The 1970s were a unique time in culture and style, but many of our ideas about the decade are actually myths. From everyone supposedly loving disco to the idea that the whole world was filled with hippies, these stereotypes don’t tell the whole story. Let’s look at some common myths about the ’70s and find out what life in that decade was really like.
New York was a no-go zone
In the 1970s, New York City was nearing bankruptcy. Following mass layoffs and a surge in crime, many middle-class families moved to the suburbs, often describing NYC as though it were a disaster zone. In reality, however, the city was thriving in many ways, especially in its art and music scenes, which produced some incredible work during that time.
The golden age for sitcoms
The 1970s brought us many classic sitcoms like *M*A*S*H*, *SNL*, *Dallas*, *Three’s Company*, *All in the Family*, *CHiPS*, and *Wonder Woman*. But the decade also saw its share of flops, with some notably unsuccessful shows like *Me and The Chimp*, *Donny & Marie*, *Carter Country*, *Hee Haw Honeys*, and *Delta House*.
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ABC Television via wiki
Home decor was ugly
Wedged between the super-stylish ’60s and ’80s, the ’70s is often seen as the decade that interior design forgot. Ask any child of the ’70s about their childhood home, and they’ll likely mention an abundance of orange and brown—and the unmistakable scent of secondhand cigarette smoke lingering in the air.
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AxlCobainVedder via reddit
Everyone was self-absorbed
This myth of the “self-absorbed” 1970s emerged in 1976 when Tom Wolfe published his essay “The ‘Me’ Decade and the Third Great Awakening.” Wolfe argued that issues we now see as natural human interests—like exploring personal beliefs, advancing women’s rights, and fostering open communication in relationships—were instead signs of a self-centered culture.
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via reddit
Hippies ceased to exist in 1970
Many assume the famous ’60s hippie movement disappeared overnight at the start of 1970, but this counterculture continued well into the ’70s, holding onto their ideals and lifestyle. It wasn’t until the Vietnam War ended in 1975 that their peace-driven rallying cries truly began to fade.
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theking490 via reddit
No good technology was made
The 1970s were far from quiet on the technology front. Key inventions from this era include the personal cassette player, floppy disks, VCRs, digital watches, and the first video games. In 1973, Motorola engineer Martin Cooper even made history by using a mobile phone he’d developed to call a competitor at AT&T, marking the dawn of mobile communication.
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AxlCobainVedder via reddit
All women were feminist
The 1970s saw both progressive and conservative movements. Attorney Phyllis Schlafly, for example, campaigned for what she called the “real rights of women,” arguing that a woman’s ideal role was as a wife, mother, and caretaker. She opposed the Equal Rights Amendment proposed in 1972, believing it would actually take away women’s rights by undermining these traditional roles.
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purplesailor via reddit
Disco was the only music genre
Setting a movie in the ’70s often means using disco music for nightclub scenes, but disco was far from the only sound of the decade. The ’70s also gave rise to diverse rock genres like heavy metal, soft rock, folk rock, and punk rock, and by the late ’70s, hip-hop was emerging as well. This rich musical landscape went far beyond disco’s glittery beats.
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09997512 via reddit
All films were gritty
New Hollywood emerged as a dominant force in the ’70s, bringing a shift in American cinema away from predictable happy endings and clear-cut good-versus-evil narratives. This was the era of the anti-hero, epitomized by stars like Steve McQueen. At the same time, the decade also saw the rise of mainstream crowd-pleasers, including blockbuster hits like *Jaws*, *Grease*, and *Superman*.
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via reddit
Life was safer
Parents and kids from the ’70s often reminisce about how safe the decade felt, claiming anyone could go anywhere at any time without fear. However, this perception isn’t accurate. In Los Angeles, for instance, the homicide rate was 23 per 100,000 people, and the city experienced an 84% increase in homicides between 1970 and 1979.
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via reddit
Fashion was great
The ’70s are often viewed as a low point for fashion, with popular items like bell-bottom pants, frayed jeans, midi skirts, maxi dresses, tie-dye, peasant blouses, and ponchos. While some of these trends had their charm, they were often worn by balding men with mutton chops and mustaches, which didn’t help the overall aesthetic of the decade.
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via reddit
Watergate ruined the Republican Party
One might assume that a scandal like Watergate would have spelled doom for the Republican Party in 1974. However, just seven years after Nixon’s resignation, the party regained control of the country, largely due to the rise of Ronald Reagan’s popularity. It seems that many voters were willing to overlook past criminal breaches of security.
