Hegemonic Masculinity In House Of Cards

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During the first scene of House of Cards, the viewers are given their first impression on Frank Underwood. Frank walks out of his house to the sound of a crying dog that has been hit by a car. He approaches the dog alone and gives a monologue to the audience. Frank mentions how he has no time for useless pain and he is one that likes to take charge by finding a solution. He then begins to snap the dog’s neck. This simple monologue sums up Frank’s ruthless and dominant personality throughout the show. This scene is just one of the many scenes that represent how Frank does not let anything stand in his way, especially women. House of Cards takes place in Washington D.C. during current times. The show depicts the life Frank Underwood and how …show more content…

In order to understand hegemonic masculinity, one must understand hegemonic power. “Hegemonic power refers to the cultural ideologies, images, and representations that shape group and individual consciousness and support or justify policies and practices in the structural and disciplinary domains” (Dill, Zambrana 9). Therefore, in regards to masculinity, it shows that men are stationed over women in all aspects of life. Frank clearly shows this characteristic throughout the show. Frank asserted dominance over both females while using manipulation. Frank was able to use Zoe Barns for his own benefit. He made it so Zoe Barns was going to face the problem instead of him. He, therefore, showed he was the dominant …show more content…

They both had a goal to get into the white house together. In Season three episode three, Frank and Claire get into a very aggressive dispute. Claire has told Frank that she does not want to be part of his life anymore because it was not what she expected. Frank then explicitly explains all the hard work they did together to get to this point. He was getting very angry with her due to her change in heart. The conversation ends with Frank choking her and making sure she understands his message. Frank uses violence and aggression in order to show his dominance over Claire. Claire is not the only woman who is

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