All in the family? Maybe more so in a Modern Family.

All in the Family is a 70's family comedy that touched on various subjects that had been untouched before. Similarly now, the family comedy Modern Family has been bringing a new edge to comedy by approaching a family dynamic from new angles. However, there are still differences in how the shows took a stance on these issues. While Modern Family has a fresh approach on homosexuality, All in the Family demonstrates the judgmental views regarding homosexuality that pervaded the 1970's. The main character, Archie, shows his reluctance to believe that his masculine friend is a homosexual because he does not fit his 'fairy' stereotype. At the same time, he bashes his son-in-law's flamboyant friend. In Modern Family, homosexuality is viewed as a much more normal occurrence in culture. A couple has an adoptive daughter, and the show chronicles their interactions with the rest of the family. They are already assimilated into the culture as a pose to being judged.

Both shows have pioneered the views on homosexuality, though. At the time of All in the Family, homosexuality was a taboo topic; it was still aired and discussed in this show. Now, 'gay adoption' is very much a hot topic that provokes discussions and debates worldwide. All in the Family and Modern Family demonstrate that homosexuals do not necessarily fit a specific mold that society has imposed upon them. Archie's friend is masculine and athletic, and in Modern Family, Mitchell and Cameron are able to go around the system to adopt a girl, even though it is frowned upon by many. Both shows take on controversial issues that have been in American culture for a long time.

All in the Family does however show a more conservative view on homosexuality. Archie represents the dominant white male audience, reluctant to accept homosexuality as part of American culture. Modern Family shows a fresh perspective, handling more the integration of homosexuals into everyday life. Modern Family also tackles another contemporary issue, Latin American culture in the United States. Gloria is one of the main characters in Modern Family, and her culture and heritage are often depicted in the series, as well as her culture shock. All in the Family was not aired when Latin American culture made up such an important proportion of American culture. The two shows however have similarities in and differences that make them an important outlet for gatekeepers to extend a message to audiences.