Different generations have grown up in different eras with different technologies, habits, and resources available. The 1970s were a decade full of transition and development. Here are 17 things only those who grew up in the 1970s can relate to.
Gaming Consoles
The 1970s saw gaming consoles take off. PCMAG reports that in September 1977, the Atari 2600 was released. This wasn’t the first ever gaming console, but it was the first to connect to the TV to bring Atari arcade games to people’s living rooms.
The Shag Carpet Experience
The ‘70s were a very fashionable decade, and this was the same for home décor as well. The shag carpet became a popular purchase for many households. It was famous for being thick and plush, allowing you to sink your toes into it. However, people who grew up in the ‘70s will remember that it was also difficult to clean.
Schoolhouse Rock!
Schoolhouse Rock! is probably something you haven’t heard of unless you grew up in the ‘70s. It was a cartoon that was also educational, bringing fun to learning. It helped teach children through the use of catchy, memorable tunes and would teach anything from grammar to math and even politics.
Roller Rinks
Roller rinks were a popular social activity in the 1970s. They became the heart of the disco scene. People would be dancing on their roller skates to the latest music under an array of disco balls. It was a place to show off your skills and express yourself through your fashion.
The Station Wagon Road Trips
The station wagon was a popular vehicle purchased by many families in the 1970s, especially those with vacations in mind. There were memories of everyone cramming into the back of a vehicle and setting off on an adventure without modern-day distractions. It was just the beauty of looking out the window and admiring the view.
Bowl Cuts
If you grew up in the 1970s, it’s most likely that you have a photo somewhere of you with the bowl-cut hairstyle. It was a haircut that’s remembered now for its nostalgia over its aesthetics. It was a cost-effective haircut that could be done at home by simply using a bowl and scissors.
Jaws the Movie
As reported by Brittanica, Jaws was a suspense and horror film directed by Steven Spielberg and released in 1975. The movie tells the story of a great white shark that terrorizes a resort town. People from the 1970s will remember the fear of entering the water after watching the movie.
8-Track Tapes
8-track tapes were ever present in the 1970s. They were a way for people to enjoy their favorite band or artist on a loop. While eight tracks don’t sound like a lot in the present day, in the ‘70s, it was an adequate amount, and it was music you could physically hold.
Playgrounds
The playgrounds of the 1970s were arguably a lot more enjoyable than the ones of recent years. The majority of equipment wouldn’t pass today’s health and safety assessments, but the enjoyment of the extra high slides or swinging from the metal monkey bars are fond memories many ‘70s children have.
Saturday Morning Cartoons
Saturday morning used to be the best part of the week for many young children in the 1970s. It would be the day you were wishing for all week, and you’d be excited to wake up early on Saturday morning, sit on the couch, and watch classics such as Scooby-Doo and The Flintstones.
Hitchhiking
As mentioned by the University of North Carolina Press, “Between the Great Depression and the mid-1970s, hitchhikers were a common sight for motorists, as American service members, students, and adventurers sought out the romance of the road in droves.” The common worries about picking up a hitchhiker today are not as apparent as they were in the 1970s.
Citizen Band Radio
Although the citizen band radio had been around for many years, it was at its height of popularity in the 1970s. It was a way for people to communicate on the road with one another about issues or just to socialize on a long trip.
The Watergate Scandal
Many will remember the Watergate scandal that occurred from 1972 to 1974, during the presidency of Richard Nixon. The Watergate scandal saw the American public begin to have trust issues with the government, which eventually led to Nixon resigning as president. It was seen as an educational period around real politics for the American public.
Gas Lines and Energy Crises
Those who grew up in the 1970s will remember the common occurrence of lining up for gas. The fuel shortages had a big impact on the economy and everyday life. The Arab oil embargo in 1973 caused major disruptions to oil supplies throughout America.
Mood Rings
In the 1970s, fashion was a very important aspect of life and was used as a way to express yourself. The introduction of mood rings was enjoyed by many people in this era. It was seen as a quirky symbol of ‘70s pop culture. The change in color of these jewelry items was believed to indicate the mood you were in at that particular moment.
The Rise of Fast Food Chains
Big Appetite Co. reports, “The 1970s saw the rise of fast-food chains like Burger King and themed restaurants like Sambo’s.” The ‘70s are seen as the decade that put fast food chains on the map. It’s believed they became a success due to their branding and inclusion of worldwide foods.
The Influence of Star Wars
1977 saw the release of Star Wars and its revolutionary impact on cinema. This film was unique to anything released before and is a big reason for its unpredicted level of popularity. People adored the movie and its characters, which played a key part in its growth over the coming decades.
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