The Dangers of Lifestyle Feminism | In Defence of Ann Perkins (Parks and Recreation) | Video Essay

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:    • Ranking "Every" Parks and Recreation Chara...   Support me on Patreon:   / arianaalexis   ViroCell's YouTube Channel: Sofia's Cross Stitch Instagram: @sewfia_sews   / sewfia_sews   Follow me on Social Media: Instagram: @500DaysofAri (  / 500daysofari  ) Twitter: @500DaysofAriana For more videos click here:    / arianaalexis   Follow me on Social Media: Instagram: @500DaysofAri (  / 500daysofari  ) Twitter: @500DaysofAriana Music Playing Through Video: Music Credit: LAKEY INSPIRED Music By: LAKEY INSPIRED @   / lakeyinspired   Official "LAKEY INSPIRED" YouTube Channel HERE -    / @lakeyinspired   License for commercial use: Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported "Share Alike" (CC BY-SA 3.0) License. Full License HERE - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... Music promoted by NCM https://goo.gl/fh3rEJ Music from -    • Video   Fun Music: | Title: Sand Castles | Artist: The Green Orbs | YouTube Audio Library End Screen Music: | Title: Mob Battle | Artist: Silent Partner |    • Mob Battle – Silent Partner (No Copyright ...