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Blog Post # 3

February 25, 2020

     One of the best workplace comedies began airing on NBC in 2009.  When its run was completed in 2015, it had gained a loyal fan base.  “Parks and Recreation,” took place in the fictional town of Pawnee.  We are informed that Pawnee is located in Indiana.  It is here where we meet the character of Leslie Knope, Deputy Director of the Parks Department.  Leslie is portrayed by the talented Amy Poehler.  The disinterested Director of the department is Ron Swanson, played by Nick Offerman.  This sitcom provides a humorous take on small town politics.  Leslie takes her job seriously and is always overly enthusiastic about maintaining and improving the quality of life in Pawnee.  This sitcom proved to be not only highly entertaining but it strategically utilized comedy as a mechanism to highlight gender inequality in the work force.  There are numerous episodes that integrate misogynistic perspectives into the plot lines in a clever and effective way. 

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The skilled writing team combined with a gifted ensemble cast presented a show that held up a mirror to the challenges women face in their ongoing efforts to be treated with fairness and equity.  The cast was a combination of a quirky, lovable characters that were engaging and multi-faceted.

     According to an article in The Odyssey Online, “Through political-dynamo Leslie and company, the show conveys a very important underlying theme – the need for gender equality and demonstration of female excellence…The most obvious pioneer of gender equality in this show is Leslie.  She is the epitome of everything a healthy and strong feminist should be.  Leslie builds up her fellow women instead of tearing them down, respects men while also not tolerating any of their misogyny and strives to educate women and men of all ages about the capabilities of women and the need for gender equality.”  

NBC.com

     There are so many outstanding witty exchanges on the show that it is difficult to narrow down some of the best dialogue.  But I think a funny and powerful moment on the program was when Leslie’s husband, Ben, is running for Congress.  As Ben and Leslie are out campaigning more focus is placed or misplaced on Leslie.  At one of the stomps along the speaking trail, Leslie tells the crowd, “First, I’m sorry the spotlight is on me and not on Ben because he is going to make a great congressman.  Second, to the mailman, you’re ridiculous, men’s rights are nothing.  Third, I’m now going to give you permanent answers to all the silly questions you’re going to be asking me and every other woman in this election over the next few months.  ‘Why did I change my hairstyle?’ Oh, I don’t know, I just thought it would look better or my kids got gum in it. ‘Are you trying to have it all?’ That makes no sense, stupid question, don’t ask it.  ‘Do you miss your kids while you’re at work?’  Yes, of course, I do, everybody does and then sometimes I don’t.”  At this point Ben says, “And by the way no one has ever asked me that, no one’s ever asked me where are your kids or whose taking care of them?”  Then Ben turns to Leslie and quietly asks her, “By the way who is taking care of them?”  This witty piece of comedic writing is relatable, as female politicians are often still critiqued on their attire and questioned about balancing their professional and personal lives.  Their male political counterparts do not have to contend with these inappropriate inquiries.  This program still holds up today, five years after the final episode aired and that is certainly a commentary on the ongoing issues related to gender inequality.  

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References

Parks and Recreation – NBC.com

Retrieved from http://www.nbc.com/parks-and-recreation

Henderson, B. (2015, November 17). “Parks and recreation” says knope to sexism.  The Odyssey Online.  Retrieved from http://www.theodysseyonline.com/parks-and-recreation-says-knope-to-sexism

Golder, A. & Rackham, C., (2016, January 28).  19 Times leslie knope shut down sexism on “parks & rec.”  Buzzfeed. Retrieved from https://www.buzzfeed.com/andyneuenschwander/times-leslie-knope-was-feminist-as-hell.

Parks and Recreation – Leslie Knope Sets the World Straight (Episode Highlight).  YouTube.

Retrieved from https://youtu.be/oMnxPsQanrs