I had one obsession when I was a kid: The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. I sat three inches away from the TV screen when it was on, reenacted the episodes with my childhood best friend, and wanted nothing more than to be just like the Pink Ranger, Kimberly Hart (played by Amy Jo Johnson). She was my first role model, and I still admire the character to this day. Twenty years after the show ended, I’m ready to write my thank you letter to the Pink Ranger.
Thank you for teaching me girls could be strong.
As I sat watching the Pink Ranger, and all of the other rangers, fight the evil forces of Rita Repulsa, I wanted to emulate Kimberly. Commercial breaks often involved my uncoordinated attempts at round house kicks, cartwheels, and spins to ward off imaginary foes. I never really learned how to do the flips and kicks with the skill Kimberly possessed, but I did learn that girls are capable of being just as strong as the boys. We can fight our own battles. We can save the boys just as easily as they can save us. I grew up knowing I was capable of handling my own troubles simply because of this show.
Thank you for teaching me to admit fear and then overcome it.
The Pink Ranger frequently ended up in dangerous situations. She was always targeted by Lord Zedd and Rita as the weaker link, but in these situations she would face her fear. She didn’t try to hide it when she felt scared or hopeless. After acknowledging the fear, she would overcome it to beat the bad guys. I learned that the best way to handle my own fear was to do the same. It’s a skill that has served me well while trying to make decisions in my life. Kimberly showed me that you can’t conquer something if you don’t tackle it straight on, and I’m glad she did.
Thank you for teaching me words could win battles too.
My humor is one of my favorite qualities. I love being quick with words and engaging in a battle of wits with other people. This is something the Pink Ranger frequently did with the other Power Rangers. She constantly interjected a sarcastic comment or witty remark during their big, stressful conversations, and she never let anyone give her any crap. Thank you Kimberly for teaching me to use words as weapons when I needed, to provide humor in the stressful situations, and to think on my feet. A sharp tongue has been a blessing in my life.
Thank you for teaching me to be kind and compassionate.
Even though she stood up for herself and ribbed others in a good way, Kimberly was also there for her friends and even other people when they needed her to be. The Pink Ranger supported Tommy when he lost his powers, she treated Billy with compassion when the others were at odds with him, and she was kind to the school bully, Skull, when his feelings were hurt. Because of this I learned that there are times when it’s more important to be kind to others than it is to be witty or clever and to consider the feelings of others more than my own.
Even at 24 years old, I still idolize the original Pink Ranger and her various qualities. I didn’t realize just how much this one fictional character would influence me when I was a kid, but I see the impact now. For all of that, and the boundless hours of entertainment, thank you Kimberly Hart/ Pink Power Ranger from the bottom of my fangirl heart.
(Image via Power Rangers)