If you’re the type to binge-watch Netflix or Hulu in your spare time, there’s a good chance that you’ve watched the show Parks and Recreation. (And if not, I highly suggest it; despite the issues with the main character that I will be discussing, it’s overall a good show.) If you have watched it, then you’re familiar with Leslie Knope, the energetic and passionate protagonist and a self-proclaimed feminist. I, however, disagree with this claim. Let me discuss the reasons why.
Throughout the entire series, Leslie tends to be judgmental when women have dating styles different than hers. Leslie can be obsessive and cling to the men she dates or hooks up with and takes time to get over them. She fantasizes about Mark, whom she only hooks up with once. She’s serious about her partners, and when other women aren’t, this is a problem for her, and she tends to butt in where she doesn’t belong. When her best friend, Ann, has a period of casual dating with multiple men, Leslie sees this as a problem and isn’t afraid to vocalize it. She slut shames Shauna for sleeping with Mark, even though Leslie hadn’t been intimate with him for years. She becomes concerned when Andy and April’s relationship moves quicker than hers tends to. Point blank, if someone has a dating pattern other than hers, it isn’t okay. This is anti-feminist because women should be allowed to date however they feel comfortable, with whomever they please. We should be in control of our love lives and move at a speed we are comfortable with.
Regardless of how you may personally feel about topics like porn or nudity, I personally believe the sex industry and sex work can be very feminist. There are a lot of female directors, something that has been an issue with mainstream movies. They are able to have the freedom to support themselves and their families, make their own schedules, and express their sexuality openly. Many sex workers are able to set their own prices and work boundaries and work as much or as little as they wish. While sex work does have its issues, it has been moving in the right direction over time. Leslie, however, is extremely judgmental of the industry and demeans sex workers, including adult film star Brandi Maxxxx and an exotic dancer named Sierra.
Some of the characters go to a strip club, and Leslie buys a dance for her co-worker Tom. She purposely misnames the dancer and continues to do so even after the dancer corrects her. She tells her that she hopes she will change careers and clearly thinks she is above the job.
Leslie also has a problem with adult film star Brandi Maxxxx throughout the show. She tends to lean away or look at her in disgust at any sign of physical contact such a hug or touch on the shoulder, which is downright insulting and uncalled for. On top of that, she instantly disagrees and argues when compared to Brandi. Brandi works extremely hard in her chosen industry and cares enough about her community to even run for city council. Near the end of the series, she is seen swearing in Garry when he becomes mayor. She is kind and continues to be polite to Leslie even when she is demeaned.
Leslie dismisses and ignores the issue of men’s rights and feelings. This is a topic that is often overlooked, but men’s rights do have a place in feminism. By raising the acceptance of femininity and equality, this lessens the issue of toxic masculinity. Feminism isn’t about only helping women, it’s about making society an even and accepting place for all genders. At first, she doesn’t allow boys to become a part of her “Pawnee Goddesses” group until her young members convince her. If preteens have to teach you about equality, there is an issue.
Last but not least, she is unaccepting of modern-day family planning. When Ann decides to have a child as a single mother out of wedlock, Leslie tries to discourage her, telling her she should be married before having a child. Women shouldn’t have to depend on marriage to have a family if that’s something they want. Marriage as an institution is moving away from traditional values, something that should be encouraged.
At the end of the day, Parks and Rec is a great show, and Leslie Knope has some qualities worth looking up to, like her passion for her job and determination to reach her goals. She cares deeply about her friends and family and can be awkward in a cute and quirky way. That doesn’t mean she doesn’t have her faults, and understanding true feminism is one of them. As women, we should learn from her mistakes and keep our minds open to women different than us. Remember that true feminism is about equality and acceptance, not judgment and shaming.