Nick Offerman Is Right About Ron Swanson
You’d be hard pressed to find anyone who thinks we are in a good political moment. As more and more people fall into tribalism, they also seek role models for what they perceive to be their way of thinking. And, for the American small-c conservative, there are few better media representatives than Ron Swanson, from Parks and Recreation.
The iconic NBC mockumentary always had a lot to say about politics, and despite being the anathema to the show’s generally pro-government rhetoric, the iconic Swanson was a fan favorite. Brought expertly to life by the moustachioed Nick Offerman, the grouchy, bureaucracy-hating character was a man of principle. And one of those principles was that Swanson believed in character over characteristics, and would not dismiss someone based on their gender, sexuality, or skin color.
In a recent interview with Variety, Offerman tackled the idea that Swanson was a misogynist because of his traditionally masculine hobbies, like hunting, pointing out that the character was not an “avatar for [certain] ideologies.”
He added: “I thought, ‘Well, no, if you pay attention, you’ll see that Ron is a feminist, or ‘Ron is a true libertarian. He’s the best man at a gay wedding.’”
A true libertarian, and not just someone who wants to not pay taxes so he can hoard wealth, Swanson was far from a bleeding heart liberal, and definitely wouldn’t be found at a feminist book reading. It’s also clear would undoubtedly never have voted for Kamala Harris or Joe Biden (if he voted at all). However, it’s also obvious he would have never voted for someone as divisive and crass as Donald Trump, and would have rejected the toxic masculinity associated with the fan base of the long-time Jeffery Epstein associate.
Then there’s the most obvious riposte to the idea that Swanson hated women: his best friend and mentee was Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler), a proud feminist, Galentines Day advocate, and someone who would be reviled on the MAGA internet if she were a real politician. One can only hope in the future we have a world of Swansons and Knopes, rather than the depressing group currently in charge of America.
(featured image: NBC)
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