14 Trends Adults Tried to Ban That Became More Popular
Some trends adults once fought against only grew stronger and more popular with time.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
History shows that banning or restricting new fads often has the opposite effect. When adults push back against what young people enjoy, it can make the trend seem more exciting and rebellious. Many of these once-controversial trends are now everyday parts of culture.
1. Rock and Roll Music
mmxcpiny75 on Wikimedia Commons
In the 1950s, parents and politicians called rock music dangerous and corrupting. Some schools even banned dances with rock songs. Instead of disappearing, the music exploded in popularity worldwide. It became one of the most influential genres in history.
2. Comic Books
Hyju on Wikimedia Commons
In the 1940s and 1950s, comic books were accused of harming children’s morals. Some schools held public burnings of them. Yet superheroes and comic stories only grew more beloved. Today, comic culture powers billion-dollar movie franchises.
3. The Waltz
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When the waltz first appeared in the 19th century, critics said it was scandalous because partners danced so close. Many adults tried to forbid it in ballrooms. Young people embraced it anyway, and it spread across Europe and America. It is now seen as a classic, formal dance.
4. The Miniskirt
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In the 1960s, miniskirts shocked adults who thought they were too revealing. Some schools and workplaces banned them. This only fueled their popularity as a symbol of youth freedom. The miniskirt became an iconic part of fashion history.
5. Video Games
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Since the 1980s, video games have been blamed for laziness and violence. Adults tried to restrict them with rules and ratings. Still, gaming became one of the world’s largest entertainment industries. Millions now play daily across all ages.
6. Jazz Music
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In the early 20th century, jazz was condemned as wild and immoral. Some cities even banned jazz clubs. Despite this, it spread quickly through dance halls and radio. Today, jazz is celebrated as a major cultural art form.
7. Dungeons & Dragons
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In the 1980s, the tabletop role-playing game was accused of promoting witchcraft and Satanism. Some schools and churches tried to ban it. The controversy only made it more intriguing to players. Today, it has a thriving fanbase and has inspired TV shows like Stranger Things.
8. The Bicycle
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In the late 1800s, some adults argued bicycles were unsafe and improper, especially for women. Doctors even claimed riding could harm health. Instead, bicycles became a symbol of freedom and independence. They remain one of the most common forms of transport worldwide.
9. Rap and Hip-Hop
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In the 1980s and 1990s, rap music faced censorship for being too explicit or political. Some cities banned concerts and radio plays. The pushback only boosted its rebellious image. Hip-hop is now a global cultural force shaping music, fashion, and language.
10. The Charleston Dance
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In the 1920s, the Charleston was criticized as indecent and out of control. Adults and officials tried to stop it in clubs and social events. Young people kept dancing, spreading it across the U.S. and Europe. It became a defining part of the Jazz Age.
11. Skateboarding
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In the 1970s and 1980s, many cities banned skateboarding in public spaces, calling it unsafe. Instead of ending, skaters built their own culture in empty pools and streets. Skateboarding grew into a global sport and lifestyle. It is now part of the Olympics.
12. Long Hair on Men
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In the 1960s and 1970s, long hair on men was seen as rebellious. Schools and workplaces tried to enforce strict grooming rules. Youth embraced it as a sign of counterculture. Long hair became a style symbol tied to freedom and identity.
13. The Walkman
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When Sony introduced the Walkman in 1979, adults worried it would make kids antisocial. Some teachers and parents tried to keep them out of schools. However, students loved the freedom of private music. Personal headphones became the future of listening.
14. TikTok
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Recently, adults and governments have criticized TikTok for being addictive or unsafe. Some schools and workplaces even blocked it. Despite this, its popularity exploded, especially among young people. It now shapes music, trends, and global culture daily.