Media Reaction

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer discusses that "All in the Family" radically transformed the role of television to a form of study on society's views of race, ethnicity, gender and social class as well as a host of other previously taboo political issues such as gun control, homosexuality and rape. Even so, the writer notes that some debate whether or not the show really fostered a more positive view of diversity and multiculturalism. Despite the different points of views about the social merits of the show, the writer maintains that practically everyone can agree that 'All in the Family' was the first television show to openly deal with prejudice and that it opened the door for future shows to include real-world social concerns. The writer concludes that for this reason alone, 'All in the Family' should be viewed as one of the greatest innovations in television shows for advancing diversity and multiculturalism.

From the Paper:

"The Bunker's neighbors were George and Louise Jefferson and their son Lionel. George was just as much a racist and a bigot as Archie, illustrating that these characteristics are not just confined to the white community. George popularized the disparaging term "honky" for a white person. The son Lionel and his friends Gloria and Michael frequently railed against social injustice to the dismay and contempt of their fathers. Most of show centered on arguments between the younger members and Archie. These generational differences in opinions showed how the passage of time was beginning to transform society with younger people becoming more accepting of minority groups and developing different ideals for social roles. However, older Americans were having a hard time adapting to these new realities."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Firetto, C. and Gaffney, K. (2006, May 15). Race in American lit. and popular culture. http://72.14.253.104/search?q=cache:6gV7chKy6rAJ:www.raritanval.edu/departments/english/full-time/Gaffney/Elective/All%2520in%2520the%2520Family.doc+%22all+in+the+family%22+%22Archie+Bunker%22+essay&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=1
• St. James Encyclopedia of Popular Culture on All in the Family. http://www.bookrags.com/All_in_the_Family

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