Kim Kardashian West has recently garnered a different kind of attention from her many fans, followers and critics when she announced her decision on social media to become a lawyer.

The celebrity’s decision was immediately followed by a barrage of criticism dismissing her potential for success and citing her choice as an example of social injustice favoring the privileged and famous.

Departing from the prestigious socialite life and modeling career that her and her sisters have been known for, the studious path that Kim has set for herself will prove to be a difficult one.

Overcoming the hurdles of a society set against letting powerful, influential women choose to pursue professional or academic ambitions demonstrates how difficult it is for a woman to be seen as both beautiful and intelligent.

Granted, the reality TV show “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” has provided audience members with insight into family’s life and has portrayed them as superficial and shallow.

However, a woman’s self worth should not be determined by how attractive she appears to be or how educated she proves herself to others.

Categorizing celebrities into these rigid stereotypes of what they’re expected to be because they’re attractive, like Kardashian West, prevents society from leveling men and women on equal playing fields.

If a woman can only be beautiful and nothing else, then how can she step outside of these antiquated gender roles other than breaking away from the expectations of society’s standards?