9 Life Lessons We Learned From "Mad Men's" Betty Draper

9 Life Lessons We Learned From "Mad Men's" Betty Draper

She isn't perfect, but then again, who is?
Helen Mae Price
Helen Mae Price Jun 14, 2016
353
views

For any "Mad Men" fans out there, you know that when the series ended, it truly was "the end of an era." Arguably one of the best period pieces to grace Netflix with its presence, it presented a perfect balance of comedy and drama in both its equally complicated deep plots and characters. One of my favorites is the icy and hard to love Betty Draper Francis.

You hated and loved her equally and managed to appreciate both her emotionally undeveloped childish behavior as well as her profound sadness. Despite her repressed, limited '60s housewife life, she managed to teach us some life lessons along the way. Would we want her as mom? Absolutely not. Would we want to be her? Hell no. Would we want her as a friend? Not really, but that would be better than having her as an enemy. Can we still learn something from the infamously detached and "Hitchcockian" persona? Well, yes, if you really pay attention — and take it with a grain of salt.

1. Think all by yourself and let people know it.

2. When her backwards, old-school love advice reminded us that sometimes, you have to play hard to get.

3. It's okay to have a cheat day because sometimes, that '60s housewife life (or stressed college student life) is just a struggle and you need some ice cream.

4. Sometimes, silence and attitude is enough to get the point across.

Save the fighting words.

5. People are rude.

Sometimes, you just have to call them out on it. In the most polite way possible, of course.

6. "Only boring people are bored."

Don't be boring.

7. It's not resting b**** face — it's just that your "people are Nordic."

Sure, Betty, let's go with that.

8. Surprise everyone with a little bit of badassery every now and then.

Maybe not by shooting your neighbor's pigeons, though.

9. Not everyone will like you, not everyone will understand you, but you don't really have to care, because you're Betty Draper.


Cover Image Credit: The Guardian
Helen Mae Price
Helen Mae Price Jun 14, 2016
At Florida State University

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30 Things I'd Rather Be Than 'Pretty'

Because "pretty" is so overrated.
Jennifer VerMeulen
Jennifer VerMeulen Oct 31, 2016
44787
views

Nowadays, we put so much emphasis on our looks. We focus so much on the outside that we forget to really focus on what matters. I was inspired by a list that I found online of "Things I Would Rather Be Called Instead Of Pretty," so I made my own version. Here is a list of things that I would rather be than "pretty."

1. Captivating

I want one glance at me to completely steal your breath away.

2. Magnetic

I want people to feel drawn to me. I want something to be different about me that people recognize at first glance.

3. Raw

I want to be real. Vulnerable. Completely, genuinely myself.

4. Intoxicating

..and I want you addicted.

5. Humble

I want to recognize my abilities, but not be boastful or proud.

6. Exemplary

I want to stand out.

7. Loyal

I want to pride myself on sticking out the storm.

8. Fascinating

I want you to be hanging on every word I say.

9. Empathetic

I want to be able to feel your pain, so that I can help you heal.

10. Vivacious

I want to be the life of the party.

11. Reckless

I want to be crazy. Thrilling. Unpredictable. I want to keep you guessing, keep your heart pounding, and your blood rushing.

12. Philanthropic

I want to give.

13. Philosophical

I want to ask the tough questions that get you thinking about the purpose of our beating hearts.

14. Loving

When my name is spoken, I want my tenderness to come to mind.

15. Quaintrelle

I want my passion to ooze out of me.

16. Belesprit

I want to be quick. Witty. Always on my toes.

17. Conscientious

I want to always be thinking of others.

18. Passionate

...and I want people to know what my passions are.

19. Alluring

I want to be a woman who draws people in.

20. Kind

Simply put, I want to be pleasant and kind.

21. Selcouth

Even if you've known me your whole life, I want strange, yet marvelous. Rare and wondrous.

22. Pierian

From the way I move to the way I speak, I want to be poetic.

23. Esoteric

Do not mistake this. I do not want to be misunderstood. But rather I'd like to keep my circle small and close. I don't want to be an average, everyday person.

24. Authentic

I don't want anyone to ever question whether I am being genuine or telling the truth.

