Mad Men Era – Let’s Never Go Back There

 by Linda Franklin

 

Mad Men is back and bigger than ever.  That show illustrates how political correctness was not even a small concern for the advertising salesmen of Madison Avenue when they successfully pitched their client’s brand campaigns.

The ads from the 1960s were breathtakingly unconcerned with sexism as they appealed to men’s macho side, using images of subservient women as a way to sell everything from wrinkle-free trousers to boldly patterned neckties.

The popularity of Mad Men has kept many hooked on an era when drinks were strong, cigarettes popular…and women kept firmly in their place.

In the current political climate it’s entirely possible that women’s rights are heading back to where they were in the 60′s.  Let’s stand together so that doesn’t happen.  We have come too far and worked too hard to go backwards.

The Real Cougar Woman is a 5-carat diamond who knows the importance of taking care of her health, beauty, relationships, finances and spirituality. Linda Franklin says,”there is no stopping a woman who has a strong belief system, passion and a dream. All things are possible”. Linda’s book, Don’t Ever Call Me Ma’am helps women of all ages tap into their power and live life to the fullest.

Cougar – Cleo – The Label Doesn’t Matter

Let me begin by saying that it's unfortunate that we still have to use labels to put people in a societal box.  There is no denying that women have come a long way and yet, there are many who choose to diminish the grand strides we have made with stupid labels. When you hear cougar it does not conjure up an image of women of merit and achievement.  Instead you think over botoxed desperados out prowling for young hard bodies.

There has been a huge economic power shift for women. But instead of celebrating that victory, there are those who would rather knock a woman down a peg or two every chance they get. The Cougar label is a perfect example of that.  In an instant a woman's accomplishments are completely disregarded and she is judged by only one thing – her sexuality.

Being labelled a cougar is not considered a compliment. It's a term laced with underlying disrespect and derogatory inferences that minimize and objectify even the most successful of women. That is why I coined the term Real Cougar to highlight the merits of highly accomplished women over 40.

Now it seems, Donna Estes Antebi has decided to coin her own term – Cleo.  Why Cleo?  Donna says, "Just like Cleopatra, powerful women rule." From bartenders to billionaires, a Cleo can bring home the bacon and share it with anyone she pleases!"

Donna goes on to say, "Cleos are not cougars on the prowl looking for sex with younger men. Cleos don't have to prowl! Cleos are highly desired – at any age. Cleos don't need a powerful man to boost their self-esteem. Cleos have their own power." 

Donna you are preaching to the choir.  Real Cougars already know how powerful we are. We don't need a new label to define us. We are strong, financially independent, confident, sexy women who are secure enough not to be bothered by what other people say – we are too busy living our lives.  We lead by example and are constantly blazing new trails.  We are the women who will once again change the future for generataions who follow.

So, Cougar – Cleo – the label really doesn't matter.  We know who we are.