Episode 3

Mad Men is a wonderfully raw representation of the 1960’s. While watching this week’s episode I couldn’t help but think of the different generations in the show. Analyzing what each character does in light of the generational differences helps me see the world of Mad Men in light of my world. The writers and producers of the show have really captured what it means to live in this time. The slow, careful character development allows the viewer to engage with each main charter in a unique way, drawing the viewer into the story line. I find myself trying to predict where the characters will end up, and how their backgrounds will be revealed. 

So much was revealed about how parents in this day raised their children and where they place their values. The wives are more concerned with outward appearance than the development and growth of their children. People have children as a social standing and not because they want to bring life into the world to better it. In this episode Don’s wife has a minor car accident and her biggest concern is not that her children could have died if the accident had been more severe but that her daughter may have ended up with a scar on her face and then would have to forever live with a physical “disability”. This is a huge statement on parents priorities and values. It shines light on the generation of boomers and their children. 

The stigma on talk therapy, or seeing a psychiatrist is shown in this episode when Don’s wife is referred to see a psychiatrist because the doctors cannot determine why her hands would be going numb. This shows us a few things; it demonstrates the lack of medical knowledge the country had at the time as well as the inability for American’s to connect with their actual emotions, feelings and even past. The psychiatrist that she sees is silent the entire visit and only speaks about the appoint later on, in secret to Don. Another example of how this is clearly a man’s world. I can’t wait to see where the show goes next.