This is a serious question

Something has been puzzling me for a long time, and I can't find a good answer.

This is a serious question:

Who are the Kardashians?

What did they do to be famous?

Why are they all over various media outlets?

Who.

Are.

They?

Okay, that's four questions. Or 3.5 if you count the last one as a repeat of the first. In that case, it would be three questions. And I assume the answer to the last 3 (or 2.5. Or 2) are tied to the first.

Anyway.

I know who they are, what I want to know is why they are.

A long time ago* in a land far far away** apparently*** there was a reality TV show about a family. The show ended, and then this mob were all over the media. I don't know why they had a TV show. I don't know why they have a clothing/accessories line people actually want. I don't know why they are on The Internet, and people take notice of them, or go mad over their digitally enlarged bums. Why does one of them declare he is a woman, and she is instantly more famous and awarded Courageous Person Of The Year, when I have at least 3 friends who have done the same (or transitioned from female to male) and have not been awarded anything for doing this.

...um... question mark, I think.

So. Who are the Kardashians?


*15ish years or so.
**USA
*** I don't think it aired here, and if it did, I wouldn't have watched it.****
**** I don't watch That Sort Of Thing.