Reply #21: Wow! the real 'Family Ties'!

[pretzel4gore]

i recall reading an article back in the 70's about how Norman Lear really despised Archie Bunker- his patriotism and faith in capitalism at same time as he suffered the indignity of being a powerless worker etc. I forget how the article explained it, but the gist was that 'All in the Family' was a sneaky backhanded attack on working people, their beliefs, and contempt for intellectuals who tried to improve their lot, all while seeming to respect them. As you know 'Family Ties' also mocked the 'hippie' ideals while firming up the theme of rightwing can-do ruthlessness and moneyed wisdom etc (all with lotsa laffs, of course) as typified by the young alex keaton kid....same with 'Happy Days' and...well, the entire corp. entertainment thing always promoted certain ideas while mocking any of that 'we will overcome' windmill tilting ...Your parents must have felt affirmed every time they watched tv! It's fascinating to me that you saw through it; especially as so much of the system encouraged the views your parents have