Archie's Eulogy for Stretch Cunningham -- #allinthefamily

One of the most touching scenes from the long running landmark series "All in the Family".

My father was a lot like Archie--rough and rude on the outside, but a lot of mush on the inside. The second time I saw him cry was when he said goodbye to me on December 12, 1984, handing me over to the Air Force. He didn't even really cry--but he was obviously trying very hard not to. The other time was when his mother died, over 10 years earlier.

He was like a lot from his generation--used a lot of racist terms, spoke in semi-derogatory terms about other races and demographics, but we had a black, a Japanese, and a Chinese neighbor, and we got along with them better than the white folks. Keep in mind, this was and still is a very segregated area. Races don't mix much here, so it's more of a case of unfamiliarity.

I, on the other hand, after 20 years in the military, don't really notice races like I did before I left home. It's not something I'm mindful of like I was 30 years ago. People notice differences, but you don't have to hate someone because they are different. Watch animals, when they see something they aren't familiar with--they may growl, they may cowl, they may scowl, but does that make them racist?

We all have pre-conceived notions to one level or another, yes, even those who profess to be completely void of an prejudice or bigotry. All fall short....all of us....read your Bible!

Anyway, love this scene. Growing up watching this show with my parents, it seemed to be a lot of angry, yelling people. But now in my twilight years, I see there are more than two sides to a coin. By the time I finished editing this, I had tears running down my cheeks--very touching.

Rob Reiner said when this scene was filmed, they weren't acting. He and Sally Struthers were leaving the show and it was very sad for them to leave their TV family.