General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Ralph Kramden... Character who is abusive or lovable dude trying to just survive? [View all]loyalsister
(13,390 posts)It was not considered outrageous for men to hit women at that time. Watching movies from the 50s and 60s is very revealing in regards to that attitude. It seems as though it was par for the course in any relationship.
I've always thought sitcoms from those days were pretty misogynistic. In the family sitcoms, the man was always the decider and most important family member. Lucy was ridiculed and demeaned while Ricky Riccardo spoke with an exaggerated accent and promoted Latin stereotypes. Pop culture and entertainment of that time like any other was a reflection of cultural mores. We were an even less enlightened culture during that time.
I don't think we would ask the same question about Archie Bunker's racism, but there is plenty of evidence that his character reinforced the legitimacy of those beliefs for others. Consider the educational level at the time. It wasn't high, and criticism of domestic abuse was uncommon, and criticism of racism was less common for working class people.