Archie Bunker’s 10 Most Outrageous TV Moments

All in the Family, which aired on CBS from 1971 to 1979, featured the unforgettable Archie Bunker, played by Carroll O’Connor. Archie always had a strong opinion, and wasn’t scared to share it.

In today’s sensitive climate, Archie’s remarks would likely spark immediate outrage and go viral. But it’s important to consider director Norman Lear’s purpose. Archie addressed taboo subjects, challenging viewers with his bigotry, ignorance, and overbearing nature. The show used humor to expose Archie’s narrow perspective.

By allowing Archie to voice his opinions, Lear gave a voice to marginalized groups, such as women and black men and those in the LGBTQ+ community, enabling them to challenge Archie’s views. Decades before Caitlyn Jenner, All in the Family addressed transgender issues (watch here).

Consider the positive impact of Archie’s statements as you explore his moments of so-called wisdom.

Archie Bunker on Equal Rights for Women

In this episode, Irene Lorenzo complains about unequal pay. Archie tries to explain, “After all, it’s a well-known fact that men are worth more than women.” He adds, “In the Bible it says God made man in his own image. He made women after, from a cheaper cut.”

Learning that Irene earns the same wage as him ($5.50/hour), Archie exclaims, “Equality is unfair… What’s the point of a man working hard all his life, trying to get someplace, if all he’s gonna do is wind up equal?!”

Archie Bunker On Racial Equality

Archie opposes the Jeffersons, a black family, moving into his neighborhood. Gloria and Mike challenge him.

Archie claims he’s simply “looking out for No. 1,” making Mr. Jefferson “No. 2.” Gloria asks, “I suppose the Puerto Ricans are No. 3 then…” Archie replies, “Well, no, not necessarily little girl, your Puerto Ricans could be 4. Your Japs and your Chinks could be 3… 3A, 3B.”

Archie Bunker On Vegetarianism

Archie is annoyed about rising meat prices, but when Gloria suggests vegetarianism, Archie refuses. “It ain’t natural. Man was put on this earth to eat meat.”

Challenged by Mike, Archie explains, “The Bible says so… all of them old Bible people. They was always eatin’ meat, as soon as they found out eatin’ apples was wrong… It’s true. On special occasions, goats, lambs… whoever heard of sacrificing a head of lettuce?”

Archie Bunker On The American Melting Pot

Arguing with Mike and Gloria, Archie shares his version of American history, reflecting on the Statue of Liberty:

“‘Send me your poor, your deadbeats, your filthy…’ And all the nations sent them in here – they come swarming in like ants: the Spanish P.R.s from the Caribbean, your Japs, your Chinamen, your Krauts and your Hebes and your English fags. All of ’em come in here, and they’re all free to live in their own separate sections where they feel safe. And they’ll bust your head if you go in there. That’s what makes America great, buddy.”

Archie Bunker On Slavery

“If God had meant for us all to be together, he’d a put us together. But look what he done: he put you over in Africa and put the rest of us in all the white countries.”

Davis responds, “Well you must have told him where we were ’cause someone came and got us,” said Davis, tongue-in-cheek. “I mean, there was work for us… How could you resist? Free transportation, room, board, chains…”

“I think you’re talkin’ about slavery, there, Sammy, and I wanna tell you I was always dead-set against slavery.” Mike, Gloria, and Lionel Jefferson then sing “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.”

Archie Bunker on Gun Control

Mike is angry that Archie gave Mike’s son a toy gun.

“You’re not giving Joey a toy gun for his birthday,” said Mike.

“Oh yes I am, it’s his first amendment right!” retorted Archie.

“The first amendment is the right to free speech,” Mike replied.

“Exactly! When you have a machine gun in your hand, you have the right to say whatever you want!”

Archie also suggests arming airline passengers to prevent skyjacking.

“…I could end the skyjacking tomorrow. All you gotta do is arm all your passengers…[the hijacker] ain’t gonna dare to pull out no rod. And then the airlines, they wouldn’t have to search the passengers on the ground no more. They just pass out the pistols at the beginning of the trip, and they pick ’em up again at the end. Case Closed.”

Archie Bunker On Cavemen

Archie is upset about competing with Irene Lorenzo for a job. Mike mentions the government’s push for more women in the workforce.

Archie: “It’s a crime against nature. Women was created for two things: makin’ meals and babies…. It’s true. Look at the cave women. Why d’ya think the cave women was created with short legs and fat butts?”

Mike: “I don’t know Arch, but I’m sure you got a good answer.”

Archie: “So they couldn’t run fast. So the men could catch ’em and force ’em to make the meals and the babies.”

Mike: “Well weren’t there any cave women with long legs and skinny butts that could run faster than the men?”

Archie: “Well them the men would have to bring down with a rock.”

Mike: “Now I’m startin’ to catch on. And what about the cave MEN with the short legs and fat butts that couldn’t catch any women?”

Archie: “Well they was probably your first fags.”

Mike: “I gotta get outta here. I’m arguing about cavemen with a caveman.”

Archie Bunker On Evolution

Responding to Mike’s view of Creation as a “fairy tale,” Archie reads from Genesis about God creating man and woman.

“There it is,” he says, tapping the Bible, “in black and white. We didn’t crawl out from under no rocks, we didn’t have no tails, and we didn’t come from monkeys you atheistic pinko meathead.”

Archie Bunker on Black Athletes

During their first meal together, Archie and Mike discuss baseball. Archie comments on how the game has changed over the years.

“Live ball. Expansion clubs. And of course the biggest change of all: 1947… yeah, that was the year they let Jackie Robinson into the Majors. Changed the whole complexion of the game, in more ways than one.”

Mike questions Archie’s meaning. Gloria tries to defuse the tension.

“It threw the whole game outta balance lettin’ Robinson in,” continued Archie.

“So you think the inferior black race should not be given a chance against the superior white race?” demanded Mike?

“Hold it Mr. Liberal Meathead. I never said nuttin’ about your inferior black race…. It’s just the opposite, if you’d just let me finish…What I’m sayin’ is your coloreds, as is well-known, they run faster, they jump higher, they don’t bruise so easy. And because of their, whaddya call it, jungle heritage, they see better – it’s great for night games.”

“You know something, Mr. Bunker?” said Mike. “At first, I thought I misjudged you. And I was right: I did misjudge you. You’re a lot more ignorant than I thought.”

Archie Bunker on Opinions

During their initial meeting, Archie and Mike argue about Vietnam War protests. Archie shares his opinion but immediately dismisses Mike’s input.

“Let me tell you something, Mr. Stivic,” Archie tells Mike. “You are a meathead… dead from the neck up. Meat. Head.”

Mike says that now he understands Archie’s idea of a free country: Archie is free to say whatever he wants, but if anyone disagrees with him, they’re either thrown into jail or called a ‘meathead.’”

Today, many feel entitled to their opinions but unwilling to consider others’ views. Conversation requires listening to all sides.