When Archie Met Peter---"All in the Family" vs. "Family Guy"

“All in the Family” and “Family Guy” are situation comedies that follow the lives of the Bunker and Griffin families, respectively.  “All in the Family” aired in the 70’s, while “Family Guy” has been airing since the late 90’s. These two sitcoms prove to be interestingly comparable, since they tend to address similar, often controversial, issues while using widely different formats. Naturally, there are some differences between the two TV shows but these help illustrate cultural and social issues being dealt with at their respective time periods.

Take a moment to look at the following clips:
*NOTE: SOME OF THE MATERIAL MIGHT BE OFFENSIVE

 

 

-Clip 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkjnKTEffbQ

-Clip 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGA000ozeMc

 Keeping in mind last screening's "All in the Family" episode; I am going to compare the two TV shows according to the following 3 categories:

1. How are they different?

• "All in the Family" deals with the theme of accepting homosexuality through Archie Bunker's character. Archie is portrayed as disliking, making fun of, and being repelled by homosexuals. Contrastingly, the characters in "Family Guy" seem to accept homosexuality, as seen with Stewie's (baby) character.
• "All in the family" presents a homosexual character as physically strong, well-built, athletic, serious ex-football player.  In other words, homosexuality is not represented in a stereotypical way.  Contrastingly, in the first "Family Guy" clip, Peter portrays homosexuality a slightly more stereotypical way. 
• "All in the Family" uses derogatory language (in this case, when referring to homosexuals), while "Family Guy" tries to be more politically correct
• "All in the Family" addressed Homosexuality by having Archie confront one of his friends in a serious manner. "Family Guy" addresses Homosexuality acceptance by making fun of stereotypes (such as the one seen in the first video) thus pointing out how absurd stereotypes are. In other words, "Family Guy"'s comedy style  is much more openly ironic

2. How are they the same?

• In "All in the Family" and "Family Guy", the family dynamics are similar. The father is the main figure, and each episode's story usually revolves around what he does/says. The mother is there as support to her husband but doesn't get as much attention as he does. The children are a form of "reaction" to their father's character and actions but they don't get as much importance as the father figure either. 
• Both shows usually employ the main character (in this case, the father figures Archie and Peter) to address the main issues of each episode. For example, Archie is the one that learns how to deal with homosexuals. Similarly, Peter is the one that has to learn to accept other people and whatever unconventional situations they might represent.
• Both shows deal with controversial issues. "All in the Family" is trying to show that homosexuals are just as much a part of society as anybody else (among other social and cultural issues), and that people should learn how to accept and respect that. "Family Guy" usually addresses similarly controversial issues such as homosexuality, immigration, racism, etc., and also encourages acceptance and respect. Basically, both shows intend to impart a morale by the end of each episode. 
• Both shows provoke and challenge the status quo, by addressing said controversial issues in such an open manner.
• Both shows use comedy as a tool to help normalize concepts that would be usually unacceptable in society. 
• Both shows portray the main characters as intolerant. At first, Archie does not accept or respect his daughter's friend because he suspects he is a homosexual. Peter also dislikes and/or makes fun of homosexuals, physically impaired people, lesbians, etc., and gives off the impression of being a "macho". Both character seem to represent intolerance at the beginning of the show but by the end, they realize their faults and try to impart some valuable lesson on their respective families and, indirectly, on the audience as well.

3.What kinds of issues did “All in the Family” deal with that "Family Guy" doesn’t, and vice versa?

•  "Family Guy" deals with most of the issues dealt with in "All in the Family" because it was created in a much later time period. "Family Guy" started out in the late 90's where controversial issues were already being dealt with in the Media. In other words, "Family Guy" is controversial because of the way it addresses said issues, not because what issues are addressed. 
• Of course, "All in the Family" was controversial back then because it was one of the first shows that dared to speak of social and cultural issues in such an open way. 
• Having said so, "Family Guy" deals with much more explicit content than what would have been acceptable in the 70's such as sex and drug abuse. 
• Also, "Family Guy" addresses immigration issues because they are of extreme relevance today. Naturally, "All in the Family" didn't address such issues because they were not yet as present as they are today. 
• "Family Guy" also tends to make fun of politicians and celebrities, often belittling and humiliating them. "All in the Family" didn't mock politicians or celebrities in such a cynical manner. Perhaps TV in the 70's had more self-imparted censorship than it does today. 
• "Family Guy" revolves around inside jokes of the news/celebrity world, often portraying real-life characters to be made fun of. "All in the Family" was a show with fictional characters and situations. 

Despite their differences, both sitcoms are an important part of Televised society because they hold a mirror up to us in the hope of encouraging acceptance and respect. Whether it be Archie, Peter, or any of the other characters, sitcom characters continue to voice society's concerns and reactions. It it through these characters that society as a whole has become more open and more willing to question the hegemonic ideals that surround us today.

*"All in the Family" image from google.com