The Scene Where Archie Bunker Defends the National Anthem Is Going Viral 50 Years Later

Archie Bunker remains one of the most unforgettable characters in television history. For years, he starred in All in the Family, resonating with millions of Americans who saw their own values and struggles reflected in his strong opinions about what it meant to be American.

The show portrayed Bunker as a blue-collar, hard-working man who had served in the military—part of the reason he refused to stay silent when someone insulted the Star-Spangled Banner or disrespected what it symbolized.

Although some of his remarks haven’t aged well in today’s increasingly “woke” cultural climate, Bunker’s passionate defense of the national anthem still strikes a chord with many Americans who continue to take pride in their country above all else.

In the now-viral scene, Bunker is watching TV with his son-in-law, nicknamed “Meathead.” As the national anthem plays before a sports event, Meathead voices his disapproval, claiming the anthem glorifies the horrors of war. While today’s critics of the anthem often argue that it is racially insensitive to Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities, Meathead’s objection stemmed from the fact that it was written during the War of 1812, a conflict between the early United States and Great Britain.

As Meathead criticizes the anthem, Archie Bunker quickly jumps in to defend it.

“That’s one terrible song,” Meathead says bluntly. Archie is stunned by the remark and wastes no time letting his son-in-law know exactly how he feels.