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Companies and brands spend millions every year on advertising. The global spending on advertising in 2020 was 674 billion U.S. dollars. In fact, statistics show that in America, a dollar is spent on advertising per person each day. Sometimes, we might be so used to seeing ads we don't even realize we're being sold something.

Nowadays, there are a lot of rules about what's appropriate in an ad and what's not. Back in the day, almost everything was fair game. That's why there were loads of sexist, racist, tobacco, asbestos, and lead-praising ads. We've compiled the most absurd vintage ads for you here. Enjoy and wonder: "How could this have been a thing?"

#1

An Eerily Accurate Ad From 1996 I Found In An Advertising Book

An Eerily Accurate Ad From 1996 I Found In An Advertising Book

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troufaki13
Community Member
1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OK, now give me the winning numbers for tonight's lottery draw 😅

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    #2

    This Has Aged Like Milk Because Google Is A Search Engine With Weather, News Feeds, Links To Sponsors, Ads, And Distractions

    This Has Aged Like Milk Because Google Is A Search Engine With Weather, News Feeds, Links To Sponsors, Ads, And Distractions

    mitthrawnuruodo86 Report

    #3

    An Ad From The 1950s Gives Tips On How To Dispose Of Batteries

    An Ad From The 1950s Gives Tips On How To Dispose Of Batteries

    The ad advises getting rid of batteries by tossing them in the fireplace, but we know now that doing that is extremely dangerous.

    beerbellybegone Report

    troufaki13
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Put some asbestos in while you're at it! 😂

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    Many products advertised in these vintage ads seem questionable today. However, people did many questionable things back in the day: advised pregnant women to smoke to relieve stress, gave babies alcohol to make them sleep better, and many others.

    But the ads praising harmful materials like lead and asbestos probably take the crown of absurdity. How is it possible that marketers advertised them as "amazing" and people thought it was okay?

    Back in the late '70s, people used asbestos in many common household and construction items: hair dryers, kitchen appliances, plumbing, floors, and, of course, roofs.

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    Today, it's still used for occupational gear and clothing, but most countries have banned many different forms of asbestos. The U.S. banned the last type, chrysotile asbestos, in 2024.

    #4

    Mad Magazine From 2002. Covid Flashbacks

    Mad Magazine From 2002. Covid Flashbacks

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    Mike F
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I worked with a guy who looked just like Alfred E Newman but had blond hair. I laughed for the 3 years our desks faced each other.

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    #5

    Nowadays, Kids Will Never Understand The Struggle Of People Trying To Connect To The Internet Using A Phone Line And The Bothering Sounds Of The Whole Process

    Nowadays, Kids Will Never Understand The Struggle Of People Trying To Connect To The Internet Using A Phone Line And The Bothering Sounds Of The Whole Process

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    Rocket Surgeon
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When I was younger, we had to call the internet. And it screamed at us.

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    #6

    Photography Ad In My Dad’s Old Yearbook

    Photography Ad In My Dad’s Old Yearbook

    This was from the year 1982, when the photography company said "We shoot school kids" in an ad before the number of school shootings in the US increased.

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    Bookworm
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    One of those things where nobody could imagine the circumstances that would make it sound bad.

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    The material was (and still is in some countries) popular due to its durability and fire resistance. It's also pretty affordable. However, microscopic asbestos fibers are incredibly dangerous to our lungs.

    They cause healthy lung tissue to scar or mutate asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. In fact, it's classified as a known human carcinogen by The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

    But why were the ads for asbestos so popular back in the second half of the 20th century? Apparently, industry leaders did their best to suppress any medical evidence linking asbestos to all the above-mentioned horrible diseases.

    Advertisers positioned the toxic material as something futuristic and affordable for home makeover projects. And the flashy, fun commercials and ads got to people -- they really believed this was the natural mineral of the future.

    #7

    This Ad From Esso. Now We Have A Global Warming

    This Ad From Esso. Now We Have A Global Warming

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    Annabelle
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They were right about that…. (Welcome cynical Monday)

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    #8

    A Sexist Vintage Ad Advertising Men's Slacks Called Mr. Legs. "He Didn't Have To Shoot To Floor Her. One Look At His Pants, And She Was Happy To Have Him Walk All Over Her"

    A Sexist Vintage Ad Advertising Men's Slacks Called Mr. Legs. "He Didn't Have To Shoot To Floor Her. One Look At His Pants, And She Was Happy To Have Him Walk All Over Her"

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    #9

    Betty White Became A Hugely Famous, Beloved And Iconic Actress

    Betty White Became A Hugely Famous, Beloved And Iconic Actress

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    Jihana
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    His boner paid off? Any native speakers here willing to educate me what that's supposed to mean? Because it's definitely not what I think it is.

