harsh the voices of judgment might be.
It's well understood that Leslie is a genuinely wholesome and lovable character, but as well as this she is possibly one of the strangest, most off-beat characters in the show. Considering how few and far between such complex female protagonists there are, this can come as a breath of fresh air. However, at other times, Leslie's quirks simply aren't that easy to stomach.
Love: Her Relentlessness
Leslie is stubborn... very stubborn. This quality can annoy some characters in the show to no end--such as Ron Swanson, who is often the one up against some project or other that Leslie is determined to see done--but more times than not it's a pleasure to see Leslie at work, refusing to accept anything less than what she deems appropriate.
Don't Love: Her Racism
Leslie's obviousness when it comes to race is a running gag in the show - like when she constantly refers to the foreign country she guesses Tom is from when he's actually from a southern state in America, or her repeated references to Anne's ethnicity that she never actually inquires about but instead chooses to exoticize. The show is self-aware of Leslie's ignorance, but that doesn't necessarily make it better if it never has her face her mistakes.
Love: Her Hate Of Eagleton
Not long into the series, Leslie's absolute hate for Eagleton unleashes itself. It's a funny thing to witness, as Leslie seems like the most community-loving person that could be imagined, so it's difficult to see it coming when her distaste for anything across the border of Pawnee comes to light. The joke becomes even funnier when Leslie eventually realizes that she was technically born there.
Don't Love: Her Childishness Around Her Mother
Leslie is a leader, but when it comes to her mother she basically kisses the ground that she walks on. Leslie wants only to please her mother, and as soon as she's in the room with her she defers to anything her mother says, assuming she is right.
She gets better about this over time, growing more into an independent, confident version of herself, but when it does occur it's a shock compared to the powerful woman fans know.
Love: Her Political References
Leslie leads her life in the footsteps of the political icons that came before her. Her office has pictures of female politicians all over the walls, and she makes a habit of quoting politicians she ires regularly throughout the show. It's nice to see that, while Leslie might be an over-the-top person sometimes, her political aspirations are not grounded in ignorance.
Don't Love: Her Need To Control
Leslie doesn't think something can be done right unless she is the one doing it herself. This is evidenced through her obsessive scripts and plans she fills countless binders with, insisting everybody follow the outlines she makes for any project they are involved in, and through her insistence that she must be the one to carry out her job, even when she's completely sick and should be at home, as in the episode when the town breaks out with the flu.
Love: Her Hatred Of The Library
Leslie's aversion to the library may the only thing that challenges her hate of Eagleton. It comes out of nowhere, and there is never a thorough explanation for where her issue with the library originated--all viewers know is that when the library is mentioned, Leslie's nostrils literally flare.
Don't Love: Her Eagerness To Please
If there is an authority figure in the room, odds are Leslie will try to figure out what they like and do her best to give it to them.
She loves a pat on the back, especially if it's from somebody who is technically a higher rank than her. Sometimes it's difficult for viewers to watch her grovel like this, especially when they know what she is capable of. Luckily, she eventually realizes it, too.
Love: Her Waffle Obsession
JJ's Diner is Leslie's favorite place to be, solely because she is obsessed with their waffles. She recommends them to everyone and eats them several times over the course of the show--any time she goes out to eat, any time she needs comforting. When Leslie is sick in the hospital and Ben tries to win her affection by bringing her home-made chicken soup, she opts for the container of waffles instead, so strong is her love.
Don't Love: Her Immaturity
Sometimes Leslie's naivety can be endearing, but other times it comes off as simply childish and cringe-worthy. Leslie is a grown woman who is very capable and intelligent, yet she regularly misses social cues and sometimes embarrasses herself and those around her in a desperate attempt to be liked, bringing to mind her similarities to Michael Scott in The Office who fans similarly love to watch, be it through regular wincing.