The 1970s were a different time, with ways of thinking and behaving that might seem strange to us now. Back then, certain things were just accepted as normal, but today, they would probably cause a lot of controversy. Society has changed a lot over the years, and what people once thought was okay might now be seen as wrong or even shocking.
In this list, we’ll look at some common social norms from the ’70s that would likely cause an uproar if they happened today. From the way people behaved at work, what was shown on TV, or the way people treated each other, it’s clear that times have changed in some surprising ways. Let’s dive in and see how far we’ve come.
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Casual Workplace Harassment
In the ’70s, it was common for men to make suggestive comments or jokes towards their female coworkers. For example, a boss might openly compliment a secretary on her looks in a way that would be considered unprofessional today. Physical actions like a pat on the back or even an unwanted hug were often dismissed as harmless. But now, we know better. If someone did this today, it could lead to serious consequences like losing their job or facing legal action.
Smoking Indoors
Walking into a restaurant in the ’70s often meant being surrounded by cigarette smoke while you ate. People smoked in offices, movie theaters, and even on airplanes, and it was just a part of life. Today, this would be shocking. We now understand the dangers of secondhand smoke, and most public places have strict no-smoking policies. Lighting up indoors would be frowned upon and could also get you fined or asked to leave.
Blatant Racism
In the ’70s, it wasn’t unusual to hear racist jokes on TV shows or in movies. In daily life, people made racist remarks without much fear of backlash. Fast forward to today, and that same behavior would likely cause an uproar. Society has become more aware of how harmful racism is, and there’s a strong push for diversity and inclusion in media and everyday interactions.
Disregard for Seatbelts
Back in the ’70s, many people saw seatbelts as optional. It wasn’t uncommon to see kids jumping around in the back seat without a seatbelt on. But today, we know that seatbelts save lives, and there are laws in place to make sure people use them. If someone were caught driving without a seatbelt today, they could be fined, and it would be considered very irresponsible behavior.
Child Discipline with Corporal Punishment
In the ’70s, many parents believed in “spare the rod, spoil the child,” meaning that spanking or using a belt was seen as an effective way to discipline kids. A child might be spanked for talking back or not doing their chores. This was considered normal parenting. But today, there’s a lot of debate about whether physical punishment does more harm than good. Many experts now recommend other forms of discipline, like time-outs or talking through the problem.
Homophobia in Media and Society
The ’70s was a time when being openly gay could lead to discrimination or even violence. TV shows and movies often included homophobic slurs or portrayed LGBTQ+ characters as the butt of jokes. Today, such portrayals would likely lead to a major backlash, as society has become more accepting and supportive of LGBTQ+ rights.
Gender Roles and Expectations
In the ’70s, it was common for women to be expected to stay home and take care of the house and kids, while men were expected to work and provide for the family. These roles were rarely questioned. Today, these expectations are seen as outdated, and there’s a lot more flexibility in how people choose to live their lives. Both men and women are now encouraged to pursue careers, share household responsibilities, and make choices that work best for them.
Drunk Driving
In the ’70s, it wasn’t uncommon for people to drive after having a few drinks, and some even saw it as a joke. A person might have a couple of beers at a party and then drive home without much concern. The dangers of drunk driving weren’t as well understood, and the consequences weren’t as severe. Drunk driving is now considered extremely irresponsible, and getting caught can lead to losing your license, heavy fines, or even jail time.
Objectification of Women
The media in the ’70s often portrayed women in ways that would be considered highly objectifying today. Advertisements might show women in revealing outfits to sell products. Women were often shown as accessories to men, not as people with their own goals and ambitions. Today, this kind of portrayal would likely spark a lot of outrage.
Disregard for Environmental Issues
In the ’70s, most people didn’t prioritize environmental issues. It wasn’t unusual to see factories dumping waste into rivers or people littering without a second thought. But today, with the growing awareness of climate change and pollution, this kind of disregard for the environment would be heavily criticized. People are now much more conscious of their impact on the planet. And there’s a strong push for sustainable practices.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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