Questions: Page 1 of 2 "All in the Family": Race, Class and Gender in the 1970s Website for streaming: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0509913/ (If you have difficulty finding the episode, please email the professor (bergerjmoravian.edu). You might be able to use one of your personal streaming services to access it as well. This episode of "All in the Family" aired in February 1972. It is considered to be one of the most famous television programs of all time. We are watching it to get a sense of the points the producers were attempting to make and also to consider what ideas they took for granted that we no longer accept. "All in the Family" was a sitcom and satire that ran from 1971 to 1979. You are watching it to gain insights into the 1970s, which was a period when liberals ideas were prominent but conservatism was on the rise. In this episode, Sammy Davis, Jr., a famous African American celebrity, played himself. What can you learn about class, race and gender in the 1970 s from this episode? What was Archie Bunker's economic class, and how do you know? What happens in the episode that indicates Archie's attitudes about Black people? How would you characterize Archie in terms of his ideas about race relations? Is he racist? - What points are the producers trying to make about race relations in the U.S. during the 1970 s? - Describe Archie's interactions with his wife, Edith? Are there things that he does that would not be acceptable on television today? If so, provide some examples. Why is there laughter on the sound track when Archie and other characters make fun of Edith? What was supposed to be funny?

"All in the Family" was a groundbreaking sitcom that tackled social issues head-on, reflecting the cultural and political climate of the 1970s. The show used humor and satire to address topics such as race, class, and gender, often challenging the audience to confront their own biases and assumptions.

Archie Bunker, the central character, is portrayed as a working-class man. He works as a loading dock foreman, which places him in the lower-middle class or working class. This is evident from his modest home, his blue-collar job, and his financial concerns, which are frequently discussed in the show. Archie's economic class is significant as it shapes his worldview and his interactions with others, particularly those from different racial or economic backgrounds.

In the episode featuring Sammy Davis, Jr., Archie's attitudes towards Black people are prominently displayed. Archie is depicted as having prejudiced views, often using racial stereotypes and slurs. However, the show also portrays him as a product of his environment and upbringing, rather than as a maliciously racist individual. His interactions with Sammy Davis, Jr. are awkward and filled with racial tension, yet they also reveal Archie's underlying discomfort and ignorance rather than outright hatred.

Archie can be characterized as having racist tendencies, but the show often uses his character to highlight the absurdity and ignorance of such views. The producers aim to critique and satirize the racial attitudes prevalent in the U.S. during the 1970s, using Archie as a vehicle to expose and challenge these prejudices.

The producers of "All in the Family" sought to make several points about race relations in the 1970s:

1. Confronting Prejudice: By showcasing Archie's prejudices, the show encouraged viewers to confront their own biases and consider the impact of racism on society.

2. Cultural Shifts: The presence of a Black celebrity like Sammy Davis, Jr. in a white household highlighted the cultural shifts occurring in America, where integration and diversity were becoming more visible.

3. Dialogue and Understanding: The interactions between Archie and Sammy Davis, Jr. suggested that dialogue and exposure to different perspectives could lead to greater understanding and tolerance.

Archie's interactions with his wife, Edith, often reflect traditional gender roles and a patriarchal mindset. He frequently dismisses her opinions and belittles her intelligence, which would be considered unacceptable on television today. Examples include Archie calling Edith derogatory names or dismissing her concerns with a wave of his hand.

The laughter on the soundtrack when Archie and other characters make fun of Edith is indicative of the comedic style of the time, where such interactions were played for humor. The supposed humor lay in the exaggerated portrayal of a domineering husband and a submissive wife, reflecting societal norms that were beginning to be questioned during the 1970s. Today, such portrayals would likely be criticized for perpetuating harmful stereotypes and undermining gender equality.