What I’ve Learned From Mad Men

For the last ten days, I have been engrossed in the world of Mad Men. Encouraged heavily by two maniacal fans, I have thoroughly enjoyed every episode. As I write this post, I’m about halfway through the third and most recent season, but I feel comfortable enough to discuss the lessons I’ve learned so far.

Here is what I have learned from Mad Men:

  • Hats can be cool.
  • Psychology is stupid.
  • Whiskey is the nectar of the gods.
  • Cigarettes help you think and work better.
  • It’s okay to drink and smoke when you’re pregnant.
  • Black people either provide a helpful service or have sage insight.
  • Men are sluts.
  • It’s only okay to be gay if you’re from Europe.
  • Adopting a baby is a sign of weakness.
  • Everything needs salt.
  • To be mysterious and appealing, just don’t say anything and arch your eyebrow.
  • When you need time, just disappear and show back up a week or so later and nobody will even care.
Enjoy this post? Try these:
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43 Responses to What I’ve Learned From Mad Men

  1. Amanda
    Twitter:
    says:

    I’m drinking whiskey as I type this, so clearly this is correct.

    I have all three seasons downloaded but I haven’t watched it yet- Currently Mike’s making me watch Stargate Universe, and I’m making him watch Glee

    Reply

    @Amanda, it starts off slow but is really compelling. Reminds me of a non-violent Sopranos.

    Reply

  2. metalia says:

    I cannot BELIEVE I forgot to show you this: http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/clips/don-drapers-guide/787241/

    Reply

    @metalia, I remember seeing that when he was on, but it didn’t really mean anything to me at the time. Now it’s hilarious! And it seems like I pretty much plagiarized him!

    Reply

  3. CP says:

    Don’t know about the rest of them, but I tried the last one on Facebook recently. No one is looking for me. They don’t even realize I’m gone. I don’t even think my husband noticed.

    Reply

    @CP, I don’t blame you. I might try that last one here.

    Reply

  4. kateanon says:

    Love this. I’ve learned it’s OK to be seething under the surface as long as you look pretty.

    Reply

    @kateanon, exactly. Just lock all those messy feelings in a box and bury it deep.

    Reply

  5. B.E. Earl
    Twitter:
    says:

    Here’s what I’ve learned from Mad Men:

    Christina Hendricks makes my pants tight.

    OK, I actually learned that on Firefly and I don’t even watch Mad Men. I just thought it was important, ya know?

    Reply

    @B.E. Earl, yes she does.

    Reply

  6. Grace Davis says:

    Another takeaway from Mad Men: “Ahh, so this is why Baby Boomers are so fucked up.” Sally’s sad little life is a future hippie chick in the making. With the icy non-mothering from Betty and classic absent Boomer daddy Don, poor child is well on her way to an acid overdose.

    Reply

    @Grace Davis, I think Sally seems pretty well adjusted!

    Reply

  7. Kelly says:

    Haven’t seen Mad Men, but I have to say that EVERYTHING DOES NEED SALT!! Really.

    Reply

    @Kelly, it’s a fact of life.

    Reply

  8. Hilly says:

    Every time I watch “Mad Men”, I feel like smoking a pack of cigarettes and drinking Manhattans. Gee, I have no idea why!

    NEW MOON!

    Reply

    @Hilly, me too!

    Reply

  9. Karen says:

    I learned that men can cheat all they want, but if a woman wants to cheat she is a “slut”. It is a lesson I will take with me forever.

    Reply

    @Karen, they all should be sluts regardless of gender!

    Reply

  10. Robin says:

    Fact.

    Reply

    @Robin, ’nuff said.

    Reply

  11. kapgar
    Twitter:
    says:

    Aren’t these great life lessons?

    Wait until the end of season three. Awesome sauce (as Marie would say).

    Reply

    @kapgar, I’m four episodes away.

    Reply

  12. Badass Geek says:

    I’m totally going to do the eyebrow-arch thing the next time my wife questions me.

    Reply

    @Badass Geek, and then stay silent no matter what.

    Reply

  13. Sybil Law says:

    Absolutely.

    Reply

    @Sybil Law, tru dat.

    Reply

  14. Paticus says:

    Halfway through season 3, so you haven’t gotten to the zombies or time travel yet ? Oops! I mean, spoiler alert! Damnit!

    Reply

    @Paticus, oh, I think I saw that one.

    Reply

  15. Oh, The Joys says:

    And it is ok for children to play with dry cleaning bags as long as the clean clothes are not dropped on the floor.

    Reply

    @Oh, The Joys, oh yeah – that was a hilarious scene! I totally forgot to include that one.

    Reply

  16. Finn
    Twitter:
    says:

    *arches eyebrow*

    Reply

    @Finn, rawr.

    Reply

  17. GrandeMocha
    Twitter:
    says:

    I have really good gaydar for American gays. All European men set it off.

    Reply

    @GrandeMocha, even Germans?

    Reply

  18. Jay
    Twitter:
    says:

    During every episode of that show I made note of all the places people smoked. In the car, elevator, their children’s bedrooms, while holding a baby, in other people’s hotel rooms or offices, restaurants and in the waiting room at hospitals. Pretty much everywhere and especially places that it would seem rude or inconsiderate. The earliest I think I saw anyone drink was 9:30 am. So they’re pretty responsible when it comes to that.

    I learned that the early sixties were a glorious time when men ruled and women knew their place. LOL *runs before some uppity broad throws something at me*

    Reply

    @Jay, I love the constant smoking. It makes me chuckle.

    Reply

  19. Grant says:

    I was onboard with the fanaticism surrounding Star Wars, Stephen King, and Kiss in Rio, so now I’ve decided to not watch Mad Men just so I can be cool and laugh at you silly kids who think it has artistic merit. I’m taking the same approach to Leonardo daVinci. Time will out that crappy water color thingy called the Mona Lisa.

    Reply

    @Grant, I took that same attitude, and here I am, three years after it premiered, regretting it. Join us before it’s too late. Join uuuusssssss.

    Reply

  20. Shauna says:

    I’ve never seen Mad Men but I laughed out loud reading this. Sounds very much The Young and the Restless–but with American gay people.

    Well done.

    Reply

    @Shauna, now you need to watch it!

    Reply

  21. ali says:

    …and every woman needs a fainting couch.

    Reply

    @ali, I think men should have one too. Men with honorary vaginas.

    Reply

  22. dude, I am pretty sure you already knew everything need salt.

    I mean I carrying a freaking salt shaker in my bag. You could carry one in your pocket and get admiring glances as well.

    Salt is awesome like that.

    Reply

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