Archie Bunker Forced Audience To Look Inward And Change Behavior

May 23, 2020 by apost team

Does anybody here remember Archie Bunker? This infamous patriarchal figure from All in the Family, an American sitcom from the 1970s, has cultivated a lasting legacy with his unrefined masculinity and crude outlook on life. With all the hallmarks of a superiority complex, this character transformed the media's image of the middle-class American man. The beloved actor Carroll O’Connor used this iconic sitcom role to spark a societal reassessment of power dynamics. Ultimately, the ensuing national conversation that followed was a truly revolutionary achievement for its era.

Viewers everywhere saw pieces of themselves in O’Connor’s temperamental portrayal of Archie, and recognizing such unfortunate resemblances was the first step in making countless individuals want to change their personalities for the better. By cunningly demonstrating the sheer repugnance of an unflinchingly discriminatory mindset, this phenomenal actor started a movement way ahead of its time. As Smithsonian Mag puts it, using relatable vulgarities was a clever tool on behalf of the show’s creators, particularly since Archie’s presentation was constructed to mimic the worst side of our culture. He essentially acted as society’s mirror reflecting our ugliest inclinations back at us.

Archie’s hilariously misguided holier-than-thou demeanor masterfully captured a profound sense of irony. The man exhibiting some of humanity’s worst traits simultaneously believed himself to be better than those who were actually far more advanced than him. Astonishingly, he learned to tolerate various communities, including a burgeoning local Hispanic population, but he had to keep his mouth shut frequently to avoid delivering foolish and distasteful remarks. This type of restraint was a particularly tall order for the judgmental buffoon, but it’s a lot of fun watching him struggle to bite his tongue

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From the viewer’s perspective, Archie is clearly intended to be the butt of almost every joke; however, his obliviousness only makes the ignorance more comedically insufferable. Humor is a great coping mechanism, so it can be a relief to see hateful perspectives played for laughs at the expense of injustice. From disrespecting his wife to condescending African-American neighbors, this uncouth loudmouth epitomized the pervasive negative stereotypes that were entrenched within the status quo.

As the opposite of a proper role model, O’Connor’s intentionally off-putting character sociologically served as a behavioral deterrent for years. The same is also true for his equally recognizable family members. For example, his marriage partner, Edith Bunker, seems to lack any semblance of autonomy; instead, she approached life like her only purpose was to placate an impossibly difficult husband. Jean Stapleton played the role of an unfulfilled doting spouse perfectly; meanwhile, Sally Struthers energetically captured a quirky blend of both parents’ personalities as their perplexing daughter. Her performance as Gloria Bunker summarized intergenerational conflict poignantly.

Gloria’s penchant for women’s liberation was already problematic for Archie, but family dynamics became especially heated when she married Mike. Rob Reiner’s introduction to the cast as a free-spirited son-in-law added new layers of vitriol. The leftist hippie challenged the existing order under Archie’s roof non-stop, and their clashes were extraordinary to behold. When Mark’s progressiveness collided with his bride’s dad’s traditionalism, it was like watching an unstoppable object as it met an immovable force. Because he was a full-time student, the rebellious mustachioed lad was stuck residing in the Bunker abode while the young couple saved up money to live on their own.

Somehow, Archie Bunker is a cultural legend for doing all the wrong things. Still, his example of what not to do paved the way for an entire generation’s social enlightenment. Amid today’s divisive political landscape, everyone could learn something from All in the Family.

Amid today’s divisive political landscape, maybe it's time to take another look at All in the Family, don't you think? Do you have any fond memories of watching Archie Bunker? ​​​Tell us below, and be sure to pass this article along to your friends.