Advertising has come a long way, evolving to reflect changes in society’s values and norms. Some ads from the past, once considered normal, are now seen as offensive or out-of-touch.
This post explores seven such advertisements that would likely be unacceptable today due to their controversial messages or depictions.
1. Jell-O Ad from the 1920s
The 1920s Jello ad depicted an older woman being handed Jell-O by two boys. The woman is shown sitting down with a delighted look on her face, with the words under saying how everyone on the plantation can enjoy this dessert.
Though seemingly harmless, such portrayals of the black community limited their roles and ambitions. It implied a strict division between races, which is outdated today.
2. Chase & Sanbron from the 1950s
© California Educators Together
Chase & Sanborn’s 1950s coffee ad notoriously depicted a wife spanked over her husband’s knee for buying the wrong coffee. It played into themes of male dominance and female submission, normalized within domestic life at that time.
Such imagery reinforced toxic gender roles, making light of domestic violence.
3. Tipalet from the 1960s
© California Educators Together
The Tipalet ad from the 1960s showed a man blowing smoke into a woman’s face, suggesting this act would attract her. This ad trivialized consent and manipulated social interactions.
Smoking was glamorized, with little regard for health implications. It also ignored the discomfort caused by such behavior.
4. Van Heusen from the 1960s
© California Educators Together
Van Heusen’s 1960s ads often depicted men in dominating positions, promoting the idea that successful men wear their ties. An infamous ad showed a woman serving breakfast to a seemingly superior man.
These ads reinforced male dominance and women’s subservience in both personal and professional spaces.
5. Baby Soft from the 1970s
© California Educators Together
The 1970s Baby Soft ad controversially used sexual undertones by associating innocence with adult allure. It featured a young girl in suggestive poses, blurring lines between childhood and adulthood.
Such ads faced criticism for inappropriately sexualizing minors.
6. Leggs from the 1970s
© California Educators Together
Leggs slacks ads from the 1970s placed heavy emphasis on their slacks being irresistible to the point women would let the men wearing them walk all over them.
In particular, there was an ad showing a man’s foot thrimphantly atop a woman’t head, who was seemingly turned into a throphy rug.
7. Jade East from the 1970s
© California Educators Together
Jade East’s 1970s cologne ads featured a spacifically offensive slogan, mainly ”if she doesn’t give it to you, get it yourself!” with a very sexual undertone.
Such depictions were criticized for perpetuating the idea that if a woman declines your advances, you can still ”get it”.
