“Ok send Draper in.” One thing Don Draper is, is a threat. People continously send him in to fix problems and he repeatedly does so. In that way, he is a mercenary. He is focused, determined, and confident he can handle the problem with his charm, force, whatever. Not only is he a domain expert (creative team), but he understands the business at Sterling Cooper. He has social intelligence as well as he is fit (which he uses against Roger in an episode). These make Don a threat. Where in your life do you feel a lack of control / expertise? Being a threat means feeling powerful. It means knowing (not simply thinking) you can control your circumstances.
I think the hardest thing in the world is to realize that our actions really have no meaning. Don says this himself:
“I’m living like theres no tomorrow, because there is none.”
While this philosophy could be taken as his free ticket to bad behavior, I think it illustrates something profound in Don’s life: his loneliness. If you truly feel like there is no stability — that tomorrow could end at any moment and that there is no real thing called “happiness” (simply something invented to sell nylons), then your view of life is simply: it is what it is. I am who I am. Meh, I dont give a shit if you care about my view of life or not. there is this very strong idea that in your solitude, there is strength. People have no control over you. You don’t seek their approval or seek love. Love is simply what people fall in and fall out of.
Don is a man who knows himself, knows what he wants and doesn’t want. To want to be like Don Draper is OK. But through this site and process, you shouldn’t forget who you are and make smoking, women, and drinking your wants. Go after what YOU WANT. Quit that job that doesn’t bring happiness, dont be muffled by others, or please others. Please yourself. Self-interest. That is what Bert Cooper says to Don regarding being like the people in Atlas Shrugged:
You are a productive and reasonable man and in the end, completely self-interested
Don’s type? Contrast Rachel Menkin with Betty. Don marries Betty since shes the “perfect” wife - perfect for the time. glamorous, perfect purebreed homemaker. Rachel is intelligent, perceptive, independent, and doesn’t put up with Don’s nonsense.
- Don never approaches women, although if he did, i bet he’d kick ass and be successful. instead, he does his work and women come to him. example: rachel menkin, beautiful powerful business owner of a large boutique store. most men would be slightly intimidated (nowadays anyway) / affected. Don is not affected by women, he lets himself be affected. Meaning, he isn’t one to fall in love at first sight — based on looks, like most men. instead, he is just like a woman — he needs to find connection. however, he also is a man with a lot of issues, so when women make a pass at him (as long as he passes their “tests” — which is nothing for don, cuz thats who HE IS, there is no conscious passing), he cant refuse.
