The 1970s were a time of bold choices and unconventional norms. What was once seen as acceptable often clashes with today’s values. As society evolves, so do our perspectives on what is appropriate.
In an era marked by liberation and change, certain behaviors and practices were commonplace. However, many of these have since been deemed socially unacceptable.
Today, we’ll explore eight cultural norms from the 1970s that simply wouldn’t fly in our current landscape. From fashion statements to social practices, these once-accepted aspects of life reflect a bygone era that many would rather forget.
1. Not Wearing Seatbelts
Picture this: you’re driving cross-country in a Ford Pinto. As night falls, you stretch out in the back seat, blissfully unbuckled. In the ’70s, that was the norm—seatbelts were often ignored, even on long trips.
Families routinely piled into vehicles without a second thought about safety. It was common to ride in the bed of a pickup truck, and no one raised an eyebrow. Times have certainly changed.
Today, wearing seatbelts is mandatory in almost every state. New Hampshire stands out as the exception, where seatbelt laws are nonexistent. Maybe they should rethink their motto to reflect modern safety standards.
2. Legally Drinking at 18
When you watch movies like Dazed and Confused, it’s striking how much alcohol flows at high school parties. Those kids somehow manage to score 15 kegs. The truth? They did it themselves, especially the seniors. Until 1984, the legal drinking age in the U.S. was just 18.
That year, a new law aimed to protect young minds and curb drunk driving. While well-intentioned, it pushed teenage drinking underground, fueling the fake ID business in college towns.
Now, turning 21 is no longer just another birthday; it’s a major milestone, often celebrated with binge drinking. Just to be clear, we don’t endorse that kind of behavior. Cheers to better choices!
3. Pregnant Women Drinking and Smoking
Let’s talk about two activities that should never mix: smoking and drinking. If you think of the last person who should indulge, you might picture a child. But let’s focus on pregnant women, who were often seen enjoying these vices in the 1970s.
Back then, it wasn’t unusual for expectant mothers to smoke or drink without a second thought. Many were unaware of the risks to their unborn children, treating pregnancy like any other time in life.
Today, countless studies highlight the dangers of these habits for developing fetuses. As a result, this practice has largely faded, leaving healthier choices in its place.
4. Letting Children Roam Free
Imagine it’s a sunny summer day. You burst out of the house, shouting something at your mom, and don’t return until six hours later, happy and worn out. It sounds like a childhood dream, doesn’t it? But that carefree roaming is a thing of the past.
These days, parents hesitate to let their kids explore the neighborhood alone. The fear of abductions and other dangers looms large, casting a shadow over childhood adventures.
With smartphones making it easy to track kids at all times, the freedom once enjoyed has vanished. The era of blissful parental ignorance is over, replaced by constant vigilance.
5. Rampant Sexual Harassment at Work
For working women in the 1970s, the workplace was often far from safe. Catcalling, inappropriate comments, and unwanted advances were rampant. It was a challenging environment where professionalism clashed with constant harassment.
Thankfully, changes have been made over the years. The establishment of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Me Too movement sparked significant conversations about these issues.
While progress has been made, there’s still much work to do. A quick look at shows like Mad Men illustrates just how far we’ve come, but also how important it is to continue fighting for a respectful workplace.
6. Corporal Punishment in Schools
In the 1970s, schoolchildren faced a harsh reality when it came to discipline. Teachers wielded rulers and paddles, ready to deliver a painful lesson. For many, a visit to the principal meant an even less friendly encounter with Mr. Paddle.
Corporal punishment was a common practice, often brushed off as a necessary measure for maintaining order. But thankfully, attitudes have changed significantly over the years.
However, the surprising truth is that the U.S. still allows this practice in some states, making it one of only three developed countries where corporal punishment is permitted. In contrast, over 180 countries have banned it altogether, including the UK, where corporal punishment was once a rite of passage.
7. Dangerous Playgrounds
In the 1970s, schoolkids faced more than just strict teachers. When the bell rang for recess, they charged into the playground, ready to confront their greatest challenge: the classic 1970s equipment. With metal structures that burned in the sun and concrete floors that offered no cushioning, those playgrounds were both thrilling and risky.
The metal slides sent kids flying with impressive speed, while towering wooden mazes transformed tag into an epic adventure. Even the concrete provided a perfect canvas for games like hopscotch and foursquare.
Today’s safety standards have dramatically changed the landscape of playgrounds. What was once an exhilarating playground experience has been replaced by bland rubber and plastic, stripping away the excitement of the past.
8. Casual Racism on TV
The 1970s were wild for television. A glance at shows from that era reveals content that wouldn’t be accepted today, especially casual racism. The Duke brothers racing in a car with a massive Confederate flag is a striking example.
Even beloved cartoons crossed lines that seem outrageous now. Just the title Hong Kong Phooey raises eyebrows. Popular shows like All in the Family featured characters like Archie Bunker, whose views would never be accepted as a protagonist today.
While there’s still progress to be made, most casual racism that filled our screens has diminished. And yes, All in the Family remains one of the greatest shows, showing that we can critique the past while appreciating its impact.