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VINTAGE ADVERTISEMENTS Shocking Vintage Ads That Were Actually Printed Original article: https://www.oceandraw.com/worldwide/vintage-ads-ta/39 Peter Burgess COMMENTARY Peter Burgess | ||
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Shocking Vintage Ads That Were Actually Printed
Published on July 3, 2022
Time marches on, but progress is the one way to measure society and humanity. How do you know if things get better or not? It’s best to compare situations from the past that were normal to see if they fit in with today’s standards. Therefore, many vintage ads haven’t withstood the test of time. They often project chauvinistic ideas that would bring controversy today.
Below, you can see an interesting look at the past to show you how much life has changed. Some are cringe-worthy, but others aren’t. Regardless, you get an idea of what it was like decades ago.
Alcoa Aluminum – 1965
This advertisement showed how easy it was to open Alcoa Aluminum caps. However, they made it seem like it had to be easy, or else a woman couldn’t do it. That’s slightly chauvinistic and pig-headed, but that’s what it was like in 1965.
Alcoa Aluminum - 1965
Alcoa Aluminum – 1965
Skip Ad McDonald’s – 1965 Here, you can see an advertisement for McDonald’s “All American” meal. It showed a hamburger, milkshake, and French fries and only cost 52 cents. If you wanted the shake to be a dessert, you could add another beverage. Overall, a full meal was much less than $1. ADVERTISEMENT McDonald's - 1965 McDonald’s – 1965
ADVERTISEMENT Tipalet – 1960s This advertisement shows men that they should blow cigarette smoke into a woman’s face to keep her captivated. It’s highly outdated because it shows misogyny, but it also gratifies smoking, which is highly unhealthy. There’s no way it could run today! ADVERTISEMENT Tipalet - 1960s Tipalet – 1960s
ADVERTISEMENT Schlitz Beer – 1960s This Schlitz Beer advert makes people realize that pop tabs weren’t always the most popular choice. Could you imagine getting a can opener to crack a cold brew? Luckily, companies are more innovative and make it easier! ADVERTISEMENT Schlitz Beer - 1960s Schlitz Beer – 1960s
ADVERTISEMENT Columbia Records – 1970s It’s hard to believe that someone could get 13 tapes or records for only $1.00. If you joined the club, you got an excellent price, and those sold individually would add up significantly. Much has changed! ADVERTISEMENT Columbia Records - 1970s Columbia Records – 1970s
ADVERTISEMENT Ohio Carriage Company – 1900s It’s hard to tell immediately from the ad, but The Ohio Carriage Company was ahead of its time. It uses the advert to show that it doesn’t employ children. Plus, it offered a 30-day trial for the Split Hickory Buggy. What more could you need?! ADVERTISEMENT Ohio Carriage Company - 1900s Ohio Carriage Company – 1900s
ADVERTISEMENT 7-Up – 1960s It’s odd to think that brands could make bold claims like this soda advertisement did. If you drink 7-Up, you get a burst of energy that can help you become better at ping-pong, bowling, and more. Plus, it only takes two to six minutes. However, the confusion stems from the woman posing. ADVERTISEMENT 7-Up - 1960s 7-Up – 1960s
ADVERTISEMENT Marilyn Monroe Firework Safety – 1950s We’re not sure why Marilyn Monroe is in a swimsuit with a seductive pose or how that helps people focus on safety during the 4th of July. However, it likely caught many people’s attention, so it must have done its job! ADVERTISEMENT Marilyn Monroe Firework Safety - 1950s Marilyn Monroe Firework Safety – 1950s
ADVERTISEMENT General Electric – 1980s Most people hit the “snooze” button on their alarm clocks, and advertisements rarely focus on that as a new feature. However, GE changed it all when it introduced the high-tech alarm clock. Who could have known it would become so popular?! ADVERTISEMENT General Electric - 1980s General Electric – 1980s
ADVERTISEMENT Modern Hair Styling – 1950s This ad from the ’50s showcases what modern hairstyles were for men. Some of them have gone in and out of style a few times throughout the decades. However, it’s still interesting to see them evolve and come back! ADVERTISEMENT Modern Hair Styling - 1950s Modern Hair Styling – 1950s
ADVERTISEMENT Budweiser – 1950s This Budweiser advert is interesting. First, it points out that wives weren’t included in a boy’s night poker game. However, they still had to be stocked with snacks and beers. Then, it takes credit for the wife having a good memory. ADVERTISEMENT Budweiser - 1950s Budweiser – 1950s
