It’s #DayoftheGirl and I Want to Celebrate Leslie Knope

#DayoftheGirl is best represented by our feminist heroes and, for me, there is no one better than Leslie Knope. A woman who recognized her privilege and used her voice to defend others and build people up to the best of their abilities. Leslie is a character that reminded us all of what was important in life.

Leslie Knope had the tenacity to never let people’s doubts infect her good nature and always went a step beyond. During the rare occasions she did give in to self-doubt, those around her reminded her of why she was so important. Her entire life was centered around making Pawnee (and then the United States) a better place. Even at her most selfish, she’s doing it because it is what she believes is best for her family and friends.

Mike Schur and company made a character that taught women everywhere what we were capable of. Sure, we always knew our power but watching Leslie do it in a way that brought joy and hope to those around her was inspiring.

But some of us aren’t Leslie. If we don’t aspire to be Leslie Knope then we all should aspire to have friends like Leslie. She is always there to put her friends first, put them on a pedestal and there to tell them how brilliant they are. We’re all poetic land mermaids, after all.

There’s just always something to look up to with Leslie. Whether it is her love of dresses with pockets, her lack of sleep, or her belief that waffles are the best kind of food, there is always something to connect to with her character.

The fact of the matter is that the world needs Leslie Knope.

With how broken the world is, how upset we all make each other, a show like Parks and Recreation brought a light to the world. So on #DayoftheGirl, look at Leslie Knope but also the rest of the women of Parks and Recreation. April Ludgate didn’t care what people said about her because she was true to who she was. Ann Perkins wanted a baby and was going to do it alone because she didn’t need a man to tell her when she could have a kid.

Donna always put her goals and her dreams out there and made it happen for herself and all together, they were a group of friends who seemed unlikely but put their love for one another above all else. And, for that, they are great ladies to look at today! Good day fellow Pawnee Goddesses.

(Image: NBC)

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Rachel Leishman

Rachel Leishman (She/Her) is an Assistant Editor at the Mary Sue. She's been a writer professionally since 2016 but was always obsessed with movies and television and writing about them growing up. A lover of Spider-Man and Wanda Maximoff's biggest defender, she has interests in all things nerdy and a cat named Benjamin Wyatt the cat. If you want to talk classic rock music or all things Harrison Ford, she's your girl but her interests span far and wide. Yes, she knows she looks like Florence Pugh. She has multiple podcasts, normally has opinions on any bit of pop culture, and can tell you can actors entire filmography off the top of her head. Her current obsession is Glen Powell's dog, Brisket. Her work at the Mary Sue often includes Star Wars, Marvel, DC, movie reviews, and interviews.

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