Archie Bunker’s hilarious defense of ‘The Star Spangled Banner’

Archie Bunker, the outspoken and often controversial patriarch from the iconic sitcom All in the Family, was a hilarious truth teller who would be cancelled today for slamming the woke culture and dying American values.

Highlighting his staunch patriotism, one memorable episode shows the character, played by the legendary Carroll O’Connor, shutting down his hippie son-in-law for saying “The Star Spangled Banner” is a “terrible song.”


Archie Bunker, the iconic patriarch from the 1970s sitcom All in the Family, was known for his unapologetic, often outdated views on a variety of topics.

The unabashed bigot, played by the late Carroll O’Connor, was never one to shy away from sharing his views, no matter how divisive.

His character, a working-class New Yorker, often relied on sweeping generalizations and stereotypes about different races, ethnicities, and genders.

While these were meant to satirize ignorance and highlight the changing social values of the 1970s, many of his comments would be seen as offensive and unacceptable by today’s standards. In an era where such remarks are heavily scrutinized, even in fictional or comedic contexts, Archie’s dialogue could spark outrage.

Archie Bunker and woke culture
While Archie’s views are clearly outdated and often offensive, there’s a certain humor in imagining how he’d react to modern social movements. His character was a product of his time, and his reactions to today’s issues highlight just how much society has changed.


Fast forward to today, and one can only imagine how Archie would react to the current debates surrounding the national anthem and the “woke” culture.

Archie Bunker and national anthem debate
In the 1970s, the character was the quintessential American everyman, proud of his country but often resistant to change. He believed in traditional values and was quick to voice his opinions, regardless of how outdated they might seem today.

In true Archie fashion, his defense of the “Star Spangled Banner” is both humorous and thought-provoking, as he voices his belief in traditional American values while grappling with the rapidly changing social landscape of the 1970s.

Whether he’s debating with his liberal son-in-law, “Meathead,” or expressing his disdain for countercultural movements of the time, Archie’s fiery rhetoric often reflects the generational and ideological divides of that era.

‘Glorifies war’
This scene, where Meathead says the anthem is a “terrible song” as it “glorifies war,” exemplifies the show’s genius in addressing hot-button issues with sharp wit and insightful commentary.

Archie’s defense of the national anthem not only underscores his unwavering love for his country but also invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of patriotism, free speech, and cultural change.


Archie Bunker’s character serves as a humorous reminder of the generational divides that exist in society. His staunch beliefs and reactions to change offer a satirical lens through which we can examine the complexities of today’s cultural debates.

What do you think Archie Bunker would have to say about today’s woke culture? Please share your thoughts with us and then share this story with your friends so we can hear what they have to say!

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