- checking login information
The Politics Cause
293,233 people care about Politics
Loading...What do Meathead and Archie Have to Do with Health Care Reform?
They called Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) a “f****t.” They called Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) and Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO) the infamous “n-word.” The year was 2010.
“Communist… you have to work for everything you get!” They bullied a peaceful health care reform advocate with Parkinson’s disease, assuming for reasons known only to them, that he is too lazy to work and only seeks a handout.
Presumably “they” are anti-health care protesters, because they were also yelling “kill the bill!” and holding anti-reform signs. But is health care really the issue here… or is this about something else entirely?
I grew up during the era of Meathead versus Archie Bunker. Being a teenager at the time, I easily related to the Meathead and agreed with his pleas for tolerance and justice.
As a mature adult, I came to understand Archie a lot better. He wasn’t the all-bad monster I saw when I was younger. He actually had some admirable qualities, like a serious work ethic and taking care of his family. I even began to see that he came to his views on race, religion, gender, and sexual orientation out of pure ignorance, not that I accept that as an excuse. Rather than hate him, I came to feel sorry for him.
I also revised my view of the Meathead. His belief in equality was mirrored by his actions and I respect that. But he was lacking in many ways. He blatantly and continually disrespected the man who financially supported him, put a roof over his head, and food on his plate so he could continue his education and pursue loftier goals. He didn’t appreciate the hard realities and limitations of Archie’s life.
Growing older and wiser is preferable to just growing older. As we mature and experience life’s hard knocks, it gets easier to understand how quickly things can change, how even the very ground beneath us cannot be counted on for support. Firm black and white are overtaken by many shades of gray. In a heartbeat “we” can just as easily become “them.”
During the sixties and seventies, there was an unprecedented push toward equality and inclusiveness. Since the Meathead and Archie reigned supreme, we have made incredible strides, both socially and legally, but much work remains for civil rights advocates.
But let’s not kid ourselves. The bigots never really went away, they just got quieter when polite society forced the issue. Was it the historic election of our first African-American president that re-energized them? The push to repeal Don’t Ask Don’t Tell? Gay marriage?
It’s not about health care anymore. They want to “take back our country.” As we continue to suffer their antics and not call them out on their abusive behavior, we embolden them. We give them the fortitude to scream unbridled bigotry at U.S. Congressmen and at peaceful protesters and innocent bystanders. We make it acceptable to portray our African-American president in racially derogatory manner in full view of the cameras. They are not embarrassed, but we should be.
Whatever the reasons, it is an ugly spectacle, one that the rest of the world is observing. The U.S. in 2010 has a lot more in common with the U.S. in 1970 than we should.
I have issues, too. When I sat down to write this post, I wanted to use the actual ugly words rather than using euphemisms, but found impossible to write those words I find so despicable. I come up empty when trying to analyze that and what it says about me. Suffice it to say that I loathe such language.
I will, however, say this. Whatever our politics or standings on any issue, we must call the bigots out. However they came to their bigotry, whatever other good qualities they may posses, they are wrong in this and we must not imply endorsement by our silence.
The Meathead would have told them they are wrong to spew hatred, wrong for engaging in verbal abuse and intimidation. No matter how many people stand by your side and egg you on, it is still unjustifiable and unacceptable. I’m standing firmly with the Meathead on this one.
Related Reading on Care2
Anti-Reform Protesters Bully Peaceful Demonstrator with Parkinson’s
Read more: barney frank, bigotry, emanuel cleaver, health care reform, health policy, john lewis, politics, president
Photo: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1051335
Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may
not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.
Recent Comments from Causes
It's heartbreaking. "not if but when they raped."
Good project
they are right, hungry kid is angry kid!
meet our writers
101 comments
+ add your ownWas looking for Jughead and Reggie...sorry, different Archie!
I still find Archie Bunker's views absolutely reprehensible...ignorance is no excuse for aggressive bigotry.
