"All in the Family" was a television series starring a comedic, yet extremely racist gentleman, named Archie Bunker. This series quickly became a very controversial hit with it's permissiveness in language startling many. With the racial slurs often expressed having been previously forbidden by not only broadcasters and producers, but also within public conversation, airing it was questionable. As with the new Civil Rights laws progressing, and equality for all becoming more and more of an acceptable justice, people became very hesitant to say what most still really probably thought. Archie, whom in real life had a father figure whom was a bigot to say the least, never really shared this same opinion. He argued with his father on numerous occassions, but never won. Archie did however feel that the feelings his father expressed were in reality probably shared by many irregardless. He felt that by making light of the situation, that he could possibly bring people together through his comedic efforts. He was trying to make people look at things in a different light, while attempting to expose that through the taboos society had created, only harm was being done. Archie succeeded, change was in the air, and many taboos disappeared. As Barnouw states, "The words were in the open now--and no towers came crashing down." (Barnow, 1990, p.432)
Reference:
Barnouw,Erik (1990) Tube of Plenty The Evolution of American Television 2nd Revised Edition. Oxford University Press.
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