15+ Things That Were Normal in the ’80s But Wouldn’t Fly Today

The 1980s were a time of loud fashion, sky-high hairstyles, and iconic trends—but many everyday behaviors from back then would raise eyebrows today. Here’s a look at some ‘80s norms that just wouldn’t pass in today’s world.

Politically incorrect movies

In 2024, heightened social awareness and the fear of being “canceled” influence everything, especially entertainment. Unlike the 1980s, when films often included casual racism, sexism, and other biases, modern movies are now frequently reviewed for sensitivity to avoid offending audiences.

Smoking on airplanes

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Believe it or not, airplane bathrooms used to come with built-in ashtrays—and not just for show. Back then, if you were in the smoking section, lighting up in your seat mid-flight was completely normal.

Showing up unannounced

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Today, popping by someone’s house without a heads-up is seen as inconsiderate. With text messaging at our fingertips, there’s no excuse not to check first. But in the ’80s, unexpected visits were often welcomed—and sometimes even expected.

No car seats for kids

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Car safety in the 1980s was still evolving. Though seatbelts became mandatory later in the decade, many young kids still rode around without car seats. And riding in the way-back of a station wagon? That was just part of the fun.

Mullets

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Perms might have raised a few eyebrows, but mullets were the real statement. Worn by athletes and actors alike, this “business in the front, party in the back” style screams ’80s—and while it’s mostly out of favor today, it’s surprisingly making a quirky comeback.

Making ashtrays in art class

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It’s almost hard to believe, but many kids in the 1980s made ceramic ashtrays in school art class to bring home to their parents. Whether their parents smoked or not, it was considered a totally normal project at the time—something that would be wildly controversial today.

Latchkey kids

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Back then, kids known as “latchkey” children often roamed free after school until dinnertime. Many look back fondly on that independence, though ironically, some of those same kids are now overly protective parents hesitant to let their own children have the same freedom.

Very short shorts on men

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In the 1980s, ultra-short athletic shorts were a common sight—think tennis legends like McEnroe or Borg. Today, the fashion has flipped, with longer, looser shorts dominating and few men daring to wear anything quite so revealing.

Memorizing phone numbers

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Before smartphones, you had to memorize phone numbers—or keep a physical address book handy. Today, if you recite someone’s number from memory, they might look at you sideways and wonder how you even know it.

Corporal punishment

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While dusting chalkboard erasers may have been a minor classroom punishment, corporal punishment was a much bigger deal. Back in the ’80s, paddling or other physical discipline was still used in schools—something that’s now illegal in most places and considered inappropriate.

Standing in the corner

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Another old-school punishment involved standing silently in a corner as a form of public embarrassment. While not physically painful, the emotional sting has stuck with many, leading to its decline as an acceptable disciplinary method.

Picking teams in gym class

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Nothing crushed a kid’s confidence quite like being picked last in gym class. It was rarely about skill—more often, it reflected popularity, leaving the same few kids, often those who struggled physically, humiliated in front of their peers.

Being unreachable or out of contact

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These days, being unreachable is almost impossible. Between texts, calls, and social media, someone can always find you—whether it’s your boss, your parents, or someone you ghosted. In contrast, the 1980s allowed for long stretches of genuine disconnection.