I could talk for ages about what I love about Mad Men, but I could talk for even longer about the boss women that make that show what it is. For starters, at a time when women were being forced back into the kitchen when they had just been liberated from the confines of domestic life during World War II, the women who drove the feminist movement in the 1960s were badass. And Mad Men did an incredible job of showing how these women broke the confines and constriction of sexism and misogyny in their own unique ways. The following women are some of my favorite characters from Mad Men, and I’ll tell you why…
Two words: Joan Holloway. I loved Joan from the very first episode until the very last. Not only does she more than carry her weight in the Sterling Cooper ad agency—she knows all the ins and outs and how to get anything done in the office—she is also unapologetic about her ability to attract the eyes of men. She embraces her vivacious, busty figure and fiery red hair, and exudes a certain confidence that is mature and refreshing. During a time when women were shamed by men for their promiscuity, harassed for their femininity, or made fun of if they didn’t show enough skin, Joan embraced who she was and flaunted a contagious confidence that I so aspire to.
Peggy Olsen is another strong female character on Mad Men. Peggy’s entrance onto the show sees her as a timid new secretary lacking confidence and ambition. But what is awesome about her character is how much she changes from episode one to the last. Unlike Joan’s steadfast confidence, Peggy goes through a lot of trials to become the successful executive she eventually is. I see more growth in Peggy throughout the series than any other character, and that is what makes her stand out among the entire cast. She develops confidence, ambition, and skill as she works her way up in the agency. She finds herself often at odds with her male counterparts, but perseveres and ultimately succeeds. By the end of the series, she is a completely transformed person with talent, knowledge, wit, and grit, and she doesn’t compromise her ethics or goals for others. She knows her worth and becomes secure in who she is.
Lastly, Trudy Campbell is one of my favorite characters on Mad Men, and that may not seem to make sense given that she maintains the role of dutiful housewife and mother. However, what I love so much about Trudy is that she takes on her role as wife and mother with passion and dignity. She takes pride in her work in the house, and embraces the lifestyle even with its underlying struggles. She is also able to stand her ground against her relentless and stubborn husband, Pete. Trudy may not seem to embody the qualities of a progressive and modern woman on the outside, but her perseverant and passionate personality are what make her such a memorable character to me, and one that I highly revere. She is the kind of woman that inspires other women to do what makes them fulfilled and happy, and for her that is domestic work. Trudy is a spitfire woman with a tenacious and fierce love of her family, and that is also something about womanhood that should be championed.
The Historical Drama Queen 