15 Misbehaviors That Were Weirdly Accepted Back Then
Social rules have come a long way, and what once passed without criticism can now raise eyebrows or spark outrage. Here are some behaviors that were surprisingly acceptable in their time but would likely face backlash today.
- Tricia Quitales
- 5 min read
Looking back, it’s surprising how many questionable behaviors were once seen as completely normal. What was brushed off as harmless or funny decades ago might be considered rude, dangerous, or outright unacceptable today. Changing times and cultural awareness have reshaped our understanding of what is truly appropriate. These misbehaviors were not only tolerated but often encouraged, leaving many to wonder how they were ever acceptable in the first place.
1. Smoking Indoors
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People used to light up cigarettes in restaurants, airplanes, offices, and even hospitals. Ashtrays were standard on every table, and smoke-filled rooms were just part of daily life. Non-smokers had no choice but to breathe it in. The health risks were downplayed or ignored entirely. It took decades for indoor smoking bans to become widespread.
2. Corporal Punishment in Schools
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Teachers once had the legal right to hit students with rulers, paddles, or even belts. Parents rarely questioned these punishments and often supported them. Discipline was seen as a sign of authority and control. Students feared getting into trouble more at school than at home. Today, such actions would result in lawsuits and public outcry.
3. No Seatbelts for Kids
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Children rode in cars without car seats or seatbelts, often bouncing around in the backseat. Some were even allowed to ride in the front or lie down on the back shelf. Safety concerns were minimal or nonexistent. Parents simply assumed nothing bad would happen. Today, such carelessness would be considered reckless and illegal.
4. Casual Workplace Harassment
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Inappropriate comments, jokes, and advances were often brushed off as “just part of the job.” Women were expected to tolerate uncomfortable behavior from coworkers or bosses. Reporting harassment was rare, and retaliation was common. The workplace culture normalized discomfort for the sake of keeping peace. It took years for these issues to be taken seriously.
5. Fat-Shaming on TV
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Sitcoms, commercials, and even cartoons regularly made jokes at the expense of people’s weight. These jokes were usually delivered without any consequences or awareness. Viewers were taught that body shaming was just harmless humor. Characters were reduced to their size for comic relief. Today, such portrayals would be widely criticized.
6. Hitchhiking with Strangers
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It was common for people, even teenagers, to stick out their thumb and catch a ride with a complete stranger. Trust in others was much higher, or perhaps risk was less understood. Many saw it as a normal way to travel. There was little public fear around the idea. Modern views on personal safety have made this nearly obsolete.
7. Joking About Mental Illness
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Mental health was a punchline in many forms of media, with characters labeled “crazy” or “psycho” for comedic effect. Therapy was mocked, and emotional struggles were dismissed. Few people spoke seriously about anxiety, depression, or trauma. Those who needed help often stayed silent out of shame. Now, the conversation around mental health is shifting in a more compassionate direction.
8. Letting Kids Roam Alone for Hours
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Children once left the house at sunrise and returned by dinner without supervision. Parents trusted that they’d be safe, wherever they were. Playgrounds, woods, and streets were unsupervised adventure zones. No one thought to check in constantly. Today’s parenting norms are far more cautious.
9. Drinking and Driving Casually
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Having “just a couple” of drinks before driving was once seen as normal, even responsible. People proudly claimed they drove better with a buzz. Law enforcement and social circles didn’t always take it seriously. It was more about bad luck than bad decisions. Now, even one drink before driving can spark serious consequences.
10. Slapping Children in Public
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It was common to see a child get smacked in the grocery store or scolded loudly in public. No one stepped in or questioned the behavior. Disciplining kids with force was not just tolerated but praised. Parents were applauded for keeping kids in line. Today, that same act could lead to intervention or legal trouble.
11. Using Offensive Stereotypes in Media
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TV shows and movies often portrayed characters based on exaggerated racial, gender, or ethnic stereotypes. These depictions were rarely challenged at the time. Audiences laughed along without recognizing the harm. Representation was more about caricature than accuracy. The entertainment industry has since been called out for these choices.
12. Throwing Trash Out the Car Window
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Littering was once incredibly common, especially while driving. People tossed wrappers, cups, and cigarette butts out without a second thought. Roadside cleanup wasn’t a priority. Anti-littering campaigns didn’t gain traction until decades later. Now, it’s a social and environmental taboo.
13. Making Fun of LGBTQ+ Identities
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Jokes at the expense of gay or transgender individuals were common in mainstream media. Slurs were used casually in conversation or as punchlines. It reflected broader ignorance and lack of representation. Many people did not speak up against this behavior. Society has since become more aware and inclusive.
14. Celebrating Aggressive Masculinity
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Men were encouraged to suppress emotions, fight to solve problems, and control others. Sensitivity was mocked, while aggression was rewarded. These traits were passed off as signs of strength. Boys were taught to “man up” rather than express how they felt. The modern conversation around masculinity has changed significantly.
15. Calling Landlines After 9 PM
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Calling someone’s home phone late at night was once considered acceptable, even for non-emergencies. It would ring through the whole house, often waking people up. There were few boundaries about personal time or space. People just accepted it as part of communication. Now, late-night calls are viewed as intrusive unless truly urgent.