An Imperfectly Perfect Feminist: Leslie Knope

Leslie Knope from NBC’s “Parks and Recreation” once said “Pobody’s Nerfect.” Yes, that is definitely true, but Knope herself is an exemplary feminist and perfectly (or should I say “nerfectly”) sets an example for women by unapologetically displaying traits that women are taught to avoid in the workplace. Leslie Knope is a great feminist because she embraces traits like being authoritative, confident, and passionate; these characteristics often get women labeled as pushy, cocky, and overbearing. By wholeheartedly embracing these traits rather than tip-toeing around them, she empowers other women to do the same, especially in a workplace environment.

Throughout the show, Leslie holds positions in government where she confidently acts as an authoritative figure, through consistently holding her ground and taking the lead in projects. Although saying things such as "I am big enough to admit that I am often inspired by myself" could be seen as cocky, it is truly inspirational to see that she is secure enough with her own power to find inspiration in it. Through this strong belief in herself, she is able to take on seemingly impossible projects and face them head-on She also is so well grounded in her own values and positive self-image that she is able to compete in politics without losing her morals. When running for City Council against Bobby Newport in Season 4, Leslie has enough belief in her own campaign platform that she trusts she can win without bending her own policies. In the end, the people of Pawnee prove her right, further emphasizing that women don’t have to bend to the will of others in order to gain authority. Leslie never changes her character to fit another’s wishes, especially in the workplace; she is a strong role model and encourages women to believe in themselves.

Leslie’s passion is characterized through the line, “If I come on too strong, it’s because I feel strongly.” This line perfectly addresses how women being passionate can be seen as a negative thing, but Leslie reclaims that label and embraces it for herself and others. Leslie spreads her passion to an intern, April, who she seemingly should have given up on because of April’s disinterest and refusal to cooperate. April is stuck as an intern there because she overslept on the day that they were meant to pick internships in college. Even faced with an unenthused person like April, Leslie continues to encourage her and help her find her passion surrounding animals, and April subsequently saves Pawnee’s animal shelter. By celebrating and encouraging the women around her, Leslie shows that being passionate is a good thing, and she helps teach others that too. In fact, April later became the Deputy Director of Pawnee’s Animal Control, after being inspired by Leslie’s strong example. Later in the show in Season 7, when April decides to move on from the Parks and Rec Department, Leslie fully supports her and helps land her a job in the American Service Foundation. Throughout Leslie and April’s entire relationship, Leslie supported her as she found her passion, and this instance of supporting other women is a great example of female empowerment.

Leslie Knope is by no means a perfect character; she has flaws and makes mistakes. However, this is what makes her all the better. She is a complex female lead character, and she shows growth over the course of the show. By making her a realistic character instead of a perfectly ideal, faultless token of feminism, she is more relatable to audiences. In her unique, imperfect way, she embodies traits like being confident and passionate, and although sometimes it gets her called cocky or overbearing, she shows viewers that these aren’t bad traits like people make them out to be. She is a likable character with depth, and she normalizes doing things that most women are told to shy away from in the workplace. Leslie Knope progresses feminism because she empowers women to wholeheartedly embrace their traits, just like she does. Leslie shows society that it's okay to say “Knope” to the labels placed on women in the workplace.