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    Similarly, people once saw lead as a miracle metal as well. Most of us probably know about the dangers of lead in paint. In the 20th century, white lead paint was incredibly popular. Because it absorbs 12 to 15 times less water than zinc oxide, it is very durable. Back in the 1910s, the authorities advised people to wash their walls regularly because of the Spanish Influenza. So, lead paint was particularly handy in that regard.

    #10

    People Inventing Plastic Bags Were Trying To Claim Consumers By Advertising The "Cute" Use Of Plastic Bags For Delivering Children, Which Are Now Known To Be Suffocants

    People Inventing Plastic Bags Were Trying To Claim Consumers By Advertising The "Cute" Use Of Plastic Bags For Delivering Children, Which Are Now Known To Be Suffocants

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    Doofnuts
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why isn't any of them moving (pokes with stick)

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    #11

    The Addis Wedding Set, "Every Bride's Coming Home Outfit" 1980s

    The Addis Wedding Set, "Every Bride's Coming Home Outfit" 1980s

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    #12

    Vintage Chlorinol Bleaching Advertisement. Very Racist, And Unacceptable

    Vintage Chlorinol Bleaching Advertisement. Very Racist, And Unacceptable

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    Even the numerous state and federal agencies urged people to use lead paint. What changed their tune was the growing number of lead poisoning cases in children in the 1930s. The authorities advised parents not to use the paint on toys, baby carriages, and cribs. 

    #13

    Creepy Advertisement For Love's Baby Soft (1975)

    Creepy Advertisement For Love's Baby Soft (1975)

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    #14

    Sadly, Everything Is Worse Now

    Sadly, Everything Is Worse Now

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    #15

    Lola (1970) Would Never Be Made Today For Many Reasons

    Lola (1970) Would Never Be Made Today For Many Reasons

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    Bookworm
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes, hilarious, ha ha ha... I think I just threw up in my mouth

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    However, children would still get poisoned from the paint on the walls. The government only took serious action in the 1970s, though. Lobbyists and advertisers did their best to mislead people and make them believe it was not as toxic. Today, we use lead in batteries; three-quarters are actually found in all types of vehicles.

    #16

    Imagine Seeing An Ad Like This Today

    Imagine Seeing An Ad Like This Today

    andrewblakechan Report

    TheNewJenBrady
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That text is insane...a strict regimen of sugary sodas for young kids guarantees a lifetime of happiness including no awkward preteen/teen phase?

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    #17

    Iranian Advertising Before The Islamic Revolution, 1979

    Iranian Advertising Before The Islamic Revolution, 1979

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    Suck it Trebek
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I can't imagine how soul crushing it had to be to go from this to the current regime that makes women cover up. Going from freedom to basic prison must be awful. State religion should never exist.

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    #18

    "He Used To Duck Me, Now He Dates Me" Nadinola Bleaching Cream, Ebony Magazine, May 1963

    "He Used To Duck Me, Now He Dates Me" Nadinola Bleaching Cream, Ebony Magazine, May 1963

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    Jerry Bee
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Meanwhile white people were, and still are, tanning and using spray on chemicals to get darker.

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    Interestingly, the Romans used lead in more ways than the modern 20th-century society. They lined aqueducts and water pipes with lead and also put it in makeup, cookware, and even contraceptives. Perhaps the most surprising use of lead in Ancient Rome was as a sweetener for food and drinks but also to control fermentation in wine. That's actually why kids sometimes chewed on lead paint chips: it can taste sweet.

    #19

    This Ad In 1936

    This Ad In 1936

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    G A
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's actually sorta funny if you don't read into it deeply-a bit of Carry On type humour.

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    #20

    An Electric Spanker For Unruly Children

    An Electric Spanker For Unruly Children

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    Spidercat
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ah yes, the good old days when you could taser your children if they behaved badly...

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    #21

    This 1994 Advertisement For Lighter Skis

    This 1994 Advertisement For Lighter Skis

    The ad compares buying lighter ski equipment to "Losing the Twin Towers," which eventually happened on 9/11, about 7 years after this was published.

    22FlyingTurtles Report

    G A
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It was a bit if a stretch to make any sense, even in the context of the ad. Some tortured copywriter spent a sleepless night and then said "Sod it, this'll do"

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    Today, we're way more careful about the way we handle lead. The batteries get assembled in sequestered plants, with employees wearing face masks. The majority of the work is also done by robots.

    Steven Jones, plant manager at EnerSys, told NPR that the manufacturing process is a technological ballet. "Through this level of automation, we're providing a cleaner environment for our operators and again, providing a safer environment."

    #22

    Union Carbide Advertisement From 1962 "Science Helps Us Build A New India"

    Union Carbide Advertisement From 1962 "Science Helps Us Build A New India"

    The 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy at the Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) pesticide plant in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India. It is considered one of the world's worst industrial disasters. The parent company had to sell its entire stake in UCIL and leave India.

