In the United States, the 1970s were a time of invention, creativity, and change. Famous cultural events defined that time and they continue to impact today.
The music scene was lively, there were unique fashion trends, and society changed because of different social groups.
Through extensive research online and a keen eye on popular trends that once dominated the American landscape, we’ve curated a list of 20 things that only those who grew up in the 1970s can truly understand.
The Taste of Tang
In the 1970s, many homes in the US made Tang. It became the drink of the “space age” when NASA selected Tang to be part of the astronauts’ beverage options during space missions. Many kids started their day with a glass of Tang and made up stories about traveling to space.
The Growth of CB Radio Culture
The 1970s were a big time for Citizens Band (CB) Radio because of movies like Smokey and the Bandit. Truck drivers and people from all walks of life liked CB radios and used them to talk on the roads. They formed their group of people and spoke their language.
Bell-bottom pants
In the 1970s, wide-flared bell-bottom jeans were the coolest thing ever. When worn with platform shoes, this style was all the rage. It became a style icon of the decade. The combination created a more dramatic effect, becoming synonymous with the disco and hippie subcultures of the time
Saturday Morning Cartoons
Kids in the United States loved Saturday mornings in the 1970s. They got together in front of the TV to watch their favorite shows. There were a lot of popular Saturday morning cartoons, from Bugs Bunny, Tom and Jerry, Scooby-Doo.
The Disco Era
With its flashing disco balls, funk music, and famous dance moves, the 1970s were known as the disco era. Disco fever spread across the country and was characterized by its infectious beats, lush orchestrations, and soulful vocals.
Music tapes and 8-track
Before computers, music lovers listened to their favorite songs on cassette tapes and 8-track disks. Cassette tapes offered a convenient way to create mixtapes and share music with friends. Many car trips and late-night jam sessions were set to these analog formats.
Star Wars
When Star Wars came out in 1977, it became a cultural phenomenon. It was different from everything else and stood as a groundbreaking departure from existing films. Many young and older adults were really into the epic space adventure. It was the start of a business that is still going strong today.
People had pet rocks
People bought rocks to keep as pets in the 1970s known as pet rocks, which was a strange trend. Pet Rocks were a strange hit, and they came with clear instructions, often presented humorously. The concept was simple yet captivating—owning a “pet” that required minimal care and provided amusement through its sheer absurdity.
The Worry About Not Having Gas
There were long lines at gas stops in the 1970s because of a lack of oil. It taught many Americans how to share power and save it. As the country tried to figure out how to stop getting so much oil from other countries, it was a time of economic and political chaos.
Mood rings
In the 1970s, mood rings were popular. They were said to change color based on how a person felt. These rings had a thermochromic element that reacted to body temperature, causing the stone or setting to change color. Colors like blue meant “quiet,” red meant “excited,” and black meant “stressed.”
Sony Walkman
When the Sony Walkman was launched in the late 1970s, people could take their music with them. This revolutionary gadget began a new era of personal audio entertainment, allowing people to listen to their favorite songs on the go.
The best of rock ‘n’ roll
Bands like Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd were influential in the 1970s rock music scene. Their classic hits and explosive live shows made the 1980s a true golden age of rock ‘n’ roll.
The Brady Bunch
With its mixed family relationships and catchy theme song, The Brady Bunch became one of the most famous sitcoms of the 1970s. It was a fun look at family life and had a big effect on TV for a long time.
Every Color of Shag Carpet
Shag carpets, renowned for their rich colors and velvety texture, were a common choice for home décor in the 1970s. They gave living rooms and bedrooms across America a warm, retro feel.
The Ease of Playing in a Pickup’s Back
In the 1970s, safety rules were more relaxed, and kids often rode easily in the backs of pickup trucks. This easygoing activity captured the vibe of the time.
The Release of the Console for Home Video Games
The home video gaming system was introduced in the late 1970s with the Atari. This innovative technology made the modern game industry possible.
Lava Lamps
Lava lamps were a common décor piece in houses throughout the 1970s. Their captivating blobs of colorful wax gave every space a cozy, ambient warmth and a dash of psychedelic style.
The Effects of the Vietnam War
Throughout the 1970s, the Vietnam War caused great division in the country and provoked large-scale protests. It was a turbulent period in American history characterized by social turmoil and political conflict.
Punk Rock’s Explosion
Bands like The Ramones and The Sex Pistols spearheaded the uprising that gave rise to punk rock in the late 1970s. With their unadulterated energy, they captured the anguish of a generation.
The Excitement of Skating Rinks
In the 1970s, roller skating rinks were common for people to get together. Friends and family would spend hours sliding about to the newest songs. It was a nostalgic and enjoyable pastime that united communities.