25. Novaturient

..about my own life. I never want to settle for good enough. Instead I always want to seek to make a positive change.

26. Observant

I want to take all of life in.

27. Peart

I want to be honestly in good spirits at all times.

28. Romantic

Sure, I want to be a little old school in this sense.

29. Elysian

I want to give you the same feeling that you get in paradise.

30. Curious

And I never want to stop searching for answers.
Cover Image Credit: Favim
Jennifer VerMeulen
Jennifer VerMeulen Oct 31, 2016
At Grand Rapids, MI

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10 Places From Movies And TV You Can Visit In Real Life

It's like stepping into Hollywood!

Hailey Hastings
Hailey Hastings Feb 21, 2019
941
views

I am constantly so enamored by the world of Hollywood and by going to visit places I have seen on screen. It's always such an unreal feeling to see where my favorite pieces of entertainment were shot. Here are 10 places from some of our favorite movies to see and visit in the real world!

The High School from "10 Things I Hate About You"

If you have ever wanted to dance on the same stairs as Heath Ledger or just stand in the same courtyard as Julia Stiles then you're in luck! Along the water in Tacoma, Washington, Stadium High School is located which was used both inside and out as the high school from one of the greatest teen movies of all time. This school is massive and so beautiful it's almost Hogwarts level stunning.

Pacific Coast Academy from  "Zoey 101"

Growing up I always dreamed about going to Pacific Coast Academy and being best friends with Jamie Lynn Spears and one of those things can (kinda) become a reality! Located in Malibu is a beautiful campus called Pepperdine University and it is the school they used to shoot scenes of Zoey and the gang at PCA. It is a christian based college and is prestigious in it's own right so if unlike me you are smart enough you can live out my dreams.

Central City Police Department from "The Flash"

Have you ever wanted to show up to Detective Joe West's place of work? Well head to the Vancouver City Hall in Vancouver, Canada and you will recognize your surroundings as the Central City Police Department! If you are lucky enough to show up on a filming day, you might even seen the man himself — Barry Allen.

Forks High School from The Twilight Saga

Personally, I am more invested in Bella and Jacob but for all my Team Edward ladies (and gentleman) you can visit the real-life school where Bella and Edward first met and their love blossomed into whatever obsessive weird thing it was. They also used the parking lot at this school to film the infamous scene where Edward saves Bella from getting crushed by a car. The school is called Kalama High School and is located in Kalama, Washington

Max And Dani's House from "Hocus Pocus"

Anyone with taste loves the movie Hocus Pocus — that's just facts! And I have some good news for fans of the film...you can visit the infamous Denison house! Located in none other than Salem, Massachusetts you will find this beautiful home where my favorite siblings once lived.

Silent Hill from "Silent Hill"

I will say before talking about this place that visiting it is EXTREMELY dangerous as just like in the movie the town as been burning from below for years and years. This small town is called Centralia and is located Pennsylvania and has a roaring population of about four people.

Hobbiton from "Lord Of The Rings"

I am personally not a fan of Lord of the Rings but I know a lot of people are so I wanted to include this super cool place on the list. If you ever find yourself in New Zealand you can visit Hobbinton from the movies and spend a day living like your favorite characters.

Platform 9 3/4 from the Harry Potter Series

Now this place will unfortunately be packed with muggles of course but you can find it at King's Cross Station in London! If you are anything like me and are obsessed with these magical movies this is a dream destination just don't run too hard at the wall if you're a muggle it will probably end in a concussion.

East High from the High School Musical Saga

Located in Salt Lake City Utah is the real life East High that was used in the filming of all three High School Musical movies. It is my absolute dream to attend this high school and walk the halls of the greatest high school of all time. They used both the outside and inside and the school so every inch of the school will remind you of these great teen movies.

Gus and Hazel's Bench from "The Fault in Our Stars" 

If you ever wanted to visit the site of this kiss between star crossed lovers you're in luck! Located along a canal in Amsterdam is a bench that is clearly marked by all the fault in our stars graffiti. Recreate this cute picture with your significant other and use a quote from the movie — then you'll just win in life.

Hailey Hastings
Hailey Hastings Feb 21, 2019
At University of Washington

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