Tonight, I introduced it to Matt, and it made me want to do this:
It must be the influence of Anastasia, Kimber, Fran, and other like-minded women, but I think I'm a feminist. Watching the way the men treated the women (especially poor Peggy) killed me. After a couple episodes, Matt and I talked about how glad we are that we didn't live in that time. I think Matt was mostly just opposed to Peggy's bangs,
but for me, it's just because I have a hard time thinking of a woman as an accessory. Don't get me wrong, I love everything about Mad Men, and the way it treats women is an attempt to be accurate to the time period for the sake of theatre (yes, I called Mad Men theatre. Don't even try to argue that point with me). I could never do that, though. If women were to be treated like a possession, it should be a prized possession, like a plasma TV, a PS3, a new car, or expensive jewelry.For example, in the pilot episode alone, that weasel Pete (who treats ALL women like crap, not just Peggy) met Peggy for the first time and immediately started telling her all of the ugly things about her appearance. Then, after getting plastered at his bachelor party (yes, he was getting married) he showed up at Peggy's door and took advantage of her. Then he got married and went off on his honeymoon. I'm really worried about where this is going for Peggy- ESPECIALLY since I've already seen every episode, and I KNOW where it's going.
Joan, the special secretary (I never noticed until this moment that the first part of "secretary" is "secret." Hmm....) had convinced Peggy that to get ahead, she had to be willing to do whatever the men coerced her into doing. Stupid Joan. Peggy even tried to show her boss, Don, that she was as willing as Joan. Being the gentleman that he is, Don turned Peggy down and talked her up. God bless him.
BUT THEN! Don went home to his wife and children, when earlier in the episode, he had been with another woman, and the whole episode, we had been led to believe that he was not married. Creep.
It really sounds like a soap opera when I write a summary in the middle of the night, but I promise- it's theatre. And I love it- despite my feminist ideals. :D
PS - If you're not already, you should be watching Mad Men. It does have a tendency to get into a little PG-13 territory, but it's definitely one of the cleaner dramas on cable... Did I mention it won the Golden Globe for best drama this year?
PPS - Look what happens when you point out that you read my blog, Matt - you get a shout-out! You're definitely going to be in my blog of my top 100 friends.
Okay- interest is officially peaked and Robbie and I must watch some MadMen. Done.
ReplyDeleteAnd Jeremy, maybe you're really a gentelman, rather than a real feminist. :)
But when in doubt!: Burn that bra! Don't let society hold you down!!!!
Double LMAO!!
ReplyDeletePoor Peggy.
Top 100 Friends of the last 25 years. CLASSIC!!!!!!!! rotf
Schmoopy, I never had a doubt that you're the good kind of feminist. :) And I love how you phrased this: "If women were to be treated like a possession, it should be a prized possession, like a plasma TV, a PS3, a new car, or expensive jewelry." I too love Mad Men, if only to remind myself how grateful I am that I have my "secretary" job because I'm qualified and not because I'm willing to sleep with people. Seriously, though, it's a great show. You are a feminist and a gentleman and I love you for it. :)
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the picture of the burning bra! It made me laugh. And, yes, her bangs are kind of bothersome... I need to watch that show sometime. I'm very glad that you do not feel the need to treat women that way. The world needs more men like you. I mean, who woundn't want to be treated like a plasma TV? ;)You will make a good husband and father someday. Better get cracking! :)
ReplyDeleteI like how each episode feels like you are watching an actual full feature film. It's just sooooooo detailed.
ReplyDeleteYes the sexism is out of control but so's the smoking! That also gets me crazy.