MISTER, WE COULD USE AN AD MAN LIKE DON DRAPER AGAIN. James Lileks on modern advertising:

Here’s your Male Archetype 2016: big hole in his ear, inked arm, curated beard, ineffably self-satisfied, involved in artisanal jams but yet bacon-aware because he’s a Man, and concerned with sustainability because he wears only thrifted tees.

We’re supposed to admire him but not really. He’s a cliche, a laughable sort — but not really. Women are supposed to be impressed that he can get out a stain, and they’ll say they wish more men could just . . . take care of themselves, you know? But tbh they’re sorta messy themselves and can’t do much in the way of domestic stuff either. It would be nice if a guy knew how to do that stuff. Some of it. Not all of it. And not if he, like, has lots of ideas about domestic stuff, and is always saying you’re doing it wrong when you try to make a sandwich or lectures you for using Conflict Olive Oil. IT’S SO COMPLICATED

If you thought the “Man stupid, woman wise” cliché on TV was getting old, you have no idea just how long it’s been around. Read the whole thing.