House of Cards: Chapter 31 (Season 3, Episode 4.) ~SPOILER ALERT~

DISCLAIMER: If you're watching House of Cards and are not past Season 3, Episode 4, please do not read on.

House of Cards is arguably one of the most popular T.V. shows in America at the moment. In the third season, the "protagonist," (arguable, but that's for another time...) Frank Underwood is the President of the United States. He is ruthlessly carrying out his agendas, bypassing congress and other politicians. His wife, Claire, is the ambassador to the United Nations.  House of Cards is a work of television that, despite several troubling aspects, is feminist.

Claire Underwood does not adhere to any sort of cult of true womanhood. She is the UN ambassador for the US, is pursuing her agendas. She is working to pass a resolution and bypass Russia, which she succeeds at, using great amounts of power and intimidation over the Russian ambassador. When at home, she does not sleep in the same bed as Frank. In addition, She wielded her power over Frank to become the ambassador in previous episodes, for instance. Claire is an example as to how House of Cards is indeed feminist.

Heather Dunbar is the solicitor general at the beginning of the episode. Frank, who is trying to cut out the competition for the 2016 race, offers her a seat in the supreme court.  She at first accepts but then it becomes clear that she has different plans-- she announces running for president. Clear in defiance of the President, Heather also speaks to House of Cards being a feminist work of culture.

Ayla, the reporter is the troubling part. She pushes the president during a press conference but is then booted by the press secretary. This story line will for sure continue, however, and I’m sure that she’ll pop back up. Knowing House of Cards, the move will backfire and prove furthermore the Feminist-ness(?) of the show.

This thesis applies to other works as well. Many TV Shows, movies, and other things could be seen as feminist, amidst troubling aspects. Other episodes of House of Cards, too! Often times, if one analyzes the aspects and then investigates the motives behind it-- you could find many truths about our culture and media.