The shoulder pads were big, the hair was even bigger, and the rules… well, they were a bit more flexible. The ‘80s felt freer and more radical, and some of the things you could do then would get you some serious side-eye today. Let’s look at 19 things you could do in the ‘80s that just wouldn’t fly today.
Smoking Indoors
Can you imagine sitting in a smoky airplane cabin or lighting up in a crowded restaurant? The ‘80s were a free-for-all for cigarette smokers. Smoking sections were a courtesy, not a requirement, and smoking at work or in bars was normal. The NY Times reports that “a third or more of passengers on any flight puffed away, and cabins were foul with smoke.” Can you imagine that?
Sexism and Homophobia
The ‘80s were a time of questionable humor and societal norms. Sexist jokes and homophobic slurs were often casually tossed around in everyday conversation and media. However, the rise of social movements like feminism and LGBTQ+ rights activism gradually challenged these norms and fostered a more inclusive and respectful environment. Today, such language and behavior are widely condemned as discriminatory and harmful.
Pay Phone Excuses
Before cell phones ruled our lives, the humble payphone offered a convenient alibi. Need to ditch a bad date? “Gotta make a call!” The pay phone was the ultimate excuse machine, cloaked in mystery and untraceable. Try using that one today, and absolutely nobody will believe you. Sometimes you have to miss that classic get-out-of-jail-free card.
Hitchhiking
Sticking out a thumb was a perfectly normal way to get around in the ‘80s. Hitchhiking was seen as an adventurous, budget-friendly mode of transportation. However, rising safety concerns and high-profile crimes, such as the Highway Murderer and the Connecticut River Valley Killer, reduced its popularity. Oxygen says some consider this decade to be “the peak of serial killings.”
Leaving Kids in the Car
Running into a store for a few minutes while leaving your kids in the car? In the ‘80s, it wasn’t a big deal. However, tragic cases of children dying from heat stroke after being left in hot cars sparked a change in public awareness and stricter laws. Today, leaving a child unattended in a vehicle is considered neglectful and dangerous, with serious legal consequences.
Drunk Driving
Though it was still not condoned in the ‘80s, drunk driving was a lot more socially accepted and less enforced. Eventually, campaigns raised awareness about the devastating consequences of drunk driving, increasing public pressure and leading to stricter laws, harsher penalties, and widespread education campaigns. Today, drunk driving is widely frowned upon, and designated drivers or ride-sharing services are the norm.
Tanning Beds
Having a tan was all the rage in the ‘80s, and women threw themselves at sunbeds to maintain their sun-kissed glow. Tanning beds promised a quick and easy way to achieve that look without regularly shelling out for a sunny holiday. Nowadays, the known dangers of UV exposure and the increased risk of skin cancer put people off using them.
Corporal Punishment
Can you imagine getting spanked in front of the whole classroom today? Paddling, spanking, and other forms of physical discipline were common in many schools during the ‘80s. Many states and school districts eventually banned corporal punishment altogether, opting for more positive and constructive disciplinary measures.
Unregulated Products
The rules on food, cosmetics, and household products were less regulated. Many chemicals and products that are now banned or restricted were widely used. Asbestos, lead paint, and certain pesticides (to name a few) were later discovered to be harmful. The EPA confirms that in 1989, it “issued a final rule under Section 6 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) banning most asbestos-containing products.”
Prank Calls
Before caller ID, prank calls happened frequently. Teenagers and often bored adults would dial random numbers, unleashing a torrent of silly voices, made-up scenarios, or just plain old heavy breathing. While some found it harmless fun, others experienced genuine distress and harassment, making prank calls a relic of the past.
Littering
Before environmental awareness became prevalent, tossing trash out the car window or leaving a trail of garbage at the beach was sadly not uncommon. Littering wasn’t as frowned upon as it is now. Today, littering is considered a major offense, with fines and penalties imposed on those who disregard the environment.
Carrying Boomboxes
The ‘80s were all about making a statement, and nothing screamed “cool” louder than blasting music from a massive boombox perched on your shoulder. While it might have been a fun way to share your musical tastes with the world, it definitely wouldn’t be accepted in today’s society.
Big Hair
We can’t speak about the ‘80s without pointing out those hairdos that could be seen from afar. The ‘80s were a time of towering perms, gravity-defying bangs, and enough hairspray to deplete the ozone layer. While some might still rock a retro hairstyle today, the extreme volume and chemical-laden styles of the ‘80s have been replaced by more natural looks.
Neon Everything
The vibrancy of the decade extended to fashion. Neon colors dominated clothing, accessories, and even home décor. While neon might make a comeback in small doses today, the head-to-toe neon look is often only reserved for cycling, jogging in the dark, and the old costume party.
No Seatbelts or Helmets
Buckling up wasn’t always a given in the ‘80s. Many people rode in cars without seatbelts, and helmets were often considered optional for activities like biking and skateboarding. A much more relaxed public opinion and laws on safety existed than we have today.
Big Shoulder Pads
Unless you play football, it is unlikely that you own a pair of shoulder pads these days. But back in the ’80s, they were the epitome of fashion. They were found in everything from power suits to dresses to even casual wear. The exaggerated, boxy silhouettes of the ‘80s are a reminder of a time when fashion was all about making a bold statement.
Relaxed Parenting
The term “helicopter parent” didn’t exist in the ‘80s. Kids were often given more freedom to roam their neighborhoods, play unsupervised, and even ride their bikes to school. While this fostered independence and a sense of adventure, it also raised safety concerns and incidents that have led to more protective parenting styles in recent years.
Nostalgia for War
The ‘80s were marked by a constant undercurrent of tension due to the Cold War. While the threat of nuclear war was terrifying, there was also a strange fascination with the concept, reflected in movies, TV shows, and even video games. Today, the idea of romanticizing a global conflict with such devastating potential seems absurd and insensitive.
Unskippable Commercials
Commercials were an unavoidable part of the TV viewing experience in those days. You couldn’t fast-forward or click “skip ad.” You simply had to sit, grin, and bear it, whether it was for a new toy, a cheesy local car dealership, or a jingle that would get stuck in your head for days. The increase in streaming services has made those days a distant memory.
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