Norman Lear, the brilliant mind behind groundbreaking TV shows such as “All in the Family,” passed away on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at his home in Los Angeles. He was 101 years old.
Lear, a pioneering force in American television, recently shared reflections on his centennial year and his concerns about the state of democracy in a personal essay. Here’s a revised and compelling rendition of his thoughts:
A Century of Living: Reflections from Norman Lear
Celebrating my 100th birthday is a profound milestone. Every morning, I wake up with a deep sense of gratitude for the life I’ve lived and the moments I’ve experienced. This landmark has led me to reflect on the past century and to ponder what lies ahead for our beloved country and its people. Frankly, I’m concerned that I might be in better health than our democracy.
The attack on Congress on January 6, 2021, deeply disturbed me. Supporters of former President Donald Trump, in their bid to overturn the election results, threatened the very fabric of our democratic process. Each revelation about the extent of Mr. Trump’s efforts to cling to power, and his ongoing attempts to place loyalists in positions of influence, has only heightened my unease.
As a young man, I left college after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and joined the U.S. Army Air Forces, flying over 50 missions in a B-17 bomber to combat the fascism engulfing Europe. I am a fervent believer in truth, justice, and the American way. It is unfathomable to me how self-proclaimed patriots can endorse actions that undermine our democracy and Constitution. This is truly alarming.
However, I find hope in the courageous stand taken by a few conservative Republican lawmakers, lawyers, and former White House staffers who resisted Mr. Trump’s coercion. They remind me that common ground can still be found with those whose politics differ but who hold steadfast to core democratic principles.
Encouraging such dialogue was a key aim when we launched “All in the Family” in 1971. The show confronted divisive issues such as racism, feminism, homosexuality, the Vietnam War, and Watergate—topics that were being debated in households across America but seldom addressed on television.
Archie Bunker, for all his flaws, loved his country and his family, even when they challenged his ignorance and bigotry. If Archie were alive today, he would likely be a Fox News viewer and a Trump supporter. Yet, I believe the sight of the American flag being used to attack Capitol Police would have appalled him. The resolve shown by Representatives Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger in exposing the truth might have earned his respect.
It’s astonishing to think that television did not exist when I was born in 1922. The internet and social media came much later, and while these technologies have the potential to spread lies and hatred, they also offer unprecedented opportunities for connection and understanding. These tools can foster community and ideological exchange, perhaps even drawing Archie to a keyboard. The creative and constructive possibilities of technological innovation give me hope for solving some of our most stubborn problems.
Despite my dismay at our current political, judicial, and cultural directions, I remain optimistic about our nation’s future. I remind myself of our progress and the incredibly talented individuals I’ve encountered in entertainment, politics, and through People for the American Way, the progressive organization I co-founded. These experiences renew my belief that Americans can unite around our shared values and work together to protect our planet.
I strive to stay forward-focused. Two of my favorite words are “over” and “next.” This mindset has served me well through a long life of ups and downs, coupled with a deep appreciation for the absurdity of the human condition.
Reaching this birthday with my health and mental faculties mostly intact is a privilege. Sharing my days with loving family, friends, and creative collaborators fills me with an inexpressible gratitude.
This century is ours, dear reader—yours and mine. Let us inspire each other with visions of a shared future, bringing all the determination, open-heartedness, and creative spirit we possess to build that future together.
Norman Lear’s legacy as a television visionary and a steadfast defender of democracy will continue to inspire future generations.