Along with many other Americans, upon the recent death of actor Carroll O’Connor, I reflected on his most memorable role – Archie Bunker in the All in the Family television comedy series. In this piece, I share some of my thoughts with respect to Archie and race.

My sentiments about Archie evolved over time. When I first learned of the concept for this situation comedy, I agreed with observers who opined that it would trivialize the serious topic of racial prejudice and set back recently gained progress in the area of race relations. My initial viewing of the show affirmed my concerns.

For starters, the open expressions of prejudice angered and dismayed me. The idea that someone could build a “comedy” around behaviors and beliefs that had harmed so many was appalling. As the show matured, my anger evolved into a simmering resentment about the exploitation of such a serious issue. Yet, strangely, I continued to watch.

continued . . .

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Dr. Thomas currently serves as CEO of R. Thomas Consulting & Training, Inc., and R. Thomas & Associate, and is President of the American Institute for Managing Diversity, in Atlanta, GA. He is the author of four published books: Building a House for Diversity: A Fable about a Giraffe and an Elephant offers New Strategies for Today’s Workforce (AMACOM, a division of the American Management Association, 1999); Redefining Diversity (AMACOM, 1996); Differences Do Make a Difference (AIMD, 1992); and Beyond Race and Gender: Unleashing the Power of Your Total Work Force by Managing Diversity (AMACOM, 1991).