Caps #5, A Little Delayed...

My favorite TV show at the moment, Parks & Recreation, features vast diversity and plays on stereotypes in society. The popular sitcom takes place in Pawnee, Indiana and stars actors including Amy Poehler, Aziz Ansari, and Rob Lowe (among more bigger names in Hollywood). The characters in the show are  full of fascination and overtime we get to learn more about their personalities.  

From the book, on U.S. popular culture and power, “we need to think about not only how people interpret and consume popular culture but also how these popular culture texts represent particular groups in specific ways” (Martin & Nakayama 2012).

Leslie Knope, played by Amy Poehler, is a strong, imaginative feminist who works 140% at her job as Deputy Director for Pawnee Parks and Recreation. The stereotype of the boss-lady is portrayed through her character with a hint of humor. She is overly-excited by the world of politics and is surprised in this episode with an engagement gift of meeting the Vice President of the United States. She practically hyperventilates in her interaction with him. She touches his face and tells him he’s very handsome.  Her overly exaggerated excitement provides nonstop entertainment.

A reinforce of stereotypes the media helps portray is in the all-American department director, Ron Swanson. His passion for bacon, guns, and breakfast in general is evident as the episodes progress. He talks about going to a restaurant called JJ’s to distract Leslie with waffles. The ambivalent mixture of the manly, tough, no emotion American man with the cleverness of a love for meat makes him a lovable character.

A t-shirt for sale featuring Ron Swanson

There is a common theme of outrageous situations, outlandish ideas, and moments that make you cringe and say, “no way would that happen in real life!” The situations are ever-changing and always grab your attention. I can’t wait to sit down on Thursday nights with my boyfriend and watch it.

References:
Martin, J. N., & Nakayama, T. K. (2012). Intercultural Communication in Contexts. Chicago: McGraw Hill.