Politics in Mass Media

By Rachel Stanley

I have heard people online associate political views with character traits, and only befriend people who align on every political issue. The show, Parks and Rec has a perfect example of two passionate people on the opposite sides of many issues, who are still able to maintain a friendship.

Leslie Knope is the deputy director for the parks department of the fiction town of Pawnee, Indiana. She is a hard-working, go-getting, positive, and idealistic employee. Above all, she seeks to better society for everyone, especially through government programs.

On the other hand, Ron Swanson is the head of the parks department who likes to keep to himself. He believes in a no-nonsense lifestyle and seeks to get as far away from the government as possible. Ron is a libertarian, which is a far cry from Leslie’s political standing.

The video below will speak more on Leslie and Ron’s friendship, and will also mention that no truly controversial issues are in the show. This shows agenda setting and how the media does not accurately reflect reality. The political disagreements that Ron and Leslie have are not over the most relevant political discord that most people experience today, like LGBTQ+ issues, women’s rights, or racial tensions.

Through all of this, Ron and Leslie agree on two things:
1. Breakfast is the best meal
2. Parks matter

Nature has always been valued, although not by everyone. History.com writes about the shifting importance put on the parks by the population and the government and the many laws and acts that have been proposed in the US to protect these areas.

Under Donald Trump’s presidency, many of these parks have suffered. An article from The Hill speaks on the disrespect shown towards National Parks Service under Trump and many of the actions done in the last several years that have brought harm to these parks.

All that I can think about is; “What would Leslie Knope do?”

Leslie Knope and Ron Swanson, while both fictional, were examples of people who fought for what they believed in… especially wildlife and national parks. In fact, at the end of the series, Ron becomes a park ranger for the new national park that Leslie rallys for in Pawnee, Indiana.

Not only did Parks and Rec show a relationship between two people of opposite political beliefs, but it also found common ground between them. This show remains as relevant as ever because of the new actions of the government towards parks, but also because it shows what politics could be… understanding and civil.

Sources:
Article on Leslie and Ron’s Friendship
Video from The Vlog Brothers
Agenda Setting
History.com
The Hill Article
National Parks Service