"I see no abuse unless stating your opinion clearly and without derogatory comments is abuse. Anybody?............" Crystelle A.
Johan I. was referring to the moral right and wrong provided in the Bible. The peace symbol is definitely Pagan in origin. I stand by Johan and his faith in the morals God provides.
I also support Crystelle to state her opinion, not based on the morality explained in the Bible.
Earlier I posted a comment on this article, concerning use of the "N" word. I said the word referred to a noble Black American, who was part of America from the beginning. If someone uses the word to offend, the offense should not be taken. There is a derogatory perception of every race, color and gender. I can tell you from experience in working with jail inmates, that, when offense is not taken, friendship often develops. The weaker person tends to use offensive language to hide his own feelings of inadequacy. The stronger person maintains precious dignity and integrity,by not being offended.
Offensive people sometimes write for care2, trying to stir up what they call hate, hatriots, hatred, and other disgusting impulsive reactions to people and events.
Every public gathering has enemies from the opposing viewpoint, trying to stir up violence. These are evil people with no real commitment, other than subdue those with a noble purpose.
What is a noble purpose? This may be a purpose that is pursued with passivity, humility, a
It's important to remember that every halfway successful social or political movement soon collects opportunists who want to jump on the bandwagon, some hoping for a share of the glory, some hoping to take it over and run it for themselves. During the '60s and '70s, there were lots of attempts by outright Communists to take over the New Left and the peace movement. Today there are equally nasty attempts by the Religious Reich and the troglodyte Conservatives to take over the Tea Party and Libertarian movements. Worse, government agencies will often get into the act, posing as legitimate members of a grass-roots movement and then committing outrages, in order to discredit the movement. You have to watch out for these. I've been watching the Tea Party campaigns, and can tell you that these outrages you observed are not its policy nor character; they were done by hopeful bandwagon-jumpers, or by CoIntelPro agents with the deliberate intention of slandering a viable grass-roots movement. Believe me, political activism is a lot more complicated than it looks on the TV news.
Great article; thanks, Ann.
Just watching a republican explain it all away by saying that humans are nasty creatures and that is just how it is. So there you go, it must be ok then. It drives me crazy how dumb these hatriot types are though. They throw out words like nazi, communist, and socialist in the same sentence having no idea at all what that means. The same people accusing the poor guy with Parkinson's disease of being a communist are or will probably be a recipient of social security, medicare, or food stamps at some point but that's ok because THEY deserve it.
Thank You
Renee Still Day: Ok, I took it as being all inclusive. He's entitled to his feelings, but I still think his comments extreme to the nth degree. President Obama & Clinton, although Democrats, have never served either. Shouldn't they be included on his hate list? I believe we have/had troops fighting in wars under their administrations. Only some presidents have had military service (26) and fewer have been in combat (21). All Republicans? All hawks? No! http://www.whoserved.com/
executiveprofilespast.asp
Military background does not necessarily make a good president(see Jimmy Carter) or any other person in the gov't (although it can't hurt).
John l.: "It has nothing at all to do with God and is therefore wrong." We cannot discuss peace without referring to God? ANY subject discussed without referring to God is "wrong"? Somehow that's not quite computing with me.
I also fail to understand your quibble with this post. I don't see any attack on the part of the author. The facts are stated. Also stated is the sentiment that the author cannot bring herself to attack the "other side" as they have attacked us and those of our ranks who are weaker than they are: i.e. a protester from the other side who has Parkinson's, an 11 yr old boy who had lost his mother because of the loss of health care benefits. I see no abuse unless stating your opinion clearly and without derogatory comments is abuse. Anybody?............
I have no idea what the so-called "peace" badge has to do with the article!
I still see this badge for what it was used, which was the "New age" movement.
I loathed this movement and still do.
It has nothing whatsoever to do with God and is therefore wrong.
As far as the article and comments are concerned, let us not get carried away and abuse all sides.
This is no better than the people who foment this attitude.
a big joke
login to add your comment
use your care2 login
add your comment
20