All in the Family was a critically acclaimed show that broke boundaries in regards to race, religion, and gender all thanks to Archie Bunker, the most bigoted old man in television history. Archie pretty much spent his entire time sitting in his living room chair spouting off racial epithets and calling his son-in-law “Meathead.” While Archie started to soften up as the series progressed, he was still pretty much a racist jackass.

http://artofmanliness.com/2008/06/10/the-all-time-best-and-worst-tv-dads/

All in the Family was a critically acclaimed show that broke boundaries in regards to race, religion, and gender all thanks to Archie Bunker, the most bigoted old man in television history. Archie pretty much spent his entire time sitting in his living room chair spouting off racial epithets and calling his son-in-law “Meathead.” While Archie started to soften up as the series progressed, he was still pretty much a racist jackass.

http://artofmanliness.com/2008/06/10/the-all-time-best-and-worst-tv-dads/


WRONG.

He spent most of his time working his butt off (two jobs) to support his family, including the guy he called "Meathead". Far from being the worst father in history, Archie, at least on some levels, represented what was best about America and men in general.

He worked hard, he was responsible, he fought for his country, he was always there for his family, even when he was frustrated and tired and world weary. He helped his son in law get through college, babysat his grandson, paid his bills and loved his family even when he was yelling at them.

Was he insufferable, close minded and pigheaded at times? You bet he was. But ultimately, aren't we all? He did mellow as time went on, and even at his worst, his racism was mostly bluster and born from ignorance (and poor parenting by his father) rather than cruelty or meanness. That's why people loved him; he was imperfect, flawed and therefore...REAL, unlike the cartoons that populate most modern sitcoms. His imperfection made his struggle to be good all the more likeable.

Another blogger who's clueless as to looking into the depth of a character, why am I not surprised? :rolleyes:

NO!!! Archie loved his little "goil" with all his heart.

I think people take this show too seriously and forget its a satire.

WRONG.

He spent most of his time working his butt off (two jobs) to support his family, including the guy he called "Meathead". Far from being the worst father in history, Archie, at least on some levels, represented what was best about America and men in general.

He worked hard, he was responsible, he fought for his country, he was always there for his family, even when he was frustrated and tired and world weary. He helped his son in law get through college, babysat his grandson, paid his bills and loved his family even when he was yelling at them.

Was he insufferable, close minded and pigheaded at times? You bet he was. But ultimately, aren't we all? He did mellow as time went on, and even at his worst, his racism was mostly bluster and born from ignorance (and poor parenting by his father) rather than cruelty or meanness. That's why people loved him; he was imperfect, flawed and therefore...REAL, unlike the cartoons that populate most modern sitcoms. His imperfection made his struggle to be good all the more likeable.

Another blogger who's clueless as to looking into the depth of a character, why am I not surprised? :rolleyes:

Couldn't have said it better myself Retro!! Archie was awesome!

No. Archie's bark was often worse than his bite. When the chips were down Archie was totally there for his little girl. Remember S#1 when she had the miscarriage and how he comes to her hubby's aid when the Meathead gets appendicitis!

No. Archie's bark was often worse than his bite. When the chips were down Archie was totally there for his little girl. Remember S#1 when she had the miscarriage and how he comes to her hubby's aid when the Meathead gets appendicitis!
The miscarriage episode is a PERFECT example of how good a father to Gloria Arche was. Plus, Sally Struthers has said many times over the years that Carroll O'Connor was like a father to her, and it showed on-screen.

The miscarriage episode is a PERFECT example of how good a father to Gloria Arche was. Plus, Sally Struthers has said many times over the years that Carroll O'Connor was like a father to her, and it showed on-screen.

Yes, Struthers brought a lot of believability to that role. I honesty think she looks like Carroll a little (note the large eyes and very round face). :)

http://www.triviatribute.com/images4/carrolloconnor3.jpg

http://www.allposters.com/IMAGES/MMPH/277109.jpg

I agree with everyone here. Archie Bunker was NOT one of the worst TV Dads of all time.

I will agree with a couple on their list including Peter Griffin. Sure i like "Family Guy", but Peter *is* one of the worst TV Dads.

The miscarriage episode is a PERFECT example of how good a father to Gloria Arche was. Plus, Sally Struthers has said many times over the years that Carroll O'Connor was like a father to her, and it showed on-screen.

Carroll was in many ways, different than the character he played so well. Carroll was well educated, urbane and was in fact an English teacher at one time. Like Archie though, he was a caring parent - although his style was different to be sure.

Carroll was in many ways, different than the character he played so well. Carroll was well educated, urbane and was in fact an English teacher at one time. Like Archie though, he was a caring parent - although his style was different to be sure.
Not to mention Carroll was a liberal while Archie was a conservative!!

Not to mention Carroll was a liberal while Archie was a conservative!!

Another good point - yes that too!

I read somewhere that O'Conner based Archie Bunker on some of the middle class, working men of Queens he knew as a kid; he adopted not only their style of speech but their personas.

It's obvious that while he may almost certainly have disagreed with Archie's politics, he definitely admired and honored some of Archie's more positive traits, like hard work, loyalty, love of family and country. :)

^ :yeahthat Well said!!!

We all know Archie had many flaws, but he was a good husband and father. I always think about Archie telling Mike how his father hit him. He never hit Gloria. It takes a strong person to break that cycle. And look how good he was to Stephanie and how much he loved Joey. I ♥ Archie! :)

I totally agree there. Carroll O'Connor and Danielle Brisbois (Stephanie) also had such a believable connection. Danielle has said in many interviews how close she was off-screen to Carroll, and I think it translated on-screen as well. :D

We all know Archie had many flaws, but he was a good husband and father. I always think about Archie telling Mike how his father hit him. He never hit Gloria. It takes a strong person to break that cycle. And look how good he was to Stephanie and how much he loved Joey. I ♥ Archie! :)

A very wise & perceptive point. Archie evolved and mellowed over the seasons; just one more reason I adore this show - which was so revolutionary for its time.

^ :yeahthat Well said!!!

Thanks, Monika! :)

Couldn't have said it better myself Retro!! Archie was awesome!

Thanks for the kind words, hughsgirl! :)

All those things said are fine points. For me, the topper seems to lie in two moments. Rob Reiner said that there was no need for television magic to happen when the Stivic clan left town, his tears came naturally. Deep down, love did rule in that family over and above all other things. Considering that in ABP we see Archie's deep love and affection for his 'dingbat' wife as he memorializes her, everyone who ever felt any kind of positivity towards the woman named Edith Baines Bunker wept openly too. We were all part of the Bunker clan. Anger doesn't usually bring tears but love quite often does. If Archie was one of the worst fathers ever, then I know many people who have been abused who never said a word.