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a2soup via reddit
All social change came to a halt
The ’70s marked a period of significant change, pushing boundaries to advocate for social progress. While the Stonewall Riots, which ignited the Gay Rights Movement in America, took place in 1969, the movement gained national attention throughout the ’70s as LGBTQ individuals across the country organized and fought for their rights as human beings and citizens.
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via reddit
Gas shortages lasted years
Following President Nixon’s announcement of support for Israel during the Yom Kippur War in 1973, the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC) imposed an oil embargo. This led to skyrocketing prices and widespread gasoline shortages, bringing a nation that was heavily reliant on driving to a standstill. Fortunately, the embargo lasted only six months, not years.
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PlanetoftheAtheists via reddit
Divorce destroyed the family
The rise in divorce rates during the 1970s can be attributed to straightforward factors that had little to do with the decline of the nuclear family. In 1969, California enacted the first “no-fault” divorce law, and many other states soon adopted similar measures. This legislation provided women with the opportunity to leave abusive or unsatisfactory marriages more easily than ever before.
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lechatblanc14 via reddit
Bubble Yum was made with spider eggs
When Bubble Yum was released in 1975, people were curious about how it could be so soft. This led to a widespread rumor that the gum contained spider eggs. The legend gained so much traction that the manufacturer, LifeSavers, had to run advertisements in newspapers, including *The New York Times*, to reassure the public that their gum was not made with spider eggs.
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akujidragon via reddit
There were no video games
While not in the form we know today, video games technically existed during the ’70s with the Atari console. Not everyone owned one, but nearly everyone knew someone who did, and those fortunate enough to have an Atari would go to great lengths to win over their friends’ affection.
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micheleferlisi via reddit
Cartoons were always on TV
Today, children can watch cartoons anytime and anywhere, especially with devices like iPads. However, in the ’70s, cartoons were far less accessible, especially on television. If you wanted to catch shows like Bugs Bunny or Scooby-Doo, you had to wait for Saturday morning. Missed it? Tough luck!
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ahamay65 via reddit
Hitchhiking wasn’t dangerous
Hitchhiking was more widely accepted in the past than it is today, but it wasn’t without risks. There were numerous cases of people going missing or being murdered after getting into a stranger’s car; the difference was that these incidents didn’t receive the same level of media coverage that they would today.
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via reddit
Only women wore short shorts
The ’70s featured a uniquely rare clothing trend: short shorts that were embraced by both men and women. Often paired with tube socks, these shorts became a popular fashion choice. Just watch any movie from that era, and you’ll see men confidently showcasing their legs in this iconic style.
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Live-Gas7226 via reddit
Everyone wore sunscreen
Today, we are very cautious about sun exposure, consistently applying sunscreen for ourselves and our children. In the ’70s, however, sunscreen might as well have been nonexistent; people generally didn’t pay much attention to sunburns, heat stroke, or skin cancer.
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wigovsky via reddit
Everything went metric
With the Metric Conversion Act of 1975, there was a push for America to adopt the metric system, prompting many to prepare for the change. Ultimately, however, the country decided to stick with feet, pounds, and quarts. Schools showed pro-metric films to children, introducing them to a world of meters, liters, and grams, even though they would likely never fully embrace it.
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m262 via reddit
Playgrounds were safe
Children and playgrounds in the ’70s were a risky combination, much like baths and toasters. Monkey bars were constructed from cold steel, capable of causing serious injuries in an instant. Playground equipment included vertigo-inducing slides and seesaws, while merry-go-rounds provided a thrilling experience that felt akin to NASA training for kids.
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snugglebandit via reddit
Jaws’ impact wasn’t that big
The rumors surrounding *Jaws* and its impact on the American public were very real. When this summer blockbuster premiered in 1975, it left audiences not only fearful of swimming in the ocean but also hesitant to take baths or even drink bottled water. Anything related to water became a source of anxiety.
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Papichuloft via reddit
Smallpox scars weren’t real
In the days when smallpox vaccines were administered widely, every child bore a recognizable scar on their upper arm from the two-pronged needle that punctured their skin like a staple gun. While it was an unpleasant experience, it ultimately led to the eradication of smallpox.
