13 ’60s Trends That Would Be Publicly Shamed Today

Many people look back on the ’60s and remember a fun, laid-back, free-spirited time. However, others cringe at some of the trends that would be publicly shamed today.

Reflecting and evolving, critically shifting away from past trends as societal awareness increases. With it, we can also reminisce about some of the changes we’ve already experienced.

Many ‘60s trends would get publicly shamed today, but since we can’t get to them all, this list includes the ones we’d understand the most today. The trends listed here are ones that we can look at and recognize why we needed growth and to leave them in the past.

1. Skipping Sunscreen

In the ’60s, getting a golden tan was the goal, and no one gave much thought to protecting their skin from UV rays. Some people even used baby oil to get a better tan, and it was common to see someone using a reflector to help with the process.

Today, we know the dangers of UV rays for our skin. Skin health is discussed frequently, and moms everywhere slather their kids with SPF.

2. Not Wearing Seatbelts

If your car had seatbelts (because not all of them did), it didn’t mean you had to use them in the ‘60s. Those with seatbelts only had lap belts without anything across your chest or shoulder to protect you.

Now, it’s illegal not to wear a seatbelt, and all children need to have the appropriate car seats for their age and height as well.

3. Riding in Truck Beds

It was common in the ‘60s to see people riding in the bed of a truck, especially when the weather was nice. It created more seating, and it was sometimes just the preferred choice of seats.

Now, riding in a truck bed would be shamed by most people who saw it. It’s illegal and could result in fines or jail time.

4. Glamorizing Smoking

In the ‘60s, it was common for people to smoke cigarettes in public places. Celebrities and doctors even endorsed cigarettes during that time.

Now that we know the health risks associated with smoking, it’s no longer acceptable to do it in enclosed public spaces. Smoking inside public places is illegal across the nation, and it’s heavily regulated at many outdoor locations.

5. Kids Walked Places Alone

Kids in the ‘60s often walked to different places alone, especially on the way to school. Once they were school-aged, it was fair game to send them off to school on their way.

Today, you’re not likely to see kids walking to or from school without an adult. If you did, it might cross your mind that they’re too young to be alone or its unsafe.

6. Not Wearing a Helmet

You’d rarely see a kid wearing a helmet while riding their bike or roller skating in the 1960s. Helmets existed, but not many parents enforced them for kids riding around on their bikes.

Now, parents might get shamed for letting their child ride around without safety gear.

7. Hitchhiking

In the ‘60s, people didn’t let the lack of transportation stop them from getting somewhere. Hitchhiking was common, and some people didn’t think twice about picking a stranger up.

Now, the dangers of hitchhiking are well-known, and you’ll rarely find someone doing it. If you see a hitchhiker, most people keep driving without even thinking about giving them a ride.

8. Lead-Based Paint

The harmful effects of lead-based paint weren’t well-known or understood in the ‘60s, so it was common in homes across the nation. Lead-based paint was used everywhere, including on walls, furniture, and even toys.

Now that we know the harm lead can cause, we don’t use it in products. We now also have to be careful when removing lead-based paint so we don’t inhale it.

9. Asbestos

Many products contained asbestos in the ‘60s because we didn’t know about its detrimental health effects. It was used in building insulation, construction, household products, and other daily-use items.

Now that we know asbestos can cause serious health complications, it’s no longer found in products the general public can use. Using anything that might contain asbestos would be heavily shamed since we know the effects and how harmful it is.

10. Physical Punishment at School

Getting a spanking at school was expected if you got in trouble in the ‘60s. Parents weren’t upset about it because it was the norm, and they sometimes gave even more punishment when you got home.

Now, parents would rage if their child received physical punishment at school. Plus, school staff would face legal trouble if they tried to revert to the ways of the 1960s.

11. Ethnic Stereotyping in Movies

Different racial and ethnic groups were harmfully stereotyped in movies and other media during the 1960s. It showed a lack of diversity and misrepresented minority groups.

Today, movies and TV shows avoid ethnic stereotyping and focus on inclusivity.

12. Playing in the Street

In the ’60s, kids went to the street to play games together. They would move out of the way of cars and return to their activity once the vehicle passed.

Parents today teach their children to stay out of the street and may even punish their children if they don’t follow the rules. Neighbors often criticize when parents let kids play in the street, so it’s not something we commonly see anymore.

13. Unsafe Toys

Children’s toys didn’t have many safety regulations in the ‘60s, so kids often played with dangerous things. Cap guns, darts with unsafe hooks on the end, toys with sharp edges, and other surprising creations were favorites for kids back then.

Today, safety regulations prevent toys from having unsafe features. Most parents wouldn’t let their children play with something that could hurt them.