Archie Bunker, a character from All in the Family, is undeniably flawed. While he embodies racist and sexist stereotypes, these traits were used to critique such views in groundbreaking ways. Unlike real-life bigots, Archie was crafted by talented writers, making him a complex and, at times, charming figure.
However, his insistence on how to put on shoes and socks is particularly frustrating. During interviews, creator Norman Lear highlighted a specific scene that resonated with viewers, which stuck with me since I first heard about it.
I personally prefer putting on my shoes in the same manner as Mike from the show: sock on the right foot, shoe on the right foot, then repeat for the left. This method is efficient and avoids unnecessary leg crossings. The debate around how to put on shoes—especially the ridiculous idea of needing to run outside mid-setup—seems trivial, as Mike’s way allows for a quicker exit.
What’s most troubling is Archie’s insistence that Mike conform to his method. While I believe my approach is superior, I have no desire to dictate how others should do it. It’s simply a matter of personal preference that doesn’t affect me.
In the end, Archie Bunker represents many negative traits, but his stubbornness over something as simple as shoes is particularly egregious
