15 Retro Newspaper Ads from the ’70s That Sparked Debate
Here's a nostalgic dive into controversial ’70s newspaper ads that had Americans talking, fuming, or laughing.
- Chris Graciano
- 4 min read
The 1970s were a time of change. The advertising world didn’t miss a beat. Newspaper ads from this time often pushed boundaries. These 15 vintage promotions that stirred public reaction, made headlines, or sparked water-cooler arguments across the country.
1. Virginia Slims – “You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby”
Ann on Flickr
Meant to celebrate female empowerment, this cigarette ad rode the wave of feminism to sell smokes. Critics slammed it for glamorizing addiction while pretending to uplift women.
2. Playtex Living Bra – “Uplift for the Modern Woman”
Wikimedia Commons
This ad ran with images considered too revealing for the time, triggering backlash from conservative readers. While meant to be empowering, many saw it as objectifying. The brand defended its bold move as progressive, but not everyone bought the message.
3. Coca-Cola – “I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke”
Jordan Whitfield on Unsplash
Though famous now, the original newspaper version of this campaign received mixed reactions. Some accused it of commercializing peace and reducing global unity to a soda purchase.
4. Charles Atlas – “Insult That Made a Man Out of Mac”
John Irving on Flickr
Reprinted from earlier decades, this recurring ad still ruffled feathers in the ’70s for promoting toxic masculinity. Critics argued it taught boys that physical strength was the only path to self-worth.
5. Geritol – “My Wife Has Iron Poor Blood”
Nixols on Wikimedia Commons
This infamous spot suggested a woman’s fatigue came from not taking her vitamins, sparking accusations of sexism. Women’s groups labeled it patronizing and outdated.
6. Volkswagen – “It’s Ugly But It Gets You There”
Jan van der Wolf on Pexels
While clever, this ad’s self-deprecating humor didn’t land with everyone. Some felt it was trying too hard to be hip. Still, it broke norms by embracing flaws, drawing both praise and skepticism.
7. Weight Watchers – “Before and After” Photos
Mike Mozart on Flickr
Often bordering on shame-driven marketing, these ads regularly showed dramatic weight-loss transformations. Critics argued they exploited insecurity rather than promoting wellness.
8. Hai Karate Cologne – “Be Careful How You Use It”
SenseiAlan on Flickr
Featuring men fighting off swarms of women due to their scent, these ads were meant to be funny. Instead, they were labeled ridiculous and even creepy by some.
9. Marlboro Man – “Come to Where the Flavor Is”
Malcolm on Flickr
By the ’70s, the rugged cowboy had become a cultural icon — but also a lightning rod. Anti-smoking advocates pushed back against this glorification of cigarettes.
10. Shake ’n Bake – “And I Helped!”
Mike Mozart on Flickr
This family-friendly food ad showed young girls helping in the kitchen — cute to some, outdated to others. Feminists argued it reinforced gender roles. Others saw it as harmless Americana.
11. Tareyton Cigarettes – “Us Tareyton Smokers Would Rather Fight Than Switch”
Anton Raath on Flickr
Featuring people with black eyes, these ads raised eyebrows for promoting loyalty through violence. The bizarre visuals confused some and offended others.
12. Black Velvet Whiskey – “She’s Got the Look”
JIP on Wikimedia Commons
With seductive images of models holding liquor bottles, this campaign was slammed for mixing sex appeal with alcohol. Critics questioned the message it sent, especially to younger readers.
13. Dristan Cold Medicine – “For the Sinus Sufferer Who Has Everything”
Roadsidepictures on Flickr
Playing on wealth and misery, this odd tagline felt tone-deaf to many. Some called it clever; others thought it trivialized suffering. It was a rare mix of humor and discomfort.
14. Mr. Clean – “So Strong, He’ll Do Your Work for You”
Roadsidepictures on Flickr
While cartoonish and lighthearted, some critics saw this ad as reinforcing domestic stereotypes. Was Mr. Clean the hero or just another nod to women’s never-ending chore list? Debate swirled around intent versus impact.
15. Winston Cigarettes – “What Do You Want—Good Grammar or Good Taste?”
Wampenseppl on Wikimedia Commosn
Grammar enthusiasts were incensed by the deliberate misuse of language. The ad prioritized “cool” over correctness, drawing both ridicule and applause. Teachers complained, teens copied it.