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    G A
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How UCIL got away with mass murder and paid so little to the victims and relatives disgusts me to this day.

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    #23

    Ironized Yeast Ad For Weight Gain In The 1930s

    Ironized Yeast Ad For Weight Gain In The 1930s

    stoopididiotface Report

    Sue Denham
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "I know, Harvey, but you're still an a$$hole."

    Cjay
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    He wasn’t really mean he just didn’t want to hang out with her

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    LokisLilButterknife
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Women can't f*****g win. All throughout history we're either too skinny or too overweight.

    David
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A question I had not thought of before. It says 30s, so shortly after the great depression (USA). I wonder if a lot of people were skinnier due to barely having enough to get by.

    54 s
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes. This was also popular during wartime rationing through the 40s. It was a treatment for actual malnourishment.

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    Dread Pirate Roberts
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And then later these women are gonna get shamed again for not being skinny anymore.

    ShaZam
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    never, ever, had that problem (the skinny problem ... scaring boys maybe?)

    FaceTime Audio
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wasn't this right when pellagra was a huge problem, or soon after? Pellagra is a dietary deficiency disease caused by a lack of B3, which yeast contains, so yeast was a good way to prevent that. Now, we have enriched breads, so it's not very common in the US.

    Mental Liberals
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    now vanity has them seeking surgeries for everything!

    Marilyn Bojanowski
    Community Member
    2 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    To be fair, this was following the Great Depression, so it makes sense for people who had undereaten to want to fill out more. The whole thing with the guys though is unnecessary though

    Jasmin Lapan
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And now, people are into Ozempic.

    FBG
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A few weeks lAter....

    cugel.
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not much different to today's snake oil salespaltrows. Any old bullsh­it to shift units.

    Your mother
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This reminds me of the Magnus Archives lol. Iykyk

    G A
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "You don't sweat much for a fat lass"

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    #24

    1950s Cigarette Ad Claiming No Throat Irritation Comes From Camel Cigarettes. Now It's Proven That It Causes Throat And Lung Cancer

    1950s Cigarette Ad Claiming No Throat Irritation Comes From Camel Cigarettes. Now It's Proven That It Causes Throat And Lung Cancer

    pickleloverchomp Report

    Bookworm
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    All the cigarette ones are worse because the people in charge all knew the truth

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    Cigarette companies also don't have a good track record when it comes to advertising. A 1946 Camel ad, for example, claimed that doctors, according to an "independent survey," recommend smoking.

    An even more crazy 1890 advertisement claimed that cigarettes can help treat asthma and other respiratory ailments. They even recommended giving them to kids older than six. Many similar ads touted the benefits of smoking: less irritation, child-friendly, and one even claimed cigarettes were "pure as the water you drink."

    #25

    Advertisement For United Airlines (About 15 Years Ago)

    Advertisement For United Airlines (About 15 Years Ago)

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    pineapple87
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    True but what the heck is in that picture?

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    #26

    An Ad From An American Magazine, 1939. Lead Was Banned In Most European Countries By The 1940s, But Not Until 1978 In The US Because Of Lobbying

    An Ad From An American Magazine, 1939. Lead Was Banned In Most European Countries By The 1940s, But Not Until 1978 In The US Because Of Lobbying

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    Rocket Surgeon
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "If I have to ingest it all day so should you, kid!"

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    #27

    Promoting Sugar As A Healthy Thing In 1971

    Promoting Sugar As A Healthy Thing In 1971

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    Rocket Surgeon
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why eat at all? Just pack yourself with sugar every time you're hungry! What could possibly go wrong?

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    Olympic Athlete Jesse Owens was the face of White Owl cigars in 1960. Sadly but ironically, he passed away from lung cancer in 1980. The first serious report warning the public about the dangers of smoking came out in 1962.

    In 1964, the U.S. Surgeon General did the same. The U.S. government first took action in 1965, requiring manufacturers to include information for consumers about the dangers of smoking on the label.

    #28

    Well, She Was Very Wrong

    Well, She Was Very Wrong

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    Rocket Surgeon
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The oldest thing about this is that her job is "Word Processor." :D

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    #29

    "Successful Marriages Start In The Kitchen"

    "Successful Marriages Start In The Kitchen"

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    Subaru645
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just make sure it’s not the Pyrex that explodes

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    #30

    Ad On The Back Of An Old Comic. Nowadays, This Would Not Go Well

    Ad On The Back Of An Old Comic. Nowadays, This Would Not Go Well

    This is an advertisement for a child to purchase a toy rifle, touting its realistic look and sound. A child carrying this toy today would be very poorly received.

