Commemorating The Impactful Career of Norman Lear

Norman Lear transformed television and his passing at 101 deeply saddens everyone not only because of his impact but also because he won’t be here to be a voice of reason as the United States faces growing turmoil.

Normal Lear, a World War II hero, dedicated his life to defending democracy through his TV productions and advocacy work. His political awakening stemmed from encountering anti-Semitic broadcaster Father Charles Coughlin on the radio at just 9 years old. This early exposure to hate speech instilled in him a profound sense of patriotism, leading him to enlist and later found People for the American Way to combat hate speech and right-wing propaganda.

Throughout his life, Lear championed numerous causes, including environmental awareness, through initiatives like the Environment Media Association and the Lear Family Foundation. He used his TV shows, like ‘Maude,’ to tackle social issues such as abortion, reflecting the changing rights of women. In these times when democracy feels fragile, Lear’s absence urges us to continue his fights for justice and freedom.

Despite the country’s darker turn, Lear remained optimistic, continually urging Americans to uphold democracy through civic engagement, even in his final years. Losing Lear during this critical period feels particularly devastating. 

His influence resonated in recent reboots of his iconic 1970s series like ‘One Day at a Time’ and ‘Live in Front of a Studio Audience’ specials, underscoring the enduring relevance of his work.

His groundbreaking approach to TV sitcoms influenced generations of writers like Ryan Murphy and Chuck Lorre, who learned from Lear’s ability to blend humour with crucial societal issues. Lear’s spirit, marked by his unrelenting passion and energy, inspires us to carry on his legacy both in entertainment and in our nation’s pursuits of justice and progress.

–Farheen Ali