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.
The 1990s were filled with superstar athletes lending their names to everything from soft drinks to video games. While some deals became iconic, others now feel like strange time capsules of an era that embraced bold marketing over long-term relevance.
Some popular advertising slogans from the 1980s would not be accepted today because they no longer match social values, consumer expectations, or marketing standards.
Advertising has gone through major changes over the decades, with modern standards focusing on ethics, inclusion, and accuracy. In the past, many magazine ads crossed boundaries that would no longer be acceptable today.
This list shows 12 ads that used to play all the time but are no longer seen today.
Fifteen real-world packaging designs pushed beyond standard form to deliver surprise, wow, and shareability.