16 Ads from the Past That Would Be Pulled Instantly Today
Some advertisements from the past may look innocent at first glance, but a closer inspection reveals deeply problematic messages. Social norms, ethics, and awareness have evolved, and many once-acceptable ads would never make it past today’s standards.
- Tricia Quitales
- 5 min read
Society has come a long way in terms of inclusivity, respect, and social awareness. Many vintage ads that once ran without question are now widely considered offensive or inappropriate. These advertisements often reflect outdated gender roles, racism, body shaming, or blatant misinformation. Exploring them offers a glimpse into cultural shifts and the progress made in advertising ethics.
1. Tipalet Cigarette Ad
Irina Iriser on Pexels
This ad showed a man blowing smoke in a woman’s face with the tagline, “Blow in her face and she’ll follow you anywhere.” It glamorized smoking while implying women were easily manipulated. The message was misogynistic and dismissive of women’s autonomy. Health-wise, it trivialized the dangers of secondhand smoke. Today, it would be pulled immediately for promoting sexism and unhealthy behavior.
2. Hoover Vacuum Ad
Atelier Merkelbach on Wikimedia
Featuring a woman smiling while receiving a vacuum as a Christmas gift, the headline read, “Christmas morning she’ll be happier with a Hoover.” The message reinforced the stereotype that a woman’s happiness revolves around cleaning. It presented outdated gender roles as something aspirational. Modern audiences would see this as degrading and condescending. Brands now focus on empowerment rather than confinement.
3. Lysol Feminine Hygiene Ad
Lysol (Canada) Ltd. on Wikimedia
This ad marketed Lysol as a feminine hygiene product, falsely claiming it preserved marital happiness. It suggested women were to blame for failing marriages if they didn’t use it. The product was not only ineffective but also dangerous for such use. Misleading health claims and gender shaming would get the ad banned today. The tone was both medically irresponsible and socially harmful.
4. Coca-Cola Baby Ad
RDNE Stock project on Pexels
One Coca-Cola ad featured a baby happily drinking from a glass bottle of Coke. It claimed that even infants loved the taste, implying it was safe for all ages. There was no regard for sugar intake or child health. Today, such messaging would violate health regulations. Promoting soda for babies would cause public outrage.
5. Leggs Pantyhose Egg Ad
Kamaji Ogino on Pexels
Leggs promoted pantyhose in egg-shaped packaging with ads focused on how it “keeps her looking desirable.” It objectified women by emphasizing physical appearance over comfort or practicality. The message suggested women’s worth was linked to their looks. Modern standards favor body positivity and inclusivity. Such narrow ideals would trigger backlash today.
6. Post Grape Nuts Ad
Micheile Henderson on Pexels
The headline read, “Most men ask ‘Is she pretty?’ not ‘Is she clever?’” followed by promoting cereal for better physical appearance. It blatantly diminished intelligence in favor of beauty. The product had no connection to the claims made. Today’s audiences would find it offensive and misleading. Ads that reinforce shallow values would not survive now.
7. Van Heusen Tie Ad
Anastasia Tooming on Pexels
A woman kneels and serves breakfast with the tagline, “Show her it’s a man’s world.” The image reinforced male dominance and submissive female roles. It glorified patriarchy while promoting a simple clothing item. Such a message would be instantly criticized today. Modern advertising aims for equality, not submission.
8. Pearl Tobacco Ad
Daniel Tijesuni on Pexels
This ad used a caricature of a Black child with exaggerated features to promote tobacco. It was blatantly racist and dehumanizing. It capitalized on racial stereotypes for commercial gain. No mainstream brand would risk such messaging today. Public tolerance for racism in advertising is nonexistent now.
9. Drummond Sweaters Ad
RDNE Stock project on Pexels
The ad featured a woman being forcefully embraced with the text “Men are better than women!” It implied dominance and lack of consent. The underlying message promoted aggressive masculinity. Such depictions are completely inappropriate by today’s standards. Consent and gender equality are now central themes in marketing.
10. Alcoa Aluminum Ad
Pixabay on Pexels
Promoted the twist-off bottle cap with a photo of a woman and the phrase “You mean a woman can open it?” It suggested women lacked the strength or intelligence for simple tasks. Though it praised the product’s ease, the sexism was blatant. Today, this would be seen as patronizing. Brands now avoid underestimating any demographic.
11. Budweiser Beer Ad
Daniel FR on Wikimedia
An ad showed a man offering a beer with the line, “She found she had a mind of her own… and a Bud.” It belittled women’s independence while promoting alcohol. The message was tone-deaf and dismissive of female autonomy. Alcohol ads now face tighter scrutiny. Messaging must be respectful and responsible.
12. Del Monte Ketchup Ad
Alena Shekhovtcova on pexels
A woman is shocked by how slow the ketchup pours, and the text reads “You mean a woman can’t open it?” echoing condescension. It poked fun at women’s supposed helplessness. The attempt at humor fell flat through its sexist overtones. Today’s ads prioritize respect over ridicule. Such mockery would not pass corporate review.
13. Palmolive Soap Ad
Cup of Couple on Pexels
Told women they wouldn’t get married if they had rough hands. It equated beauty with the worthiness of love. The ad shamed women into using a product for fear of loneliness. Such emotional manipulation is no longer acceptable. Modern personal care ads focus on self-care and confidence.
14. Kenwood Chef Ad
Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels
A husband gives his wife a kitchen mixer with the tagline, “That’s what wives are for.” The ad reinforced the idea that women belonged in the kitchen. It demeaned women by defining their role through domesticity. Present-day ads aim to be inclusive of all gender roles. Sexism in marketing would be swiftly condemned.
15. Life Cigarettes Ad
Amit Chowdhury on Pexels
Claimed that smoking Life cigarettes helped with weight loss. It promoted tobacco as a beauty aid, despite health risks. The medical misinformation was dangerous and misleading. Such claims would now be strictly illegal. Health regulations and public awareness would not permit such an ad.
16. Volkswagen Ad
Pixabay on Pexels
One version showed a crashed car with the text “If it had been a small Volkswagen, it would have been a small accident.” It made light of a serious car crash to sell vehicles. The humor was dark and insensitive. Today’s car ads must meet safety and ethical standards. Insinuating humor in tragedy would not be acceptable anymore.