Parks and Recreation isn't the feminist powerhouse it was thought to be. In fact, it perpetuated the long-standing stereotype of media's dehumanization of single women through the character Ann Perkins and their promotion of lifestyle or "girl power" feminism.

For years, TV shows and movies have depicted single women as incomplete without a partner, with storylines that focus solely on finding romantic companionship and devoid of any real turmoil. Parks and Recreation had a chance to break this stereotype by showcasing a well-rounded representation of single women through Ann Perkins. However, the writers failed to deliver on this opportunity and instead pushed Ann below the ranks of literal farm animals, squandering the show's potential to empower women.

Ann deserved better. In this video essay, I'll be defending Ann Perkins against the writers who relegated Anne to a streaky watered-down symbol of girl power. I will also explore the dangers of lifestyle and girl power feminism and discuss how Parks and Recreation's usage of these cliches tainted the show's feminist reputation.

Supplemental Video - Ranking Every Parks and Recreation Character:
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