Quote:
Originally Posted by mredskins
Let me add that Mad Men has been doing a good job with setting the tone/style on certain social changes depending on the decade they are in during a season. It is quiet obvious they are trying to portray the racial indifference in the early 70's this season. So far they have failed because they are using 2012 PC to create it. During that era of time it be nothing for a Roger or someone like that to drop the N word in causal conversation.
Not to beat the purse issue to death but do you really think a young black lady growing up in the early 70's would have been that offended by what Peggy did? I am sure she had seen and been treated much worst.
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I don't think she was totally offended... I honestly thought the letter was sincere, albeit a bit more than coincidental in its placement. I felt the awkwardness wasn't so much of "Oh my goodness, you think I am going to steal your money" as much as it serves as an indicator of Peggy's progressiveness.
Throughout its run, Peggy has been the singular female force within the firms' creative department(s). During the episode (especially in the drinking scene), she does her best to relate- "I was once in your position, etc" and "We've got to stick together." The purse scene isn't about how unrealistic Peggy's reaction was, especially considering the money issue. The moment reminds us that the "best" of people aren't as "politically correct" as they espouse.
The scene wasn't suppose to elicit discussion about whether Peggy is a bad person for looking at her purse- she obviously isn't (she lets a relative stranger stay with her for the evening, confides in her, etc). On a micro level, the scene adds a layer to her character- one that leaves room for growth. Thematically, it's consistent with the show's nuances, where people live/think/behave in a constant gray area.
Now if Peggy had actually taken the purse, the scene would have lost its power. Her taking the bottles, following a few seconds of awkwardness, is a perfect moment to cut. While many viewers feel the scene was forced, that's not the point- the morning after is important. She feels shame while reading the letter because her momentary lapse stood contrary to what she'd been representing the entire show.
If viewers ever thought this show had a political slant, I think the writing speaks otherwise... In this particular case, they showed how a seemingly liberated woman fell short of her own standards. An episode or two ago, uber-liberal Harry tells Dawn (paraphrasing), "I get all of you secretaries confused around here." That must have made everyone cringe.