Man Men

This is the cast of mad men, the case study we are looking at for our exam. We have watched a few episodes and discussed some questions that will help prepare us for our exam.

• Reasons for popularity?
  The show could give men an escape from reality, a way of escaping from their own life into the characters. The show is based in the 1960's so perhaps the show makes people relive the past, and look at the show as a kind of fantasy life. Some men could recognise a narcissistic identification with the characters, mostly with the main character Don Draper.
• Target Audience? What do they get out of it?
  The target audience of the show would be mainly male, as it is a male dominated show. However some females may enjoy the show as Don Draper is a hegemonic male, and is seen as an icon and attractive, which could be a reason for females watching. Males may enjoy the power of the males, and how traditional the hegemonic characters are. The female characters may also be interested in the era and the fashion of the characters.

• What representations of gender(distinctly males).
  Don Draper is a hegemonic male, he is the traditional male, a leader and well dressed. He is looked up to as he is a creative director of an advertising agency. He believes that he is in charge and does not take into account the concequenses of cheating on his wife.

Herman "Duck" Phillips is a marginalised male, although he still has his job, he is a recovering alcoholic, slowly turning to drink again, and feeling lost like he has no place. He is lonely as he is divorced, and only has the company of his dog.