As we reflect on the past, it’s fascinating to discover just how peculiar certain aspects of the 1970s truly were. Here’s a look at seven surprising things from that era that seemed completely normal at the time, yet now make us raise an eyebrow.
1. The New Adventures of Scooby-Doo
The animated series, The New Adventures of Scooby-Doo, was a follow-up to the original Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? While the premise of teenagers solving mysteries with a (sort-of) talking dog might sound odd, it was just part of the charm of cartoons. What really stands out about this series were the celebrity guest appearances and crossovers. Before shows like Family Guy and Bob’s Burgers popularized celebrity cameos in animated formats, Scooby-Doo was already featuring icons like The Addams Family, with John Astin voicing Gomez. The Harlem Globetrotters also made guest appearances, along with stars like Don Knotts and Phyllis Diller. Seriously, take a moment to check out Diller’s hair in those episodes!
2. The World of Sid & Marty Krofft
Shows like Sigmund and the Sea Monsters, H.R. Pufnstuf, and Land of the Lost were quintessential Saturday morning TV. In Atlanta, Georgia, there was even an indoor amusement park called The World of Sid & Marty Krofft, where kids could experience the whimsical world of their favorite characters. Riding the massive escalator to reach the park felt like a journey into a surreal dream. Unfortunately, this enchanting place has faded from memory, with only a few photographs and virtually no video documentation to remind us of its existence.
3. King Tut’s Spectacular Tour
In 1976, King Tutankhamun’s treasures traveled across North America like a cultural phenomenon, drawing crowds reminiscent of today’s big pop concerts. Over three years, the exhibit attracted more than eight million visitors eager to delve into ancient Egyptian history. Steve Martin even famously performed a comedic skit about King Tut on Saturday Night Live, capturing the public’s fascination. It was a time when science and culture captivated people—who would have thought that a pharaoh’s artifacts would cause such a stir?
4. Coors and Smokey and the Bandit
In the classic film Smokey and the Bandit, the character Snowman, played by Jerry Reed, embarks on a daring mission to transport a covert shipment of Coors beer from Texas to Georgia. At that time, Coors was exclusive to the West, making this illegal transport quite the adventure. Imagine the audacity of celebrating a movie plot centered around smuggling beer! Today, when we enjoy our local craft brews, it’s wild to think about the cultural significance of a simple can of Coors back then.
5. The Streaking Craze
Streaking was all the rage in the ’70s, with individuals running naked in public places, including sporting events. This phenomenon was so widespread that it inspired a hit novelty song by Ray Stevens, who humorously narrated the escapades of streakers while warning innocent bystanders like Ethel: “Don’t look, Ethel!” The trend was a cultural touchstone, marking a time when playful rebellion made headlines. While the occasional streaker may still pop up today, the novelty of such antics has faded.
6. Joe Namath and Beauty Mist
Joe Namath, the iconic football player, was a trendsetter in the ’70s, often seen in flashy outfits at New York City discotheques. His unexpected appearance in a commercial for Beauty Mist pantyhose left many parents stunned, but for kids, it simply meant that mom liked Joe Namath. This was a time when athletes were just beginning to delve into product endorsements, and Namath’s confident persona made him a memorable figure—pantyhose and all.
7. Pantyhose in a Plastic Egg
The fashion staple of the ’70s, pantyhose, was humorously packaged in plastic eggs called L’Eggs. Many households were filled with these iconic white eggs, often repurposed for crafts during Easter. As depicted in the show Mad Men, the competition between brands like Topaz and L’Eggs was fierce. Today, it’s hard to find those plastic eggs lying around, much like the pantyhose they contained. It begs the question: when will we finally say goodbye to pantyhose altogether?
In summary, looking back at the 1970s reveals a time brimming with quirky trends and cultural phenomena that shaped a generation. From animated crossovers to streaking fads, what once seemed ordinary now appears delightfully odd. For more intriguing insights, check out this other blog post here. And if you’re interested in fertility resources, Medical News Today is an excellent source for all things related to pregnancy and home insemination. You can also consider purchasing fertility boosters from Make a Mom, a reputable online retailer for at-home insemination kits.
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