Every week the editorial board reflects on a current issue in Our View. The position taken does not reflect the opinions of everyone on the Hilltop Views staff.

Women are on almost every television show. Some are developed complex characters, like Claire Underwood, played by Robin Wright, from Netflix’s “House of Cards,” and there are other female characters that are in a show just to be a sexual object for the men. TV needs more Claire Underwood characters than place filler female characters.

The problem is that some female characters are not as developed as well as their male counterparts. The old cliche is that a man is supposed to save the damsel in distress, but in our modern day world this is not true anymore. Women are perfectly capable to save themselves, their man and the world if they put their mind to it.

Think about the way the character of Claire is developed into such a dynamic and multifaceted character — plus the fact that she is a powerful female character just adds to the awesomeness of it all — and her relationship with Frank. They are mutual partners working toward a common goal, even if their secondary goals diverge from the other’s at times.

In many ways Claire is Frank’s equal. Every step of Frank’s plan to enact revenge on the president, Claire is right by his side giving him advice. 

“House of Cards” is the perfect example of a show with fully-developed characters. Mrs. Underwood is just one of the many strong female characters on the show.

On the more traditional side of television, ABC’s “Scandal” has the strongest female lead with Kerry Washington’s portrayal of Olivia Pope, who is surrounded by other strong women. For example, the first lady on the show is even stronger than her husband. 

“Scandal” has redefined what it means to be a woman on a show, especially a woman of color.

Having powerful female characters is not a unique characteristic to dramas, comedy is dominated by great women on and off screen. One of the names most will find synonymous with comedy is Amy Poehler.

She stars in “Parks and Recreation” as Leslie Knope, a Type-A personality politician. 

Knope is a very independent and determined woman. She will do whatever it takes to achieve her goals. Unlike Mrs. Underwood, Knope is not as manipulative or evil; she is just a good person who wants to do good for the people.

Knope is the perfect representation of how a real world politician should act.

The best part about all of these shows is that they all are very successful. 

“House of Cards” has won many awards, including a Golden Globe for Best Actress for Wright; it  is also the show everyone is talking about. 

“Scandal” is one of the highest rated, talked about and award nominated shows on TV. Although ratings show that “Parks and Recreation” is not the most-loved Poehler project, it did win countless awards.

If Americans can accept strong female characters on television, then it is time for them to accept women as true equals to men because strong women are going to continue to fight the stereotypes no matter what.