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Cold_Act6922 via reddit
School equipment was modern
Schools in the ’70s seemed almost untouched since the days of Johannes Gutenberg. Any worksheet or homework handed out in a classroom was likely produced using a ditto or mimeograph machine. Those machines left behind purple ink on your fingers and had a distinct smell that many still remember fondly.
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fnaxq via reddit
Bowl cuts fell out fashion
Nope, the bowl cut survived from the ’60s into the ’70s. In case you missed it, a bowl cut is just what it sounds like—a haircut created by placing a bowl on the head of an unfortunate child. That poor kid is unlikely to look back at photos and think, “Wow, I looked cool!”
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danooli via reddit
Mikey’s stomach exploded
There was a rumor that Mikey, the picky eater from the Life cereal commercial, had eaten the dangerous combination of Coca-Cola and Pop Rocks, resulting in his stomach inflating and exploding. Of course, this story was entirely false.
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planet2527 via reddit
Computers replaced typewriters
You might have assumed that the ’70s saw the typewriter replaced by flashy prototype computers, but that wasn’t the case! The humble typewriter continued to be the standard throughout the decade, much to the annoyance of office workers. While the sound of typing might have been fun, we certainly don’t miss dealing with those machines.
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tslb1 via reddit
Selfies didn’t exist
While selfies as we know them today didn’t exist, and smartphones were nowhere to be found, a similar concept was alive in the form of photo booths. It was common for people to seek out these booths, insert coins, and take a series of personal photos, either solo or with friends.
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rantsis via reddit
Shaking Polaroid pictures worked
As Outkast reminded us in their 2003 hit “Hey Ya!,” the ’70s taught us to shake it like a Polaroid picture! However, that advice was misleading. In 2004, Polaroid clarified that shaking or waving the photo had no actual effect. Yet, despite this, most of us still find ourselves doing it, don’t we?
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elimane_ via reddit
Bicycle helmets were mandatory
I have no idea where the notion came from that bicycle helmets were mandatory in the ’70s because the reality was quite the opposite. You’d rarely see anyone wearing a helmet unless they were recovering from a serious head injury. Even kids didn’t wear them!
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lllbb via reddit
Clackers weren’t banned
In the ’70s, all many kids needed for entertainment was a pair of heavy acrylic balls connected by a string. The goal was simple: swing the two balls together as fast as possible. However, the craze known as “clackermania” led to safety issues when the balls started shattering and causing injuries. Eventually, they were pulled from store shelves.
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reginstunninx via reddit
People were environmentally friendly
A 1976 report from The New York Times noted that a significant number of beach injuries were caused by cuts from discarded pop tabs. This says it all about the times. Pop tabs, found on aluminum cans, were easily removed with a twist, but most people didn’t bother to dispose of them properly.
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bawonga via reddit
Bean bags weren’t popular
Bean bags weren’t just a cliché from ’70s films and shows; they were genuinely popular during that time. While they still have a place in modern culture, many of them seem to be occupied by those who sat down on one in 1975 and never managed to get up!
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Slow-moving-sloth via reddit
Cars were made out of wood
Many cars in the ’70s featured wood-like exteriors that people loved, but the reality is that these were typically just vinyl siding designed to resemble wood. Despite this, consumers didn’t mind spending their money on these vehicles, appreciating the nostalgic charm they brought to the automotive landscape.
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stickymarmalade via reddit
Only astronauts drank Tang
When Tang was marketed as the beverage of choice for astronauts, it sparked a temporary frenzy among the public. However, it turned out that Tang wasn’t as impressive as its marketing suggested. Even Buzz Aldrin, the second man to walk on the moon, openly admitted he wasn’t a fan of the drink.
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via reddit
Plastic was popular
In the 70s, plastic wasn’t the go-to material; people preferred leather or metal for storage. Kids famously used metal lunch boxes, which eventually faced a ban in the 1980s after some students started using them as weapons. Thanks a lot, kids!
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ocean432 via reddit
Not everyone had an ottoman
Actually, everyone had an ottoman in the 70s. These pieces of furniture gained popularity as footstools, but for kids growing up in that decade, they were more than just furniture; they became toys. Kids would lie on them stomach-first and pretend to fly like Superman.
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daderpster via reddit
Lava lamps were invented in the 70s
While lava lamps are often associated with the 1970s (and even the 1990s), they weren’t actually invented during the Me Decade. These funky ambient lights originated in the 1960s and gained popularity during that time. But that’s alright—the 60s had plenty of things to be proud of!
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JustJokingBud via reddit
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