Both western and modern culture set different standards and ideal traits between men and women. The expectations of a woman include an attractive appearance and perfect figure for men to look at. This myth identifies with the notion that a male’s sex drive is stronger than a woman’s. AMC’s MadMen is a dramatic series about the birth of the American advertising industry. The first season’s episode “Shoot”, reveals the traditional gender codes of the time period. Betty Draper (January Jones) is married to Don Draper (Jon Hamm) who is the Creative Director at Sterling Cooper advertising agency. Mrs. Draper’s wardrobe is a sign of diminutive status. This particular episode also captures her responsibilities as a mother and housewife. The low ceiling
…show more content…
There are many scenes in the episode that depict the role of a provider for others. Aaron claims, "... the social position of females is biologically mandated to be intertwined with the care of children and a “natural” dependency on men for the maintenance of mother-child units" (506). For example, Sally, Betty's daughter, is crying and Mrs. Draper takes her back to bed while showing comfort. Don remains lying in bed and doesn't move. The particular scenario resembles Betty's nurturing character and natural response to care for her child's needs. The expectation of women were to have a heterosexual marriage and care for more than one child to be considered a housewife. Females were in a hate disposition to be less than men. In addition, Mrs. Draper's dialogue with Don reveals a woman's reliance towards men. Betty says, "I brought the form home... I thought you could help me fill it out, so I can get paid." Men were counted on to assist the wives by using their signature to finalize various …show more content…
For example, Peggy, Don’s secretary, is shown sitting closest to the door during a meeting and appears to be excluded from the male workers. She differs from the typical sex icon and enjoys being a secretary instead of attracting the office men. During another scene, Peggy bends over and rips her skirt due to her struggle with weight gain and is loaned a tighter fitting, red dress by Joan as a result of her accident. While walking by, a few men gaze and make remarks in regards to her sudden wardrobe change. Later after returning Joan’s outfit, Ken, sarcastically speaking about Peggy’s weight, comments, “They call a girl like her a lobster. All the meat’s in the tail” driving Pete to punch him in the jaw. All in all, the ladies followed requests from wealthier men and didn’t defend themselves. Males did not treat the females with the same respect and made inconsiderate commentary in regards to a female’s body appearance and was shown as
There are many scenes in the episode that depict the role of a provider for others. Aaron claims, "... the social position of females is biologically mandated to be intertwined with the care of children and a “natural” dependency on men for the maintenance of mother-child units" (506). For example, Sally, Betty's daughter, is crying and Mrs. Draper takes her back to bed while showing comfort. Don remains lying in bed and doesn't move. The particular scenario resembles Betty's nurturing character and natural response to care for her child's needs. The expectation of women were to have a heterosexual marriage and care for more than one child to be considered a housewife. Females were in a hate disposition to be less than men. In addition, Mrs. Draper's dialogue with Don reveals a woman's reliance towards men. Betty says, "I brought the form home... I thought you could help me fill it out, so I can get paid." Men were counted on to assist the wives by using their signature to finalize various …show more content…
For example, Peggy, Don’s secretary, is shown sitting closest to the door during a meeting and appears to be excluded from the male workers. She differs from the typical sex icon and enjoys being a secretary instead of attracting the office men. During another scene, Peggy bends over and rips her skirt due to her struggle with weight gain and is loaned a tighter fitting, red dress by Joan as a result of her accident. While walking by, a few men gaze and make remarks in regards to her sudden wardrobe change. Later after returning Joan’s outfit, Ken, sarcastically speaking about Peggy’s weight, comments, “They call a girl like her a lobster. All the meat’s in the tail” driving Pete to punch him in the jaw. All in all, the ladies followed requests from wealthier men and didn’t defend themselves. Males did not treat the females with the same respect and made inconsiderate commentary in regards to a female’s body appearance and was shown as