Mad Men: Why did Don Draper switch dog tags?

The switching of dog tags by Don Draper in the TV show Mad Men holds significant meaning for his character's development and storyline. Don's decision to assume the identity of Lt. Don Draper after the real Don's death in the Korean War serves as a metaphor for his constant search for a fresh start and reinvention. The act represents Don's desire to escape the consequences of his troubled past and create a new identity for himself. Additionally, the dog tag switch highlights the theme of anonymity and blurred lines between truth and fiction that permeate the advertising world in which Don thrives. The revelations surrounding Don's true identity throughout the series impact his relationships and shape his character arc, ultimately leading to his downfall and redemption.Analysis:The question of why Don Draper switched dog tags can be approached from various angles. One possible theory revolves around Don's longing for a clean break from his troubled past. As Richard Whitman, he grew up in a brothel and had a difficult childhood. Assuming Lt. Don Draper's identity offered him the chance to start afresh, leaving behind the shame and trauma associated with his upbringing. By becoming Don Draper, he could distance himself from his family and create a new persona.Another theory suggests that Don may have switched dog tags to escape the war. By taking the deceased Don Draper's identity, Richard could leave Korea earlier than he was supposed to, saving himself from the ongoing conflict. This decision aligns with Don's self-preservation instincts and his desire to avoid further harm or danger. Switching dog tags allowed him to escape the war and reap the benefits of assuming a new identity.Additionally, the act of switching dog tags could have been driven by Don's fear of his stepmother and uncle. As Richard, he may have believed that they wouldn't actively search for him if they believed he was dead. By providing them with a dead end and making it easier to deal with his family if they ever found out the truth, Don could maintain distance and protect himself from potential harm or judgment.Furthermore, the decision to switch dog tags might have been a spur-of-the-moment plan that Don later regretted. Don is known to act impulsively, often without considering the long-term consequences. It is possible that in the chaos and distress of the Korean War, he made a hasty decision to assume Lt. Don Draper's identity without fully comprehending the implications. As he later confronts the repercussions of his actions, he experiences guilt and remorse, adding another layer to his complex character.Overall, while Don's motivations for switching dog tags in Mad Men are not explicitly stated, the available evidence suggests a combination of factors, including a desire for a fresh start, self-preservation, fear, and impulsivity. The act serves as a metaphor for his ongoing search for identity and reinvention and plays a significant role in shaping his character's development throughout the series.Comparatively, the switching of dog tags holds similarities to the world of advertising in which Don thrives. Advertising is all about creating narratives and personas, blurring the lines between truth and fiction. By assuming Lt. Don Draper's identity, Don becomes a master of reinvention not just in his personal life but also in his professional career. The dog tags become symbolic of the masks people wear and the stories they construct to navigate the complexities of their lives.In conclusion, the switching of dog tags by Don Draper in Mad Men is a pivotal moment in his character's journey. The act represents his multifaceted desires for a fresh start, escape, and protection. It also mirrors the themes of anonymity and reinvention in the advertising world. While the exact reasons for the switch may remain open to interpretation, it is clear that this decision shapes Don's trajectory and narrative, ultimately leading to his redemption and a deeper understanding of self.