Cliff and I both love All In The Family; we even have the first three seasons (the best ones) on DVD, and when there's nothing on TV to interest me, I turn to Archie Bunker. That show lays bare any prejudices we've ever had in this country and makes me laugh at my own weaknesses, as well as the foibles of others.
My granddaughter, Monica, has watched a few episodes with me and Cliff, and enjoyed them thoroughly. So last Friday, cooped up in the house with two very restless girls on a "snow day", I suggested we watch "All In the Family".
One of my favorite episodes is the one with Sammy Davis, Jr. He leaves his briefcase in Archie's taxi and has to come to the house to pick it up. Archie is in awe of his famous guest, but all his prejudice against blacks come through... and Sammy makes fun of him in his own subtle way, without Archie ever catching on. It's hilarious. So I chose that one, thinking the girls would get a kick out of it.
The thing is, I was dealing with two little girls who don't know what prejudice is. They sat there looking puzzled, not cracking a smile; so I tried to explain.
"You see, Archie is prejudiced. He thinks he is better because he is white." They nodded, but still looked confused.
Sammy takes a sip of beer from Archie's glass, so of course Archie won't take another drink from that glass.
"See, he thinks he's better, so he won't drink after Sammy," I said. Seeing the lack of comprehension in their faces, I gave up.
Why should I spoil their innocence? My daughter has done something right: her kids don't understand what prejudice is! Maybe there's hope for the next generation after all.
My husband loves Archie! Maybe there's hope for the next generation...I certainly hope so.
ReplyDeleteIsn't that just totally sweet!?! You've got a pair you can be proud of. - Barbara
ReplyDeleteI wish that all who are predjudice could look at the world through your granddaughter's eyes... Wouldn't that be wonderful??
ReplyDeleteJackie
I always enjoyed Archie....and Edith....and yes they were funny....but Archie...is something else...Hugs...Ora
ReplyDeleteI agree....what a great show. The ability to laugh at oneself is the beginning of the healing process. We need more of this in TV today.
ReplyDeleteps....nice song. How do you do that?
ReplyDeleteGreat job!!
Nice observation of the kids....wish more people could be like this.
ReplyDeleteYou are a great grandparent!
Ripleys Believe it or Not....My husband proposed to me during an episode of All In the Family.... What a riot!!!LOL Barbara
ReplyDeleteI love that show. It's still funny no matter how many years it's in reruns.
ReplyDeleteI was lucky not to know prejudice either. Your daughter must have learned from you. : )
Angela
I think your daughter has done a wonderful job raising your grand-daughters to not know prejudice. May they not have to experience it either.
ReplyDeletebetty
I loved that show. Yes maybe there is hope after all!
ReplyDeleteYes I can see there is hope for the future generations. I just went to a memorial service for my daughter's father-in-law. One of his sons-in-law is black. I was proud to see that everyone treated him with respect. Paula
ReplyDeleteThat was always my favorite episode too! I think it's great that your granddaughters didn't "get" it. That says a lot for your daughter.
ReplyDeleteLori
I sure wish that were true, BUT, I feel those kids are the exception, not the rule. It is great that they aren't prejudice, yet, and hope they stay that way. If you ever feel them slipping, bring trhem back and rerun that episode. That'll wake them up in hurry. rich
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