Bored Panda
50 Pics From The Past That Look Ridiculous Now
Funny,HistoryJUL 2, 2023

50 Pics From The Past That Look Ridiculous Now

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Avid Bored Panda readers may remember the piece we did on the subreddit r/OldSchoolCool, where people share content from the past that still looks fantastic today. But now, we have something similar yet totally different for you — its weird "cousin" r/OldSchoolRidiculous.
Created back in December 2013, this online community is pretty much the same as its "relative", only it laughs at previous eras instead of celebrating them. The outdated stuff these folks feature varies from offensive social norms to tacky fashion trends but they all remind us of the irreversible passage of time.

#1 …where Do I Even Start?

…where Do I Even Start?
Report
617points

#2 “Fun For The Entire Family”

“Fun For The Entire Family”
508points

When it comes to describing their past, people tend to exaggerate. For example, parents who grew up in the 1980s and 1990s lie about their youth to make them seem cooler. 

Research shows the most common fibs are that they were punks or goths or went to Glastonbury Festival or Ibiza before they became "too commercial."

They also claim to have been part of anti-Government protests or have been present at key sporting events.

#3 Startled Bystander At The Annual Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade, 1994

Startled Bystander At The Annual Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade, 1994
477points

#4 Prince Roller Skating On His Tennis Court At Home. Photo By Jeff Katz, 1989

Prince Roller Skating On His Tennis Court At Home. Photo By Jeff Katz, 1989
421points

#5 Mister Merry’s Play Lighter

Mister Merry’s Play Lighter
419points

A survey of 2,000 British adults revealed 73 percent have lied about their pasts, with 30 percent doing so just to impress the younger generations.

Attending Live Aid, joining a youth sub-culture, and taking part in a political protest top the 1980s lie list.

#6 An Undercover Police Officer On Duty. New York, Brooklyn, 1 July 1969. [855 X 1200]

An Undercover Police Officer On Duty. New York, Brooklyn, 1 July 1969. [855 X 1200]
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415points

#7 Lester Walker's Turniture II, 1970

Lester Walker's Turniture II, 1970
415points

#8 A Striking Beauty, Postcard From Around 1908

A Striking Beauty, Postcard From Around 1908
379points

#9 Braniff Airlines Stewardess Uniforms, 1969

Braniff Airlines Stewardess Uniforms, 1969
364points

Trips to Glastonbury or Ibiza, YBA art exhibitions, and edgy haircuts are most commonly lied about for those who grew up in the 1990s.

More than half of the people surveyed (57 percent) admit they weren't as cool as they make out, while some parents say they can't actually remember what they got up to.

#10 Hair Done By Phillip Mason, 1965. Photo By Richard Blinkoff

Hair Done By Phillip Mason, 1965. Photo By Richard Blinkoff
344points

#11 Asbestos Shoveling Competition

Asbestos Shoveling Competition
Report
340points

#12 This Ad In A 1968 Life Magazine

This Ad In A 1968 Life Magazine
332points

#13 Famous Architects Dressed As Their Buildings At An Architect Ball, 1931 (Names/Buildings In Comments)

Famous Architects Dressed As Their Buildings At An Architect Ball, 1931 (Names/Buildings In Comments)
321points

Interestingly, nearly a quarter admitted it was easier to lie before life was documented by social media and camera phones, but a fifth believed people would still try. 

#14 "Baby Cages" Were Window-Mounted Playpens That Were Once Used For Apartments To Ensure Babies Get Fresh Air, 1937

"Baby Cages" Were Window-Mounted Playpens That Were Once Used For Apartments To Ensure Babies Get Fresh Air, 1937
318points

#15 Children Car Seats In The 1940s

Children Car Seats In The 1940s
314points

#16 Gay Bob -- The World's First Gay Doll For Everyone!

Gay Bob -- The World's First Gay Doll For Everyone!
311points

#17 Burger King Am Radio With Burger Headphones. These Were Produced Exclusively For Radio Shack In 1983

Burger King Am Radio With Burger Headphones. These Were Produced Exclusively For Radio Shack In 1983
310points

However, one in two people revealed that at some point they were still caught out when telling a made-up or exaggerated story about the past. Which makes you wonder, could it have been someone who was featured on this subreddit?

#18 Pure Luxury

Pure Luxury
297points

#19 Rain Goggles For Racing Car Driver. In An Open Car, The Fan Would Start Moving At About 15 Miles Per Hour, Putting The Tiny Wipers In Motion And Clearing The Water From The Lenses. England, 1930s

Rain Goggles For Racing Car Driver. In An Open Car, The Fan Would Start Moving At About 15 Miles Per Hour, Putting The Tiny Wipers In Motion And Clearing The Water From The Lenses. England, 1930s
294points

#20 Ladies, Dr. Swift Is Here To Massage Away Your Troubles From Neck To Knee (1850s)

Ladies, Dr. Swift Is Here To Massage Away Your Troubles From Neck To Knee (1850s)
292points
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