The Consumer's Republic: Wealth Disparities Egotism

The post-World War II Mad Men era jumpstarted the grotesque capitalistic society that has flourished into a 21st century spend-happy America. In The Consumer’s Republic, Lizabeth Cohen outlines this rapid change following more than six years of frugalness, in which the government urged consumers to support the war on the home front. Government implemented provisions, aimed at maintaining the mentality of a responsible consumer, resulted in regulations on consumption, redistribution of wealth and vast challenging of hierarches that were tolerated by the majority of Americans as temporary conditions with the promise of post-war abundance. Upon the conclusion of World War II, an economic boom ensued into sizeable urban and suburban wealth disparities

Many of the Mad Men characters were possessive of various egotistical traits. Don Draper oftentimes treated women and employees as if they were below him. Though he was only acting within the restrictive barriers set by 1960s society, Don lusted after relationship and workforce power in every sense. In season one, episode one, during a meeting with a potential client, Rachel Menken, he storms out of the office because he refused to allow a woman to speak to him in an authoritative manner. Similar behavior is displayed in Don’s home life, where he persistently executed dictatorial authority over his spouse, Betty. However, even in his cruelest instances of lying, cheating and extreme alcohol abuse, Don displayed glimpses of empathy and amiability. He acted exceptionally benevolent toward Anna Draper upon learning of her diagnosis with terminal cancer. Don also took on a hero persona for his children, Sally, Bobby and Eugene, who would frequently suffer the wrath of their bitter mother. Even if Don was able to redeem himself for his ample self-centered mistakes, through acts of compassion, Draper is a prime example of an egotist. Narcissism differs from egotism in that it requires a clinical diagnosis for a much deeper-seeded psychological problem. Narcissistic Personality Disorder is defined as a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, in

First is a grandiose sense of self-importance, in which the individual exaggerates achievements and talents, or expects to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements. An appropriate instance of Betty’s grandiose sense of self-importance occurred when McCann Erickson, a rival advertising agency, showed fabricated interest in Betty’s modeling career in an effort to hire Don. Despite several signs that indicated differently, Betty continued to trust that the agency was invested in her talents, failing to realize their disingenuous intentions. Second is a preoccupation with fantasies or unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love. Betty Draper, an idealistic Barbie doll mannered woman, was fully consumed with the concept of outward beauty. In craving an idealistic form of love, there is one specific scene in which Betty was shown fantasizing about her soon-to-be husband, Henry Francis, on the fainting couch he had encouraged her to purchase. The instant the Draper’s began suffering marital strife, Betty was in pursuit of her next fairytale. The third trait of narcissism entails an individual believing that he or she is special and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people. Betty was often seen socializing with