    Taitenger Report

    All these examples from the past can make one wonder: weren't there any policies against false advertising back in the day? Not really, at least until the 1970s. People's mistrust of advertising was rising by then.

    That's when the FTC also started a regulation revolution -- at last, they were asking marketers to prove the validity of their claims. They also cracked down on advertising toward children. Whereas advertisers enjoyed their unchecked privilege before, now they have more responsibility.

    #31

    Twin Towers World Trade Center Brochure Circa 1975

    Twin Towers World Trade Center Brochure Circa 1975

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    Bookworm
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Same as the yearbook - this one's only terrible in hindsight

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    #32

    In The Top Right Corner, It Says "The Largest And Safest Steamer In The World," Only For It To Hit An Iceberg Later. Clearly, It Wasn't Safe

    In The Top Right Corner, It Says "The Largest And Safest Steamer In The World," Only For It To Hit An Iceberg Later. Clearly, It Wasn't Safe

    IcelandicButDeadly Report

    Koalafied to komment
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, to be fair, with it's technical details and equipment, the Titanic was safer than other ships from the same time. Of course not safe enough and definitely not safe for modern standards, but in terms of the time, the Titanic was state of the art. It was a lot of bad luck and coincidences that made this catastrophe.

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    #33

    Creepy Old Lysol Advertisement

    Creepy Old Lysol Advertisement

    Lysol used to be used as a means of birth control before the pill was legalized in the 1960s. That's what they mean by "dainty feminine allure," having the energy to be a loving wife without the babies.

    nacreous Report

    Jason
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    BP censoring an official body part name but missing it later on

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    #34

    "I Suffered From Menstrual Cramps." - When Men "Suffered" As Much As Women (1968, Femicin Ad)

    "I Suffered From Menstrual Cramps." - When Men "Suffered" As Much As Women (1968, Femicin Ad)

    FNaXQ Report

    Jihana
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thank god they invented something to help those poor men.

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    #35

    USHA Sewing Machine Ad From The 1970s: "Train Her To Be An Ideal Housewife. Buy Her An USHA Sewing Machine"

    USHA Sewing Machine Ad From The 1970s: "Train Her To Be An Ideal Housewife. Buy Her An USHA Sewing Machine"

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    Bookworm
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    For some reason, the 'precious asset' part is bothering me the most about this

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    #36

    This Oil-Disposal Tip

    This Oil-Disposal Tip

    Terrible advice on how to dig a hole in your garden to dispose of engine oil and let it be absorbed into the soil.

    reddit.com Report

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    #37

    In 1913, Someone Predicted That Birth Rates Would Have Declined All The Way To Zero By Now, And We'd Look Like Aliens Because Of Baby Formula

    In 1913, Someone Predicted That Birth Rates Would Have Declined All The Way To Zero By Now, And We'd Look Like Aliens Because Of Baby Formula

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    Jihana
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Decline of 1% per year does not mean that after 100 years it's 0.

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    #38

    Lead Was Used Extensively Before Being Banned In The US. This Ad Captures How Lead Was Extremely Frequent In Everyday Life

    Lead Was Used Extensively Before Being Banned In The US. This Ad Captures How Lead Was Extremely Frequent In Everyday Life

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    ShaZam
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    lead or no lead ... my kids have never been invited to a paint party .... hey Huckleberry Finn, do you want to paint the fence?

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    #39

    6 Kids At 22? The Astonishing Mrs. Highfield For Rinso's Soap. Australia, 1953

    6 Kids At 22? The Astonishing Mrs. Highfield For Rinso's Soap. Australia, 1953

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    #40

    Vintage Cigarette Print Ad Touting It Is Popular Among Doctors, Which Is Supposedly A Good Thing And Somehow Probably Helps Health

    Vintage Cigarette Print Ad Touting It Is Popular Among Doctors, Which Is Supposedly A Good Thing And Somehow Probably Helps Health

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    Rocket Surgeon
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Love the implication that doctors refer to your mouth and throat as you "t zone" and discuss in their medical journals which cigarette brands do the most good there.

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    #41

    An Ad For Drummond Sweaters From 1959. Oh, How Advertising Has Changed

    An Ad For Drummond Sweaters From 1959. Oh, How Advertising Has Changed

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    Bookworm
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes. The only reason to bring a woman hiking would be to show off your weird Robin Hood sweater.

