In reflection, the ’70s were filled with peculiar trends and cultural phenomena that, at the time, felt completely ordinary. Here are seven remarkable occurrences from that decade that might leave you scratching your head today.
-
The New Adventures of Scooby-Doo
This animated series was the second version of Scooby-Doo, Where Are You?, and while it may not seem strange at first glance, the concept of teenagers solving mysteries with a (sort-of) talking dog does raise eyebrows in retrospect. What truly set The New Adventures of Scooby-Doo apart were its wild crossovers and celebrity cameos. Before shows like Family Guy popularized celebrity appearances, characters from The Addams Family, including the voice of John Astin as Gomez, and even the Harlem Globetrotters, joined the gang in their mystery-solving escapades. Just take a moment to remember Phyllis Diller’s outrageous hairstyle. -
Sid & Marty Krofft’s World
Shows like Sigmund and the Sea Monsters and H.R. Pufnstuf were the epitome of psychedelic children’s entertainment in the ’70s. I fondly recall visiting an indoor amusement park in Atlanta, Georgia, dedicated to Sid & Marty Krofft, where visitors rode the largest escalator to a realm that mirrored the bizarre antics of their shows. Animatronics and funhouse mirrors filled the space, and while my memories are vivid, it seems that the park itself has faded from history, leaving behind only a whisper of nostalgia. -
King Tut’s Touring Exhibit
In 1976, the spectacle of King Tut’s treasures swept across North America like a pop sensation, drawing more than eight million visitors eager to glimpse the artifacts of the ancient pharaoh. It was an era when Steve Martin humorously celebrated the allure of Tut on Saturday Night Live, and many of us were swept up in the excitement of Egyptology. It’s fascinating to think back on how the allure of history captured so many hearts. -
The Coors Bandit Run
In the classic film Smokey and the Bandit, the plot centers around an illegal haul of Coors beer from Texas to Georgia. At that time, Coors was only available in the western states, making it a coveted item in the South. The idea of a cross-country beer run is a curious concept, especially when you compare it to the craft beer culture of today, where a small-batch IPA might seem far more appealing than a can of Coors. -
The Streaking Craze
Once a common spectacle, streaking captured the public’s imagination in the ’70s, so much so that it inspired a hit novelty song by Ray Stevens. His comedic take on the phenomenon featured a recurring plea to “Don’t look, Ethel!” as streakers dashed across various venues. While the odd streaker still pops up now and then, the cultural novelty songs that once topped the charts have largely disappeared from popularity. -
Joe Namath’s Unlikely Endorsement
While Joe Namath’s recent reputation may have taken a hit, during the ’70s, he was a glamorous figure strutting through New York City’s disco scene. His endorsement of Beauty Mist pantyhose was groundbreaking for sports stars at the time, and it certainly must have raised eyebrows among parents. Yet, for many kids, like myself, if Mom liked Joe, that was good enough to make it cool. -
Pantyhose in a Plastic Egg
Remember the L’Eggs pantyhose sold in those iconic plastic eggs? They were a staple for many households, often showing up in creative Easter crafts. The trend of those eggs has faded, much like other retro items, leaving us to ponder when, if ever, pantyhose will undergo a similar fate.
In summary, the ’70s were a decade marked by eccentricities that now seem outrageous, from bizarre television shows to unexpected celebrity endorsements. These trends reflect a time when cultural norms were anything but ordinary.
For those looking to explore more about the journey of parenthood and home insemination, check out this insightful article. For expert guidance on insemination, visit this resource and this excellent center for further information.