10/3/2010

Television shows have a way of capturing and showcasing issues that may have been shrugged off otherwise.  The 1970's show "All in the Family" and present day series "Modern Family" are no different.  These productions deal with a wide range of "problems" revolving around the household.  However, though they have their similarities, "All in the Family" and "Modern Family" are also very different.  A testament to the evolution of cultural norms, these two shows illustrate society's irregularities relative to their own time period.

When "All in the Family" aired back in 1971, the series pushed the envelope on what was shown on network television.  Depicting such issues as homosexuality, "All in the Family" successfully criticized and dealt with the concerns of the typical prejudiced American.  The show's creators did this through the main character, Archie Bunker.  Archie represented the stereotypical and close minded blue-collar worker of the 1970's, criticizing everything and everyone outside of the social standard.  This was perfectly exemplified in the episode at the screening, when Archie cynically disapproved of his son's gay friend.  Though "Modern Family" also deals with homosexuality, the series does it very differently.  Instead of taking a critical approach to homosexuality, creators Christopher Lloyd and Steven Levitan perfectly incorporate the idea into the family, allowing the audience to overlook its peculiarity.  By establishing an environment in which a gay couple is commonplace, "Modern Family" shows just how far American culture has come.  Though both shows discuss homosexuality, this is not the only topic they care to highlight.

In "Modern Family," the show incorporates an interracial couple in the form of Jay and Gloria.  Gloria, a young woman of Colombian descent, is married to white middle aged Jay who also acts as the step father to Manny, Gloria's son.  This mashed up couple covers divorce, mixed and matched age, and cultural diversity, affairs that "All in the Family" did not include.  An issue that "All in the Family" discussed that "Modern Family" did not was the inclusion of a married couple still living with their parents.  Creators of the 1970's show also included the belittlement of women, exemplified most effectively in Archie's poor treatment of his wife.

Although "Modern Family" and "All in the Family" have their differences, both shows effectively shine a much needed light on America's prejudices.  By adding a comedic element to the mix, the shows camouflage their message in an easily digestible form.  The shows are also similar because they both keep intact that warm family feeling, though at times it can be a bit breezy.