Ah, the 1970s. A decade known for its bell-bottoms, disco balls, and a certain free-spirited vibe that’s hard to replicate. But if you’re part of Gen Z, you might find yourself scratching your head over some of the things that were totally normal back then. Let’s explore four of these quirks that might just boggle your mind.
1. The Art of Phone Etiquette
Imagine a world where texting isn’t a thing, and your phone is literally attached to the wall. Yep, that was the 1970s! Back then, people had these things called “landlines,” and if you wanted to chat with someone, you often had to pick up a rotary phone and dial the number yourself — no speed dials or voice assistants to help you out.
What might confuse you even more is the concept of “phone etiquette.” If you were home and the phone rang, you’d rush to grab it, hoping it wasn’t just a telemarketer. And if you were on the phone and someone else needed to make a call? Well, they’d have to wait or even pick up the other receiver to listen in, which probably led to more than a few awkward family moments. Can you imagine that level of patience today? You’d probably get a lot of side-eye for interrupting someone’s intense TikTok scroll!
2. The Family Road Trip Without GPS
Before GPS was a household name, families would embark on epic road trips armed with nothing but a paper map and a good sense of adventure. The 1970s saw families packing up their station wagons, throwing in some snacks (hello, fruit roll-ups), and hitting the open road. Sure, you might get lost a few times and have to stop at a gas station to ask for directions, but hey, that was all part of the fun!
Gen Z, on the other hand, has likely never experienced the joy (or frustration) of unfolding a giant map while trying to figure out where on earth you are. With smartphones and GPS, you can get from point A to point B without breaking a sweat. But imagine the stories you’d have if you got lost on those winding roads! You might even discover a hidden diner with the best pie in the state — if you can find it!
3. The Infamous Polyester and Leisure Suits
Let’s talk fashion. If you’ve ever seen photos of your parents in the ’70s, you might have noticed some seriously bold choices. Enter the leisure suit: a polyester masterpiece that was the epitome of style back then. These suits often came in colors that could only be described as “vibrant” or “let’s never speak of this again.”
For Gen Z, the idea of wearing something made of polyester might seem like a fashion faux pas. But back in the day, rocking a leisure suit to a party was a serious power move. It screamed confidence, even if it meant sweating buckets in the summer heat. So, next time you see a vintage photo, just remember: those patterns and colors were a statement, even if they might not pass today’s fashion tests!
4. The Great TV Disconnect
Do you remember waiting a whole week for your favorite TV show to air? No? Well, that was just another Tuesday in the 1970s. With only a handful of channels and no on-demand streaming, families would gather around the television, eagerly anticipating the next episode of shows like “M*A*S*H” or “Happy Days.” There was no binge-watching; you had to savor each episode like it was a fine wine.
And commercials? They were a part of the experience, too! You’d have to endure those catchy jingles while waiting for the show to come back, which, let’s be honest, probably led to some serious debates about which snack was best. Now, with streaming services at our fingertips, it’s hard to imagine a time when you had to wait seven whole days to find out what happened next. Patience was definitely a virtue back then!
Embracing the Quirks of the Past
So there you have it! Four totally normal things from the 1970s that might leave Gen Z scratching their heads. While technology and fashion have certainly evolved, it’s fun to look back and appreciate the quirks of yesteryear. Those days were filled with a different kind of creativity and spontaneity, and that’s something worth remembering. From handmade gadgets to bold fashion choices, the ’70s remind us that life didn’t need to be digital or ultra-polished to be exciting. Sometimes, a little weirdness is exactly what makes a time period unforgettable.
