: to get really dressed up or play it down a little and just look “nice”. The party girl wore a designer frock and from all accounts the girls went all out to look glam. I would’ve loved to have hosted that Red Carpet event for this blog now I think of it.
Luckily for my son “what to wear” wasn’t a big deal for him. The big deal for us what what on earth do you buy a girl who has everything? We decided on Pink (by Victoria’s Secret) Body lotion & matching scent plus threw in a packet of Tim Tams with instructions on how to eat them.
Maybe they’re a bit young but I’m sure none of the people at that party were thinking of whether they were an “it” crowd or “groupers” or whether their friends are uber wealthy, slightly wealthy or just rich (or heaven forbid normal!). Sure, there’s some jockeying of positions and the size of people’s houses get talked about and where they holiday in the summer but I hope these kids don’t make it to future series of “Rich Kids of Beverly Hills”.
Maybe I’m already localised but I’m hoping these kids ham it up for the cameras. I’m sure they do. It’s just like none of my friends are anything like the “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills”. I think they’re more like Brandon & Brenda, Dylan, Kelly, Donna & Steve.
xx It Started in LA xx
Postscript: I saved this article to draft and went to lunch at my favourite Cabana Cafe at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Who should walk in but the two “stars” Morgan & Dorothy. Get out of town. Too funny. Only in LA!
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