Analyzing All in the Family, “Gloria Discovers Women’s Lib,”

(1971) http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3lr4pw (Links to an external site.)

Links to an external site.

[Web Link]

Background:

All in the Family was a popular television sitcom that aired on the CBS network between 1971 and 1979. The show revolves around the experiences of a working-class family living in the Queens section of New York City. In this episode, daughter Gloria begins reading about women’s liberation and then informs her husband Mike that she wants to be an equal partner in their marriage. Mike disagrees with Gloria, and they have a major fight.

Please watch the episode using the link above and then answer the following questions in an informal 1 ½ – 2-page essay:

1. In your opinion, did the episode offer a realistic portrait of sexism in 1970s America? Why? Why not? Please cite examples to support your interpretation.
2. How does this episode portray feminism? Please include examples.
3. What was the overall message of the episode? Did the humorous aspects of the episode add to or detract from that message?
4. Compare this episode of All in the Family with current portrayals of sexism and feminism on television. How are they similar? How are they different?
5. Please conclude your essay with at least one question for discussion. Choose a question that you think will both enlighten and enliven your discussion section.

Once you have finished the essay, please upload it to Canvas by the deadline above.

Grades for this essay will be based on the following criteria:

1. Does the student answer each of the questions in a satisfactory and convincing manner?
2. Does the student include evidence to support his/her interpretations?
3. Has the student carefully read and thought about the source(s) and their significance?
4. Has the student considered the broader context of the source(s)?
5. Has the student clearly communicated his/her ideas?