Don't Let Ted Go to California: A Cautionary Tale
So, you've binged Mad Men and you're wondering why on earth Don Draper would let Ted go to California instead of him? Let's dive into the murky depths of Don's psyche, shall we?
The California Dreamin' Conundrum
California, with its sunshine, surf, and suspiciously perfect people, is often portrayed as the land of endless possibilities. It's the place where dreams are made, or so they say. But for Don, it was more like the land of existential dread. He was a man of the city, of the concrete jungle where he could blend in and reinvent himself. California, on the other hand, was a spotlight he wasn't ready to step into.
Ted: The Canary in the Coal Mine
Ted was the perfect scapegoat. He was ambitious, eager, and full of that youthful optimism that Don had long since buried. Sending Ted to California was like sending a canary into a coal mine. If things went south, at least it wasn't Don's reputation on the line.
But there's more to it than that. Don was also a master manipulator. By sending Ted to California, he was essentially setting him up for failure. The cutthroat world of advertising on the West Coast was no match for Ted's boy-scout charm. Don knew this, and it gave him a sense of control.
The Real Reason: Fear of Exposure
Let's face it, Don Draper was a fraud. A brilliant one, but a fraud nonetheless. California, with its focus on the new and shiny, was a place where his carefully constructed persona could crumble. He was afraid of being exposed as the man who stole someone else's identity.
So, while it might seem like a selfless act to let Ted take the plunge, it was really a move born out of fear and self-preservation. Don was protecting himself, not Ted.
How to Understand Don Draper (and Maybe Yourself)
- How to spot a master manipulator: Pay attention to people's actions, not just their words. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- How to overcome fear: Face your fears head-on. It's scary, but it's the only way to grow.
- How to build genuine connections: Authenticity is key. Be yourself, and people will appreciate you for it.
- How to make the most of an opportunity: Don't let fear hold you back. Take calculated risks and go for it.
- How to avoid being a scapegoat: Build strong relationships and surround yourself with supportive people.
Remember, Don Draper might have been a complex and fascinating character, but he was also deeply flawed. Let's learn from his mistakes and strive to be better humans.