In your opinion, was Archie Bunker a bigot? Or was he just a regular guy who had trouble coping with the rapid changes that were going on around him?

I'd say a bit of both really

The two are not mutually exclusive. Many "regular guys" were bigots. Lear's genius was that he showed how bigotry exists WITHIN 'regular guys' and how really all of us have the capability to be both.

The two are not mutually exclusive. Many "regular guys" were bigots. Lear's genius was that he showed how bigotry exists WITHIN 'regular guys' and how really all of us have the capability to be both.
Perhaps I should have added "A little bit of both" as a third choice.

You can.

I'd go with a bit of both, he was quite the bigot, especially in the first few seasons, although my late grandfather, who was about 6 years younger than Archie and quite the regular guy, was quite the bigot too...

If you want full-blown bigotry, watch Til Death Us Do Part, the original All In The Family. Alf Garnett makes Archie Bunker seem mild in comparison!

Yes, a little of both. We also have to consider Archie's age and the time frame of the show. My Grandmother was a nice woman and would never intentionally say anything bad or deliberately try to hurt anyone's feeling. She was born in 1901, and still used the word "colored" until she passed in 1990. She thought it was acceptable because most people used the "N" word when she was growing up. In fact, if anyone ever used the "N" word in front of her, she would let them have it with both barrels.

The two are not mutually exclusive. Many "regular guys" were bigots. Lear's genius was that he showed how bigotry exists WITHIN 'regular guys' and how really all of us have the capability to be both.

I must say this is the best explaination I have read on this issue. Well done and I agree!