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    #42

    Lorillard's Chewing Tobacco, 1893

    Lorillard's Chewing Tobacco, 1893

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    #43

    "They'll Be Wild About You In Van Heusen Venturous Print Sport Shirts" (1951)

    "They'll Be Wild About You In Van Heusen Venturous Print Sport Shirts" (1951)

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    pineapple87
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    To be fair, it looks like they're fighting over who gets to beat him with the paddle

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    #44

    This Ad From Time Magazine In 1997 Promotes Plastic. Meanwhile, People Are Trying To Replace Plastic Because It’s Harmful To The Environment

    This Ad From Time Magazine In 1997 Promotes Plastic. Meanwhile, People Are Trying To Replace Plastic Because It’s Harmful To The Environment

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    Historyharlot93
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In the 80s everyone was panicking about all the forests being cut down for grocery bags, newspapers, paper towels and toilet paper. “Let’s use plastic instead! It’s better for the environment!” they said. Now paper and glass are the only truly successfully recyclable material, and we have plastics everywhere, which is hard and expensive to recycle.

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    #45

    Secret Anti-Perspirant Ad In 1965. It Implies That Women’s Body Odor Is A Result Of Emotions

    Secret Anti-Perspirant Ad In 1965. It Implies That Women’s Body Odor Is A Result Of Emotions

    FNaXQ Report

    Bookworm
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This whole thing is just strange, and the idea that you should put deodorant cream in a 'very personal' place is cringy, but I'm also kind of laughing at 'It's so different, it even comes in a special container!'

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    #46

    The Message Is Perfectly Simple: Just Stop Being Fat

    The Message Is Perfectly Simple: Just Stop Being Fat

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    #47

    "Are You Making Your Children Pay For Your Weight Problem?" - Sugar Information, Inc. Ad (1966)

    "Are You Making Your Children Pay For Your Weight Problem?" - Sugar Information, Inc. Ad (1966)

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    Bookworm
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oddly, they were a little bit right about artificial sweetners

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    #48

    Wash Away Fat And Years Of Age With La-Mar Reducing Soap. Woman's Companion, 1923

    Wash Away Fat And Years Of Age With La-Mar Reducing Soap. Woman's Companion, 1923

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    Rose the Cook
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    People actually believed these advertisements?

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    #49

    Probably The Most Sexist Vintage Ad On The Internet

    Probably The Most Sexist Vintage Ad On The Internet

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    Bookworm
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You could at least pretend to advertise the actual product. By, like, not putting it in the bottom corner of the ad. Just a thought.

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    #50

    This 1968 Frigidaire Ad Is Special

    This 1968 Frigidaire Ad Is Special

    acidmine Report

    Chrissie Anit
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, that's not as bad as the other ones here.

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    #51

    Samsung Ad From 1989 Predicting The Best VCR To Play The Most Popular Movies Of 2007

    Samsung Ad From 1989 Predicting The Best VCR To Play The Most Popular Movies Of 2007

    The last major studio film to be released on VHS in the United States and Canada was released in 2006. VHS was dead by 2007.

    jlbang Report

    G A
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They found multiple new formats to make us buy the same stuff two or three times more since then.

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    #52

    This Vintage Ad

    This Vintage Ad

    Ayds were an appetite-suppressant candy designed to help you lose weight. The company had to change the product name in the 1980s due to the AIDS epidemic because it's a disease that causes extreme weight loss in patients.

    FraternityMan Report

    Julia H
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Aides was a canyon in my mom's stash from the early 70s. The chocolate caramels were really good. At least to 8 year old me. They had absolutely nothing to do with GRID. AIDS or any other immune disease.

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    #53

    Poverty Party! Teen Magazine And Shelley Fabares Show Us Just How Much Fun It Can Be To Be Poor And Hungry (1960)

    Poverty Party! Teen Magazine And Shelley Fabares Show Us Just How Much Fun It Can Be To Be Poor And Hungry (1960)

    ISobMore Report

    Bookworm
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm not sure what the poverty part is, besides the part where you cosplay as a homeless person. Casserole? It could just be a casserole party.

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    #54

    Great Uncle Steve, The Carrier Of The Coin Purse

    Great Uncle Steve, The Carrier Of The Coin Purse

    siouxsie_siouxv2 Report

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    #55

    Now, A New Sanitary Fixture For Women's Restrooms... The Sanistand Women's Urinal. American-Standard, 1950s

    Now, A New Sanitary Fixture For Women's Restrooms... The Sanistand Women's Urinal. American-Standard, 1950s

    It’s the 1950s. Imagine having to pull down your underwear, garter belt, and stockings and then trying to maneuver yourself over the "vitreous china" bowl and pee without all your urine streaming down your leg into your underwear and shoes. This isn’t a toilet. It’s a torture device.

    Vin_du_toilette Report

    Spannidandoolar
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There are no way those 5000 odd people surveyed actually thought that was in anyway a good idea. This was designed by men who have never discussed the practicalities of peeing with a woman.

