14 Ads From the Past That Would Get You Canceled Today
Advertising has come a long way, and looking back, it's clear some ads aged terribly. What once passed as clever or acceptable would now spark outrage and immediate backlash.
- Tricia Quitales
- 5 min read
Many vintage advertisements reflected the social norms and biases of their time, often crossing lines that would be unacceptable by today’s standards. These ads reveal outdated views on race, gender, health, and social roles, making them problematic in modern contexts. What was once considered humorous or persuasive now highlights how far cultural sensitivity and ethical marketing have progressed.
1. Tipalet Cigarette Ad
anait film on Pexels
This ad featured a man blowing smoke into a woman’s face with the slogan, “Blow in her face and she’ll follow you anywhere.” It was meant to be flirtatious but now reads as manipulative and disrespectful. The concept promotes unhealthy behavior and creepy social cues. Smoking itself is no longer glamorized in advertising. Today, it would be criticized for both tone and message.
2. Van Heusen “Show Her It’s a Man’s World”
Diva Plavalaguna on Pexels
Van Heusen once ran ads showing women serving breakfast in bed to their husbands. The headline implied male superiority and traditional gender roles. It reinforced the idea that women belonged in domestic positions only. The visuals and messaging are both dated and sexist. Modern audiences would reject the power imbalance it implies.
3. Pepsi’s “Come Alive” Translation Fail
PepsiCo / Regal Cinemas on wikimedia
Pepsi’s slogan, “Come alive with the Pepsi generation,” reportedly translates in some countries to “Pepsi brings your ancestors back from the grave.” Though the claim is often exaggerated, it still highlights a lack of cultural understanding. The mistranslation became a symbol of marketing missteps abroad. Today, global campaigns require deep cultural research. Tone-deaf ads risk going viral for the wrong reasons.
4. Hardee’s Bikini Ads
Unknown author on wikimedia
Fast food chains like Hardee’s released ads featuring women in bikinis eating burgers provocatively. The campaigns drew criticism for objectifying women to sell food. The visual tone was more about seduction than the product itself. These ads sparked boycotts and backlash from advocacy groups. Such marketing today would be widely condemned.
5. Aunt Jemima Branding
Unknown author on wikimedia
Aunt Jemima was long criticized for its racist origins and imagery rooted in minstrel stereotypes. The character portrayed a subservient, outdated image of Black women. Though rebranded in recent years, the legacy sparked deep conversations on race and representation. Many felt the branding should have changed much sooner. It stands as a case of overdue accountability in advertising.
6. Camel Cigarettes with “More Doctors Smoke Camel”
Unknown author on wikimedia
This vintage ad featured doctors endorsing cigarettes, suggesting medical approval. It misled consumers into thinking smoking was safe or even healthy. The trusted image of doctors was used irresponsibly. Public health standards would not allow such messaging today. The ad feels shocking by modern ethical standards.
7. Lysol Feminine Hygiene Ad
Lysol on wikimedia
Lysol once promoted its product as a feminine hygiene solution to “keep your man.” The ads suggested women’s worth depended on cleanliness for marital happiness. It was a mix of pseudoscience and sexist messaging. These campaigns played on fear and insecurity. Today, it would be seen as manipulative and inappropriate.
8. Calvin Klein Underage Ads
Peter Saville on wikimedia
Some Calvin Klein ads were accused of sexualizing underage models in suggestive settings. The campaign stirred legal scrutiny and public criticism. It walked a fine line between edgy and exploitative. Many felt it glamorized inappropriate themes under the guise of fashion. Such imagery would not pass today without serious backlash.
9. Folgers Coffee “Insult Your Wife” Campaign
Elina Fairytale on pexels
Folgers once ran commercials showing husbands unhappy with their wives’ coffee-making skills. The tone was demeaning and centered blame on women for household failings. It reflected a time when domestic duties were unfairly gendered. The patronizing tone would be unacceptable in today’s advertising space. Respect and equality now drive marketing language.
10. Marlboro Man (Mid-20th Century)
Unknown author on wikimedia
The Marlboro Man became one of the most iconic figures in advertising, promoting rugged masculinity through cigarette use. The campaign glamorized smoking as tough and desirable. Years later, several of the models died from smoking-related illnesses. The imagery is now linked to one of the most misleading health campaigns in history. Modern regulations would never allow such promotion.
11. Playtex “Uplift” Bra Ad
PNW Production on Pexels
Playtex once advertised bras with slogans like “Men are better than women! Indisputable truth.” The full ad intended to be humorous, but it relied heavily on sexist ideas. Women were portrayed as emotional and irrational, needing bras to “balance” them. The campaign tried to be cheeky but came across as offensive. Today, it would face instant rejection.
12. Nivea “White Is Purity” Campaign
Vika Kirillova on Pexels
A Nivea ad for deodorant once used the phrase “White is Purity” alongside a woman in white clothing. The slogan quickly sparked accusations of racial insensitivity. Though likely referencing the color of the garment, the wording was tone-deaf. It failed to consider the broader cultural implications. The company pulled the ad and issued an apology.
13. Drummond Sweaters “Keep Her Where She Belongs”
Anastasia Tooming on Pexels
This ad featured a man literally holding a woman down with the slogan, “Keep her where she belongs.” It was intended to be humorous but reads as violent and degrading. The imagery promoted control and submission in relationships. Audiences today would find it unacceptable and offensive. It reflects a time of normalized sexism in marketing.
14. Protein World “Are You Beach Body Ready?”
Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels
This UK campaign showed a thin, bikini-clad model with the caption “Are you beach body ready?” The message implied that only certain body types were acceptable for public display. It faced protests, petitions, and widespread social media criticism. Many viewed it as fat-shaming and exclusionary. The campaign became a key example in body positivity movements.