Comments on: February, 1962

By: newcritics - » Mad Men: Everybody Into The Typing Pool (Liveblog The New Girl)

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 16:37:42 +0000

[...] fun as it is to get lost in, and quibble with, the exhaustive amount of period detail in Mad Men, that’s not quite where [...]

By: Basket of Kisses | Lipp Gloss week of July 28, 2008

Basket of Kisses | Lipp Gloss week of July 28, 2008 — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 00:23:41 +0000

[...] Watson at newcritics offers up a very full look at the cultural relevance, and overall quality, of the show, as it enters its second season. He and [...]

By: MaPeel

MaPeel — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:36:19 +0000

Thanks Thirteen, I do find this interesting. I completely forget about the “Pepsi Generation,” which was still around in the seventies, when I heard it. Of course I didn't realize the import of that slogan. Poor Don Draper–he is so not part of the drink of a “new generation.”

By: February, 1962 | Something about Everything

February, 1962 | Something about Everything — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:58:16 +0000

[...] Click to read more… [...]

By: Thirteen1031

Thirteen1031 — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 11:19:05 +0000

Pepsi wasn't new, as you've learned, but (and perhaps you already know all this, but hey, indulge me!) this is one of those layers and nuisances that makes the show so glorious. First, remember that for someone like Dan Draper, a depression era kid, sodas were special. They may have only cost a penny, but a kid rarely had that penny and when they did, it was precious. If they had the money, parents bought much needed milk, not indulgent soda for their kids to drink. By the 50's however, that age of prosperity, the kids were taking sodas for granted; they had the money to buy one anytime they wanted one. These “kids” that they're taking about in the episode are the sort who were raised on soda, not milk, and pour it on their cereal. It implies that they take for granted what Draper sees as a special. Further, soda at that time was seen as a kid's drink and coffee an adult drink. When a kid was given coffee rather than milk or soda, he/she was an adult.. To pour soda on their cereal emphasizes that these “kids” refuse to grow up.

Also (and, once again, here's the wonder of this show, that this one line has so many layers), Pepsi had started a new campaign in the 60's making itself hip and, yes, youthful. In fact, it beat out Coke because of it. It was the drink of a “new generation.” That was the ad slogan. And the ad campaign involved things like pop art to make it more hip. In fact, your googling didn't go far enough, because the title of this episode comes from, yes, Pespi. To quote:

“1961: Pepsi further refines its target audience, recognizing the increasing importance of the younger, post-war generation. “Now it's Pepsi, for those who think young” defines youth as a state of mind as much as a chronological age, maintaining the brand's appeal to all market segments.

1962
Pepsi receives its new logo, the sixth in Pepsi history. The “serrated” bottle cap logo debuts, accompanying the brand's groundbreaking “Pepsi Generation” ad campaign.”

By 1963, Pepsi would be telling the baby-boomers that they were the “Pepsi Generation,” connecting themselves with all things young, new, vibrant and hip. All of which is probably a lot more than you wanted to know–and maybe did know, but I do adore the incredible richness of this show. One line says it all.

By: tomwatson

tomwatson — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 09:56:29 +0000

Hahaha - yes, I await that cultural tsunami with great interest indeed. I may have to put my narrow ties away.

By: James S.

James S. — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 02:45:36 +0000

Did anyone read the Sunday Times biz section today?

I think I found the year 2035 remake of “Mad Men”…

“In depositions and court filings in the second suit — ultimately settled under undisclosed terms — Ms. Epstein and other Endeavor employees described office escapades that included rampant pot-smoking, obscene hazing at corporate retreats, sexual frolics on desks, and one agent demanding that his assistants book prostitutes for him.”

By: jameswolcott

jameswolcott — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 00:34:22 +0000

Everybody's line readings are strangely timbreless. Packed in cotton padding.

By: MaPeel

MaPeel — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 00:30:50 +0000

I happen to know that not too long ago, Jackie's tour of the White House was one of the top programs requested at The Museum of Television & Radio–

Nice connecting conceit here, just like the Seinfeld episode when Will and Jack kiss on the Today Show

By: tomwatson

tomwatson — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 00:29:14 +0000

Let's see if Jackie Kennedy works on ole Don….

By: tomwatson

tomwatson — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 00:28:08 +0000

It's the ennui, man - the ennui!

By: MaPeel

MaPeel — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 00:27:50 +0000

Yike, Don is really coming apart at the seams—

By: clairehelene7

clairehelene7 — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 00:27:26 +0000

Yes, he even doesn't have to cover for his poverty-stricken past anymore.