Welcome to this week’s installment of Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week, wherein we shine a spotlight on strong women who inspire us. Now, this not only includes fictional female characters in geeky media, but creators as well. These ladies are a prime example of female empowerment and how crucial it is for youth to have said example to follow.
DISCLAIMER: The following is rife with spoilers for Community. If you haven’t watched it yet, I hate to say it — but you’re streets behind. Time to get streets ahead, kids.
Britta Perry
Fast Facts:
Britta Perry (Gillian Jacobs) was born in Riverside, Colorado to George and Deb Perry. When she was younger, Britta entered the rebellious teenager phase and never quite left it. She dropped out of high school because she thought it would impress Radiohead. Britta eventually joined the Peace Corps, visited Africa, was a foot model and traveled across the globe. Additionally, she was a member of several activist groups, notably the feminist organization called “An-Her-Chists.” She even lived in New York, and never shies away from boasting about her time in the Big Apple feasting on “bag-uls.”
Later, Britta realized she needed a steadier profession. She enrolled at Greendale Community College … and the rest is herstory. It was at Greendale where she befriended her Spanish study group. Smooth-talking ex-lawyer Jeff Winger (Joel McHale) initially formulated said study group in an attempt to get in Britta’s pants, which he did succeed at down the line.
Britta participated in shenanigans aplenty while at Greendale. She was involved in everything from paintball tournaments gone awry to ascending to regionals with the Glee Club after the original members died in a horrific bus crash. She even aided in rising against Ben Chang’s (Ken Jeong) Chang-glorious dictatorship.
After graduating, Britta became a bartender. However, after some time passed, she re-enrolled at Greendale to finally earn her psychology degree. She also joined the Save Greendale Committee to … wait for it … save Greendale.
The Real Deal:
Britta is the real deal. She was known the campus over for being “the worst.” Her name was even utilized as an adjective that meant to royally fork up. But, friends, I’m here to tell you that she’s not the worst. Britta is actually the best. In later Community seasons, Britta is occasionally portrayed as an airheaded ditzy blonde. Don’t let that fool you. Britta is intelligent and kind. She’s well-versed in world issues and genuinely cares about the planet. Britta’s incessantly raising awareness for hot-button topics. She will forever be raging against the machine, and we love her for that.
I’d like to think that everyone poked fun at Britta because they adored her. She harbors a massive heart. Her loyalty to her loved ones knows no bounds. Britta is stalwartly independent, sometimes to a fault. But her independence is also admirable. She’s never needed to rely on a man for survival. Britta is self-sustaining in every sense of the word. She’s also the Mother of Ones, which will undoubtedly go on her resume. We love a leader. Britta possesses an innate sense of leadership that’s often underutilized, but she’s compelling, even without the large mustard stain on her cheek.
Why She Matters:
Why does she matter? Britta takes a lot of guff on a daily basis. But she persists despite the constant berating from her peers. That requires an inherent strength. Mental and emotional fortitude. Britta has all that and more in spades. Britta may get knocked down quite a bit, but she always rises again and carries on. Keep calm and Britta on, folks. Her compassionate heart is a commodity in a world where compassion is in short supply. Yet, she still holds fast to her ironclad morals and values.
So, be like Britta. Be compassionate regardless of worldly influences. Always stand up for those who can’t. Try your damnedest to let the little things roll off your back. Know that it’s okay to “Britta” something up from time to time. Oh, and never stop raging against the machine. Never.
RELATED: Looking Streets Behind: COMMUNITY’s ‘Aerodynamics of Gender’
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What I do: I'm GGA's Managing Editor, a Senior Contributor, and Press Coordinator. I manage, contribute, and coordinate. Sometimes all at once. Joking aside, I oversee day-to-day operations for GGA, write, edit, and assess interview opportunities/press events.
Who I am: Before moving to Los Angeles after studying theater in college, I was born and raised in Amish country, Ohio. No, I am not Amish, even if I sometimes sport a modest bonnet.
Bylines in: Tell-Tale TV, Culturess, Sideshow Collectibles, and inkMend on Medium.
Critic: Rotten Tomatoes, CherryPicks, and the Hollywood Creative Alliance.
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