Parks and Recreation: The Problem(s) with Politics

The television series Parks and Recreation follows the story of a few government employees who work in the small town of Pawnee, Indiana, in the Parks and Recreation department. The main character of the series is Leslie Knope, who works relentlessly to serve her community, despite the unwillingness of some of her fellow employees. Through this small Parks and Recreation department, the show examines many of the frustrations that come with working in government, including the roles of businesses and individual ambitions of other politicians.

Throughout the show there is use of irony, hyperbole and parody. The most obvious instance of irony is Leslie’s extreme enthusiasm for her work in government and her inflated view of the importance of the Parks and Recreation department. Of course it is an important department, however Leslie often acts as if it is the most important job in the world, even when her constituents and coworkers do not share her enthusiasm. The show also often uses hyperbole. For example, in one episode Leslie is meeting with a fast food restaurant chain. One of the restaurant’s managers displays the different sizes of soft drinks available, and it turns out that the child’s size is gigantic. Leslie shows some concern and the manager replies that the size represents roughly the volume of a drink if a child were to be liquefied. By over exaggerating the size of a soft drink, the show brings up the pressing issue today the deals with health concerns and non nutritional foods. There are also many instances of parody throughout the show. One recurring instance is the media outlets in Pawnee, through which journalists and TV hosts are essentially made fun of by pointing out ineptitudes and biases. Through this parody, the show can demonstrate the role of media in the political process.

Overall, through these satirical techniques, the show is able to bring up contemporary and important issues about the process of politics and government through a lens that is both comedic and entertaining. Its seems that show advocates for, among other things more transparency in politics and active participation in it. This is especially evident in Leslie’s unwavering allegiance to her work and town. Despite many pitfalls and obstacles, Leslie is always focused and pushed forward by her unbridled, but ironic, optimism.