A Letter To Leslie Knope (NBC’s Parks & Recreation)
Deputy Parks Director Leslie Knope
Parks & Recreation Department
City of Pawnee, IN
Dear Deputy Parks Director Leslie Knope,
Name It, Change It, a project dedicated to ending sexist and misogynistic coverage of female candidates by the media, is writing in response to your recent altercation with a Pawnee voter at a local bowling alley (15:20). We want to applaud the way in which you responded to the voter’s verbal attack.
After you defeated Derrick in a round of bowling, his reaction was to call you a “bitch.” Would he have said that to a male candidate who so soundly defeated him at his favorite sport? Most likely not. In fact, his problem with you had nothing to do with his claim that you “didn’t look like someone he could go bowling with.” He was just plain sexist.
By holding a press conference (19:29) and refusing to apologize for what happened and instead criticizing your aggressor and his use of the term “bitch,” your campaign saw a positive reaction from potential voters, as evidenced by the focus group. Men and women alike found you tough and principled when you stood up to the sexist remark. Name It. Change It.‘s groundbreaking research shows that when women stand-up to sexism, it makes them and their candidacy stronger. Your reaction is a great example for female candidates running for office. If you are ever confronted with this kind of language again, don’t hesitate to call it what it is: sexist.
Congratulations on your successful campaign thus far and best of luck in the race.
Sincerely,
Name It, Change It
Published by Kate McCarthy on 01/31/2012