ADVERTISEMENT Hormel – 1970s During the ’70s, many people felt the hard economic times when they went grocery shopping. Hormel marketed to that, promising a meal with meat without the high price. It must have worked because the brand is still around today! ADVERTISEMENT Hormel - 1970s Hormel – 1970s
ADVERTISEMENT Leggs – 1970s Many ads are sexist, but this is just wrong. It dehumanizes a woman, showing that men should walk all over them because of a pair of pants. That’s crazy, but it’s even stranger that the ad ran. Nothing like that could be seen today! ADVERTISEMENT Leggs - 1970s Leggs – 1970s
ADVERTISEMENT Nichols Industries Inc – 1950s Realistic gun toys aren’t possible today with the many news stories depicting children shooting others. However, the 1950s were different, and this company played on the realistic sound and features. Gun violence wasn’t as prevalent then, though. ADVERTISEMENT Nichols Industries Inc - 1950s Nichols Industries Inc – 1950s
ADVERTISEMENT Kohler Bathroom Fixtures – 1960s This bathroom screams 1960s aesthetic, but that’s okay because it was a Kohler’s ad from that period. Still, it’s funny to think about a company advertising avocado-colored appliances. Hopefully, those toilets and tub don’t make a comeback! ADVERTISEMENT Kohler Bathroom Fixtures - 1960s Kohler Bathroom Fixtures – 1960s
ADVERTISEMENT Airflow Company – 1980s Sex sells, even in the 1980s. Though you probably enjoy the scene, it doesn’t do much to focus on the computer hardware. Most people would keep the air conditioning off if their employees walked around like that. Overall, it’s awkward! ADVERTISEMENT Airflow Company - 1980s Airflow Company – 1980s
ADVERTISEMENT Sears – 1910s It’s hard to believe that Sears sold houses, but you also wonder how a 12-bedroom home could cost $6,000! While things were simpler back then and incomes were smaller, it’s still an oddity and something most people can’t even dream about. ADVERTISEMENT Sears - 1910s Sears – 1910s
ADVERTISEMENT Cigar Institute of America – 1960s The 1960s seemed to like comparing modern men to cavemen and treating women like property. This brand thought that men might smoke its cigars if they felt that primal need to go back to clubs. Plus, they could get their own cavewoman. ADVERTISEMENT Cigar Institute of America - 1960s Cigar Institute of America – 1960s
ADVERTISEMENT Sears Pikes Peak Hill – 1960s There’s something wholesome about this illustrated advert showcasing the Sears Pike Peak Hill Climb toy. You can feel the wonder within the children, and the family seems excited. It actually looks impressive. ADVERTISEMENT Sears Pikes Peak Hill - 1960s Sears Pikes Peak Hill – 1960s
ADVERTISEMENT Lucky Tiger Hair Tonic – 1950s Lucky Tucker Hair Tonic showcased this ad in the ’50s, promising men their pick of the women if they used the product. That’s not how things work, but the ad campaign still ran for a while. ADVERTISEMENT Lucky Tiger Hair Tonic - 1950s Lucky Tiger Hair Tonic – 1950s
ADVERTISEMENT Tart-Chestnut Co – 1930s The name of the Tart-Chestnut product wasn’t considered inappropriate at the time. However, it’s the perfect example of how word meanings change over time. “Big Tits” is the nickname of the chip company, but that’s not true now! ADVERTISEMENT Tart-Chestnut Co - 1930s Tart-Chestnut Co – 1930s
ADVERTISEMENT Sony – 1960s While smartphones are the rage now, people used to carry heavy equipment to record things on video. Clearly, the man is videotaping a bird’s nest, but it still seems a little creepy that he’s in a tree. Maybe he captured something else! ADVERTISEMENT Sony - 1960s Sony – 1960s
ADVERTISEMENT Kellogg’s – 1930s Kellogg’s, the popular cereal manufacturer, chose to sell vitamins in the 1930s. However, they were marketed by telling husbands that their wives would be more energetic and look cuter after using them. Thankfully, this marketing tactic is not used anymore! ADVERTISEMENT Kellogg's - 1930s Kellogg’s – 1930s
ADVERTISEMENT Toothache Drops – 1885 Many people don’t realize that cocaine was legal in 1885 and was even advertised! These toothache drops contained the drug, and you could buy them at any local pharmacy. You even see kids on the advert! ADVERTISEMENT Toothache Drops - 1885 Toothache Drops – 1885
ADVERTISEMENT Camel – 1940s It’s hard to believe a cigarette maker is using a doctor to promote its product. Camel released an advert claiming that more doctors smoke that brand than other cigarettes. This couldn’t work today, and most doctors don’t promote smoking! ADVERTISEMENT Camel - 1940s Camel – 1940s
ADVERTISEMENT Sony – 1980s The Sony Walkman was highly popular in the ’80s and ’90s. This ad captures the decade perfectly. You can see the clothing styles, roller skates, and portable cassette player, but the hairstyle makes it perfect. ADVERTISEMENT Sony - 1980s Sony – 1980s