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    #56

    This Advertisement

    This Advertisement

    tforbesabc Report

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    #57

    Today, An Ad Like This Wouldn't Be Acceptable 

    Today, An Ad Like This Wouldn't Be Acceptable 

    x.com Report

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    #58

    Yasmin Birth Control Ad, 1960

    Yasmin Birth Control Ad, 1960

    __marlboroman__ Report

    #59

    DDT Was One Of The Great Tragedies And Later Victories Of Indiscriminate Chemical Usage In The Environment

    DDT Was One Of The Great Tragedies And Later Victories Of Indiscriminate Chemical Usage In The Environment

    It’s not safe at all (a carcinogen that can also induce seizures and vomiting) and was particularly damaging to animals at the tops of food chains. Birds were the whistleblowers of its negative effects since it was almost immediately apparent in the rapid decline of their population. In avian species, DDT caused soft eggshells that the parent birds crushed when they tried to sit on them for incubation.

    Many bird species became endangered or on critical lists, especially eagles and hawks because at that level they were consuming animals that had consumed animals that had consumed insects that ate DDT, so their bodies had higher concentrations of it in their system.

    The victory came when Rachel Carson wrote the groundbreaking book, Silent Spring, drawing attention to the loss of birds and other effects of DDT, and the public outcry caused the government to ban the chemical from use in the US. It was an incredible example of humans responding to and reversing a man-made environmental disaster.

    SkilletKitten Report

    Mental Liberals
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Big pharma, at it again: then and now...Profits Over People - over and over again!

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    #60

    In 1970, The 7-Eleven Chain Of Convenience Stores Advised Busy Moms To Shop There Because They Have Parking By The Big Windows Up Front And You Can Leave Your Kids In The Car While You Shop

    In 1970, The 7-Eleven Chain Of Convenience Stores Advised Busy Moms To Shop There Because They Have Parking By The Big Windows Up Front And You Can Leave Your Kids In The Car While You Shop

    These days, no company would explicitly tell parents to go ahead and leave their kids in the car while they shop. That's just setting yourself up for a lawsuit when a kid bakes in a hot car.

    TapTheForwardAssist Report

    Carl Roberts
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    TBH, leaving children in the car in the 60's/70's was quite safe, for the most part, and everyone did it. And yes, the windows were usually rolled down, especially if it was hot.

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    #61

    An Ad To Buy A Squirrel Monkey For Less Than $20 In A Comic Book From The 1960s

    An Ad To Buy A Squirrel Monkey For Less Than $20 In A Comic Book From The 1960s

    majtomby Report

    #62

    1951 Ad For Old Gold Cigarettes. There's Some Horrific Irony With This One

    1951 Ad For Old Gold Cigarettes. There's Some Horrific Irony With This One

    HawkeyeTen Report

    ShaZam
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't smoke ... but if I did ... I'm not smoking something old

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    #63

    Sexist Tire Ad From 1977

    Sexist Tire Ad From 1977

    BradleyKWooldridge Report

    G A
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Of its time, not that revealing, seen worse these days still.

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    #64

    This Didn't Age Well

    This Didn't Age Well

    ebolashuffle Report

    Rocket Surgeon
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Let's play a game, where we think up 2 words that shouldn't go together at all. I'll start, "Maternity Corset."

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    #65

    Apple Was Advertising That Companies Should Make Their Products Affordable When They Nowadays Make Their Products Very Expensive To The Consumer

    Apple Was Advertising That Companies Should Make Their Products Affordable When They Nowadays Make Their Products Very Expensive To The Consumer

    gaara_19 Report

    Julia H
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The first Apple home computer was $1495. on sale. For a pack of floppies, was $19.99. This was back in 1982 when I worked at CompuPlus in California

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    #66

    Back In The 1930s, They Believed That JAD Salts Could Cure Obesity While Still Maintaining A Normal Diet

    Back In The 1930s, They Believed That JAD Salts Could Cure Obesity While Still Maintaining A Normal Diet

    Virtual-Bee7411 Report

    Chrissie Anit
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I bet the "two small changes in diet" are something along the lines of "cut out fats and sugars" and " eat smaller portions". But it's the SALTS!!!!

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    #67

    In The 1940s, Lysol Was Advertised As A Feminine Hygiene Product And Contraceptive

    In The 1940s, Lysol Was Advertised As A Feminine Hygiene Product And Contraceptive

    Due to female contraceptives being illegal at the time, companies offering alternatives were seen as a godsend. In the Lysol ads, the phrase "feminine hygiene" was an euphemism for "contraceptives". Lysol promised to reduce the chance of contracting unmentionable diseases while also maintaining what was referred to as "feminine daintiness" as a way to "protect married happiness".

    By 1911, 193 reported Lysol poisonings and 5 deaths due to "uterine irrigation," but the use of Lysol as a feminine hygiene product continued in the 1950s.

    OpheliaAlexandra Report

    Rose the Cook
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In Australia it was Dettol that was promoted for this use.

