Theme Of Corruption In House Of Cards

The moral code, or lack of one, in House of Cards is completely the opposite of the one presented in The West Wing. The Underwoods do nothing that is not of their own self-interest. In order to achieve their goals, every option is on the table, including theft, murder, and an abundance of lies. This all options philosophy is surprising given Frank’s wife, Claire, job as an environmental activist. Even when seeking to accomplish virtuous things, such as Claire’s clean water project, immoral practices are still used. The Underwoods are guided by the idea that anything goes in order to get to the top. Frank exemplifies this when making comments like “For those of us climbing to the top of the food chain, there can be no mercy. There is but one …show more content…
The frontrunner for the 2016 Republican nominee, Donald Trump, who is facing the possibility of a contested convention which may deny him the nomination, has called the nominating process “a rigged, disgusting, dirty system.” Trump’s statement accurately describes the process as presented in House of Cards. This concept of a consistent practice of corruption in American politics is mirrored in the society of House of Cards. In the American culture it manifests itself as the public’s fear of corruption in the bureaucracies. One author, Ruth Miller, goes as far as to call bureaucrats, bandits. In Miller’s words, banditry is “synonymous to bribe taking, nepotism, or preferment.” These three practices are seen over an over in House of Cards. While the United States’ bureaucracy does not practice banditry to near the level of countries such as China, Cuba, and Russia. This idea highlights why House of Cards works. It exaggerates the fears that people already posses toward the United States …show more content…
It recognizes the difficulties of the process, but gives up that with the right motivation and guidance most policy goals can be achieved. House of Cards on the other hand shows all of the negative aspects of politics. It gives doubt to some that the democracy that we thought we have is not all that wonderful. It is surely suspenseful television, but it paints a picture of the nation’s leaders that will only dismantle what respect they have for them. Political dramas play a role in shaping the understanding of American citizens on the political process and institutions. Even the portrayal of brokered conventions may now be important, with the relevant dilemma facing both the Republican and Democratic parties this year. It is for this reason that writers and producers must be careful to accurately and appropriately portray the political system as to not disrupt the necessary political processes. While capitalizing on people’s preconceived fears may be good for ratings, it doesn’t present a depiction of the American political process that will inspire a new