ADVERTISEMENT Bell and Howell Projector – 1950s Below, you can see another example of how companies tried promoting products with sex appeal and women’s bodies. The main focus here is Sabrina’s chest. We’re not sure what it has to do with the color slide projector! ADVERTISEMENT Bell and Howell Projector - 1950s Bell and Howell Projector – 1950s
ADVERTISEMENT Plymouth – 1940s One significant difference between ads then and now is the amount of text included in each one. Who has time to read all of that information while they’re glancing at the paper or magazine? It’s mind-boggling! ADVERTISEMENT Plymouth - 1940s Plymouth – 1940s
ADVERTISEMENT Out Of The Closet Inc – 1970s While we give credit to the brand for trying to normalize LGBTQ+ in those difficult times, this doll is highly offensive by today’s standards. “Gay Bob” was marketed as the first gay doll for everyone. It seems nice initially, but it’s highly problematic! ADVERTISEMENT Out Of The Closet Inc - 1970s Out Of The Closet Inc – 1970s
ADVERTISEMENT Radio Shack – 1970s Radio Shack used to be the one-stop shop to buy the best technological products on the market at the time. However, Best Buy and other large corporations crushed it, causing it to declare bankruptcy multiple times before it went out of business. ADVERTISEMENT Radio Shack - 1970s Radio Shack – 1970s
ADVERTISEMENT McDonald’s – 1970s At the time (in the ’70s), McDonald’s was probably trying to be inclusive to African Americans. However, an advertisement like that couldn’t fly today because of the many racial stereotypes. It’s just unacceptable! ADVERTISEMENT McDonald's - 1970s McDonald’s – 1970s
ADVERTISEMENT Larsen Company – 1949 There’s nothing culturally offensive to see here, but it’s very unappealing. Who wants to buy five vegetables in one can?! It’s hard to believe the brand sold any of them, and this idea wouldn’t fly today. ADVERTISEMENT Larsen Company - 1949 Larsen Company – 1949
ADVERTISEMENT Schlitz Beer – 1950s Here’s another sexist advert from Schlitz Beer. You see a young wife who is upset because she burnt dinner. However, her husband “comforts” her by saying it’s okay because she didn’t burn the beer. How rude! ADVERTISEMENT Schlitz Beer - 1950s Schlitz Beer – 1950s
ADVERTISEMENT Western Electric – 1950s It’s interesting to see the type of phone Western Electric thought would be in the future. It wasn’t far off, but the brand still couldn’t think of the cordless phone that early. Is the person who created the ad alive today? What do they think about smartphones?! ADVERTISEMENT Western Electric - 1950s Western Electric – 1950s
ADVERTISEMENT Martini & Rossi – 1960s We’re not sure what’s happening in this advert. The brand seems to be comparing the woman in the cage to its products. Maybe a man could trap a woman in the cage after plying her with alcohol? Regardless, it’s not a good ad! ADVERTISEMENT Martini & Rossi - 1960s Martini & Rossi – 1960s
ADVERTISEMENT Honda – 1970s It’s unbelievable that an ad like that was ever approved or created. What does Honda mean by “a woman’s car?” We aren’t sure, but then it goes further by saying that women don’t understand them. Overall, it’s based solely on gender and was pretty offensive! ADVERTISEMENT Honda - 1970s Honda – 1970s
ADVERTISEMENT 7-Up – 1950s This type of ad could never run today. The advert for 7-Up shows a baby drinking soda. That’s highly unhealthy and could lead to stomach problems and issues later in life. It’s pretty wild to imagine that soda-makers marketed their beverages to kids! ADVERTISEMENT 7-Up - 1950s 7-Up – 1950s
ADVERTISEMENT Texaco – 1943 Texaco imagined a world where kids had to ask who Hitler was because he was no longer part of their daily lives. At the time, he was committing genocide. It showed solidarity and hope for the future! ADVERTISEMENT Texaco - 1943 Texaco – 1943
ADVERTISEMENT Van Heusen – 1950s Holy moly! Van Heusen employed classist tropes to make its brand seem upper class, and it was a little offensive to tribal men. While it’s nice to dress up, you should never make fun of another culture’s dress code. This would never fly now! ADVERTISEMENT Van Heusen - 1950s Van Heusen – 1950s
ADVERTISEMENT Best Buy – 1999 Who could forget all the craziness at the end of 1999? Everyone worried that computers would stop working because of “Y2K.” Here’s a throwback advert that reminds us of the panic people felt while they tried celebrating the new millennium. ADVERTISEMENT Best Buy - 1999 Best Buy – 1999
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