17 Lessons in Celebrating America From Parks and Recreation's Ron Swanson

Get the best tips on party behavior and social skills from the manliest American on television

By Jenna Mullins Jul 03, 2015 4:00 PMTags
Parks and Recreation, Nick OffermanNBC

Happy Birthday, America! It's time for a weekend of people gathering around grills so they can critique someone's meat-cooking technique (don't flip it yet!), fireworks being set off in unnecessarily close quarters and lots and lots of freedom of speech. If you are wary of venturing out to the barbecues and pool parties and whatnot, let the most America-loving man ever to grace our television screens, Parks and Recreation's Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman), properly prep you for the big holiday.

Just follow these 17 Ron Swanson-approved guidelines and your Fourth of July will be the best one yet!

1. Don't let people judge you for bringing an oversized drinking container to a barbecue. If your cup is "toddler-sized," then so be it. Giant devices used for holding liquids are what make this country great.

2. Ice cream is best enjoyed using slow and lazy licks.

3. Dance as if no one is watching, but remember that they definitely are. Especially your Aunt Judith. She's always watching.

4. Feel free to really enjoy the buffet offerings. No regrets, no mercy.

5.  But if you don't like something at the food table, don't be afraid to show it. In fact, let your opinion of the party be heard loudly and often. Shaming the hosts is a grand American tradition.

6. Remember to say "America" at least once during every conversation, even if it has nothing to do with the subject. If you can't get from "Matt Damon's new ponytail" to "America is great" in less than three steps, then what are you even doing with your life?

7. Drink in moderation. Try and stay classy so you don't end up shouting "I'm a majestic manatee!" before belly-flopping into the pool like you did last year.

8. If you didn't drink in moderation and you have a hangover the next day, be sure to hit up the nearest diner for some sustenance. 

9. We get it, you don't like people. We don't either. But it's America's birthday, so try and get along with everybody. 

10. There might be games involved at the party, so be a good sport and remember to have fun. Unless you lose, in which case you should destroy everyone in a 10 foot radius.

11. Mind your manners when eating. You don't want to embarrass your date. But if you're dateless, go nuts. Eat those chicken wings in one bite.

12. There will probably be children at the gathering you are attending, so try and be nice for their sake. Refrain from using terms such as "devil spawn" and remember you were a kid once, too.

13. Don't be afraid to let loose. It's America's birthday, damn it! Show some respect and wear some spandex. 

 14. Embrace the meat. That's not a sexual term; that's an eating term.

15. Be the first person at the table where the booze is. No exceptions. Get there however you can as quickly as you can.

16. Teach every single human at that party about U.S. History.

17. Basically, there is no wrong way to celebrate our beautiful country if you do it like Ron Swanson. He is a true American hero.

Have fun and be safe out there!