Gender Stereotypes in TV Dramas (Males)

Men

Don Draper (portrayed by Jon Hamm) is a character from the drama series 'Mad Men'. He is a stereotypical character due to his surroundings being very male-orientated (considering that the show takes place during the nineteen-sixties) and he has become a product of his society. He has gone through two marriages (one to Betty and the other to Megan) during which he often committed adultery, an act that would be considered highly improper for any of the female characters in the series to commit. He is only driven by his work even though he has a wife and kids at home and can never seem to make time for them. He is seen as an alcoholic and chain smoker compared to contemporary society, however all his male co-workers do the same, as they too are products of their society and upbringings.

Don is often depicted in a suit for both social and work-related events. He is precise and pretentious, even though he ensures a draconian principle - meaning he expects his peers to be polite and truthful - Don thinks of himself as higher than others and does not feel the need to follow his own rule. He has looked down on his female subordinates such as Peggy Olsen and his various secretaries (all of which were women) at the advertising agency Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce, of which he is a founding partner in. The only woman in the office whom he remotely admires seems to be office manager Joan Holloway.

Don always appears very manly and wants to maintain his image as the dominant male even if it meant terminating Salvatore "Sal" Romano's position at the company. Sal was a closeted homosexual and only Don had knowledge of this fact and told him he would keep it a secret; however, when an important client wanted Sal released from employment for not complying with his sexual demands, Don stands by the decision to fire Sal, wanting to appear homophobic like his co-workers so they would not think differently of him. He is tall and serious, and often filmed with a low angle to make him seem stronger, more dominating and commanding. He often shouts when he feels his command is being challenged by his wife or any of his co-workers. Don is also one of the few employees at Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce with his own office.

 The character of Walter White (Bryan Cranson) first appears in 'Breaking Bad' as an "everyman" archetype, however this alters drastically throughout the course of the show as the viewers witness Walter's transformation from a passive chemistry teacher into the ruthless drug kingpin known as "Heisenberg".

From his introduction in the show's pilot episode, Walter comes across as a very submissive and introverted character, who slightly resembles the goody two-shoes neighbour Ned Flanders from the animated satirical series 'The Simpsons'. It is not until after he receives the devastating news that he has lung cancer (still in the pilot episode) that Walter decides to "break bad" as it were by adopting a "tough guy" attitude and coming to the conclusion that the only way to resolve his financial worries and support his family is to team up with Jesse Pinkman, a drug dealer and former student of his. Walter blackmails Jesse into helping him cook and distribute methamphetamine - due to Jesse's penchant for drug dealing - or else turning him over to the DEA; Jesse reluctantly agrees.

Regarding his appearance, Walter is often seen in loafers, beige trousers and a dark jacket. When in scenes the camera angle is shot from a low angle to represent dominance much like Don Draper of 'Mad Men'. At the start of the series, Walter is always being talked over and ignored, as he was seen as a push-over. But now that he has had a firm taste of the tough life, Walter finds that he likes it and decides to take on this harsh and powerful character.