Mad Men and Philosophy

1. Mad Men reflects the social and ethical complexities of 1960s America

"People may see things differently, but they don't really want to."

Historical context. Mad Men is set against the backdrop of significant cultural and political events of the 1960s, including the Civil Rights movement, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the assassination of JFK. The show explores how these events impact the characters' lives and worldviews, revealing the tensions between traditional values and emerging social change.

Ethical dilemmas. The series presents characters grappling with complex moral issues, such as:

• Infidelity and its consequences on family life
• The ethics of advertising potentially harmful products (e.g., cigarettes)
• Discrimination based on gender, race, and sexual orientation
• The conflict between personal ambition and social responsibility

Through these ethical quandaries, Mad Men invites viewers to reflect on the moral complexities of the era and their relevance to contemporary society.

2. Advertising in Mad Men reveals the power of persuasion and manipulation

"Advertising is based on one thing: happiness. And do you know what happiness is? Happiness is the smell of a new car. It's freedom from fear. It's a billboard on the side of the road that screams with reassurance that whatever you are doing is okay. You are okay."

Creation of desire. The show demonstrates how advertising creates and shapes consumer desires, often by appealing to emotions rather than rational decision-making. Don Draper's pitches frequently focus on tapping into deep-seated human needs and aspirations, rather than the product's actual features.

Ethical considerations. Mad Men raises questions about the ethics of advertising:

• The manipulation of consumers' emotions and insecurities
• The blurring of lines between truth and fiction in marketing
• The responsibility of advertisers in promoting potentially harmful products
• The role of advertising in reinforcing societal norms and expectations

The series invites viewers to critically examine the persuasive techniques used in advertising and their impact on society.

3. Don Draper embodies the struggle between freedom and identity

"I have a life, and it only goes in one direction: forward."

Reinvention and escape. Don Draper's stolen identity represents the ultimate act of personal reinvention, allowing him to escape his troubled past and create a new life. This theme resonates with the American ideal of self-made success and the possibility of second chances.

Inner conflict. Don's struggle with his dual identity reveals the tension between:

• The desire for freedom and the need for genuine connection
• The allure of reinvention and the weight of personal history
• The pursuit of success and the search for authentic happiness

Through Don's character, Mad Men explores the costs and consequences of living a life built on deception, even when motivated by the pursuit of a better future.

4. The show explores evolving gender roles and second-wave feminism

"You want to be taken seriously? Stop dressing like a little girl."

Workplace dynamics. Mad Men portrays the changing landscape of gender roles in the workplace, focusing on characters like Peggy Olson and Joan Holloway as they navigate a male-dominated industry. The show highlights:

• The prevalence of sexual harassment and discrimination
• The challenges faced by women seeking career advancement
• The tension between traditional expectations and emerging opportunities for women

Personal lives. The series also examines how changing gender roles affect personal relationships and family dynamics, particularly through the character of Betty Draper and her struggle with the limitations of her role as a housewife.

Mad Men's portrayal of gender issues reflects the emerging second-wave feminist movement of the 1960s, showcasing both progress and persistent obstacles to equality.

5. Mad Men critiques the pursuit of the American Dream and its consequences

"What you call love was invented by guys like me to sell nylons."

Illusion vs. reality. The show examines the gap between the idealized version of the American Dream and the often-disappointing reality experienced by the characters. This is exemplified by:

• Don's outward success masking inner turmoil and dissatisfaction
• The contrast between glamorous advertising images and the characters' messy personal lives
• The pursuit of material success at the expense of genuine happiness and fulfillment

Costs of success. Mad Men explores the personal and social costs associated with pursuing the American Dream:

• Broken families and strained relationships
• Substance abuse and mental health issues
• Ethical compromises in both personal and professional life

The series invites viewers to question the true nature of success and happiness in modern society.

6. The series examines the ethics of truth, honesty, and deception in advertising and life

"If you don't like what's being said, change the conversation."

Professional ethics. Mad Men delves into the ethical dilemmas faced by advertising professionals:

• The use of manipulative techniques to sell products
• The responsibility of advertisers in promoting potentially harmful goods
• The tension between creativity and truthfulness in marketing

Personal integrity. The show also explores how characters navigate truth and deception in their personal lives:

• Don's ongoing struggle to maintain his false identity
• The impact of secrets and lies on relationships and self-image
• The consequences of living inauthentically

Through these explorations, Mad Men raises questions about the nature of truth and the ethical implications of deception in both professional and personal contexts.

7. Mad Men portrays the slow progress of racial equality in 1960s America

"We've got bigger problems to worry about than TV, okay?"

Limited representation. The show reflects the racial dynamics of 1960s America by highlighting the limited presence and roles of people of color in the advertising industry and broader society:

• The absence of Black employees at Sterling Cooper
• The portrayal of Black characters primarily in service roles (e.g., elevator operators, maids)
• The gradual acknowledgment of the "Negro market" as a potential consumer base

Evolving attitudes. Mad Men depicts the slow and often reluctant shift in racial attitudes among its characters:

• Pete Campbell's recognition of the untapped potential in marketing to Black consumers
• The characters' reactions to major civil rights events of the era
• The contrast between overt racism and more subtle forms of discrimination

The series illustrates the complexities and challenges of racial progress in 1960s America, highlighting both incremental changes and persistent inequalities.

8. Friendship and professional relationships are central themes in the show

"And nobody understands that, but you do."

Complex dynamics. Mad Men explores the intricate web of relationships within the advertising agency:

• The mentor-protégé dynamic between Don and Peggy
• The competitive yet supportive friendship between Joan and Peggy
• The shifting alliances and power struggles among the male executives

Blurred lines. The show examines how professional and personal relationships often intersect and complicate each other:

• Don's affairs with clients and colleagues
• The impact of office politics on friendships and loyalties
• The role of social connections in career advancement

Through these relationships, Mad Men illustrates the complexity of human connections in a professional setting and their impact on personal growth and success.

9. The series questions the nature of happiness and fulfillment in modern society

"What is happiness? It's a moment before you need more happiness."

Pursuit of contentment. Mad Men explores the characters' ongoing search for happiness and meaning in their lives:

• Don's restless pursuit of fulfillment through affairs and career success
• Betty's struggle with the limitations of her role as a housewife
• Peggy's journey to find personal and professional satisfaction

Societal expectations. The show examines how social conventions and expectations shape characters' perceptions of happiness:

• The pressure to conform to idealized images of success and family life
• The conflict between individual desires and societal norms
• The role of consumer culture in defining and promising happiness

Through these explorations, Mad Men invites viewers to reflect on their own definitions of happiness and the factors that contribute to a fulfilling life in modern society.

Last updated: February 4, 2025