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    #68

    This Ad From 1969 Asks For The Driving Age To Be Increased From 14 Years Old

    This Ad From 1969 Asks For The Driving Age To Be Increased From 14 Years Old

    njr123 Report

    Ace
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's 17 or even 18 in most European countries.

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    #69

    Is It Ladylike? Life Magazine, 1965

    Is It Ladylike? Life Magazine, 1965

    arinjoyn Report

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    #70

    Ford Ad 1970. From The Congressional Club Cookbook

    Ford Ad 1970. From The Congressional Club Cookbook

    Guygirl00 Report

    Awesome At Being Autistic
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow, how about designing cars that, when they are involved in a serious crash, the women don't die because the cars aren't designed for their safety, but for a man's?!

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    #71

    An Old Advertisement Hyping Up Asbestos. Asbestos Is Now Known To Be Very Bad For Humans' Health And Has Fallen Out Of Favor

    An Old Advertisement Hyping Up Asbestos. Asbestos Is Now Known To Be Very Bad For Humans' Health And Has Fallen Out Of Favor

    FNaXQ Report

    Bookworm
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, it did work. And as long as it wasn't airborne, it was fine. And now my town has a Superfund site because of it. Live (or don't live) and learn, I guess

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    #72

    "To The Man I Marry, I Make This Pledge Of Beauty: I Will Keep That Schoolgirl Complexion". An American Magazine Ad For Johnson Soap. New York Times. USA, 1933

    "To The Man I Marry, I Make This Pledge Of Beauty: I Will Keep That Schoolgirl Complexion". An American Magazine Ad For Johnson Soap. New York Times. USA, 1933

    esdfa20 Report

    Auntriarch
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Raging spots you mean? That was my schoolgirl complexion

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    #73

    Sugar As Diet Aid In 1971

    Sugar As Diet Aid In 1971

    reddit.com Report

    Bookworm
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There's another version of this at the top of the list

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    #74

    An American Magazine Ad By American Petroleum Institute, 1955

    An American Magazine Ad By American Petroleum Institute, 1955

    esdfa20 Report

    Spannidandoolar
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's amazing for a 30 year increase, I wonder what comparing today to 1994 would be like in comparison

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    #75

    Underwear Advertisement In Iran, 1971

    Underwear Advertisement In Iran, 1971

    maxwe11d Report

    Jess Smith
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This Iran looks a lot better than the current Iran.

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    #76

    Camel Cigarette Ad From 1933

    Camel Cigarette Ad From 1933

    PerceptiveMetaphor Report

    Sand Ers
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The scrap of the news piece on the ongoing Japanese invasion of Manchuria is more chilling than any cigarette ad could be.

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    #77

    Marfor Coats, 1940

    Marfor Coats, 1940

    pukka-sahib Report

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    #78

    "There's No Such Thing As A Nintendo". Well Look At Them Now

    "There's No Such Thing As A Nintendo". Well Look At Them Now

    videotopia Report

    #79

    Wisdom Is In The Balance Of Listening To Others But Knowing Where To Stand Firm

    Wisdom Is In The Balance Of Listening To Others But Knowing Where To Stand Firm

    JeffBezos Report

    #80

    "The Average Retirement Age Is Now 61.5... And It's Getting Even Lower." The Average Age Of Retirement Continues To Climb In The US, With Many Deciding To Push Back Retirement

    "The Average Retirement Age Is Now 61.5... And It's Getting Even Lower." The Average Age Of Retirement Continues To Climb In The US, With Many Deciding To Push Back Retirement

    Pleasure_to_Burn Report

    Khavrinen
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Deciding to push back retirement" -- also known as "Not being able to afford to ever retire".

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    #81

    A Poster Advertising The Return Voyage Of The Titanic

    A Poster Advertising The Return Voyage Of The Titanic

    Av_Lover Report

    T'Mar of Vulcan
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OTOH you can see where Cameron got his ideas for Jack's stateroom and the 3rd class party from.

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    #82

    British Railways, 1979. That Looks Like Every American City

    British Railways, 1979. That Looks Like Every American City

    Grillos Report

    G A
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Having been on The North Circular when it was.under repair, not far off the truth....

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    #83

    The New York Times Ad In 1903

    The New York Times Ad In 1903

    flybladenow Report

    Rocket Surgeon
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Proof that anyone can say anything and somewhere someone will print it.

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    #84

    1977 KLM Advertisement Featuring A Pilot Who Would Be Involved That Year, In The Worst Aviation Accident In History At Tenerife Airport

    1977 KLM Advertisement Featuring A Pilot Who Would Be Involved That Year, In The Worst Aviation Accident In History At Tenerife Airport

    DinOfDancing Report

    Sand Ers
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As he starts his roll-out you can hear the 3rd officer on the cockpit voice recorder say “No. We don’t have clearance.” If there’s a hell, this arrogant bastard is in it.

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    #85

    Found This In Wired Magazine From April 1999

    Found This In Wired Magazine From April 1999

    ntdo_34269 Report

    Historyharlot93
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Don’t forget there was a bombing at the WTC in 1993 that killed 6 people and injured about 1000. The elevators and stairways were clogged with smoke, and most people had to evacuate that way. That’s probably where this attempt at humor came from

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    #86

    This Is An Actual Ad From A 1970 National Geographic. I Found It In My Grandmother's Basement

    This Is An Actual Ad From A 1970 National Geographic. I Found It In My Grandmother's Basement

    sup_bro_47 Report

    Bookworm
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And the third one of these. They must have been everywhere.

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    #87

    Esquire Boot Polish "What A Shiner" Ad From Life Magazine (1956)

    Esquire Boot Polish "What A Shiner" Ad From Life Magazine (1956)

    PerpetuallyListening Report

    Daniel Atkins
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In the US Shiner used to be a slang term for a black eye. So it is a play on a synonym.

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    #88

    Vintage Plastic Packaging Ad For DuPont

    Vintage Plastic Packaging Ad For DuPont

    This vintage ad from what appears to be the 1940s or 1950s shows the benefits of using pre-packaging and cellophane for produce, claiming to reduce waste. However, we are reaping the consequences of careless plastic usage. It’s filling our oceans and destroying many kinds of ecosystems, and it has not been beneficial over time. Plus, it’s filled with carcinogens. Also, DuPont has been under controversy in recent years due to toxic waste pollution.

    themarajade1 Report

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    #89

    If You Post An Ad Like This Today, You Will Probably Get Shamed On Social Media

    If You Post An Ad Like This Today, You Will Probably Get Shamed On Social Media

    computermuseum Report

    censorshipsucks
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You can tell he's not really a programmer because there's a girl touching him. /jk jk

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    #90

    "Pilots Love Pretty Noses". Dubarry Makeup Ad, 1944

    "Pilots Love Pretty Noses". Dubarry Makeup Ad, 1944

    FNaXQ Report

    #91

    Beautiful Old Cigarette And Beer Advertising Posters

    Beautiful Old Cigarette And Beer Advertising Posters

    juliamailinnea Report

    Emma London
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's a vibe. Adverticers should try handpainted ads from actual artists and see what happens.

    #92

    National Lead Company Ad For Dutch Boy Paint Via The Saturday Evening Post Of January 6, 1923

    National Lead Company Ad For Dutch Boy Paint Via The Saturday Evening Post Of January 6, 1923

    Lead is added to paint to accelerate drying, increase durability, maintain a fresh appearance, and resist moisture that causes corrosion. It is one of the main health and environmental hazards associated with paint. Lead paint has been generally phased out of use due to the toxic nature of lead.

    morganmonroe81 Report

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    #93

    The Console War Is Here. A Gaming Magazine From August 1998

    The Console War Is Here. A Gaming Magazine From August 1998

    5_Frog_Margin Report

    #94

    This 1949 Ad In A Comic Book For Rubber Masks

    This 1949 Ad In A Comic Book For Rubber Masks

    With masks for "idiot/halfwit" and "Minstrel (blackface)," these would not be appropriate today at all. Given the trouble politicians and celebrities have had with "Blackface" pictures surfacing, as well as an increased awareness of those with disabilities, this is truly stuck in its era.

    mistermajik2000 Report

    #95

    1970s Indian Ad On Abortion

    1970s Indian Ad On Abortion

    Flu_Fighter Report

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    #96

    This Y2K Book Aged Pretty Poorly

    This Y2K Book Aged Pretty Poorly

    John_Bovii Report

    General Anaesthesia
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It took a lot of hard work by a lot of people to make sure the book aged poorly.

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    #97

    Just Another Way To Humiliate And Blame Women In 1950

    Just Another Way To Humiliate And Blame Women In 1950

    x.com Report

    Emma London
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wonder if they somehow adverticed to men that they should be disgusted by their partner's normal discharge.

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    #98

    I Saved This One About Nike From September 2017 And It Seems Like Barron’s Just Doesn’t Like Great Companies

    I Saved This One About Nike From September 2017 And It Seems Like Barron’s Just Doesn’t Like Great Companies

    jdwrenn Report

    Sand Ers
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nike makes a lot of money, but they’re a long way from “great”.

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    #99

    1951 Ad For Uncle Nick's Cigarettes For Kids

    1951 Ad For Uncle Nick's Cigarettes For Kids

    Ok-Screen4236 Report

    Polterbean
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't know, that kinda looks like AI? Feel god?

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