It’s profoundly disheartening and frankly absurd that we still fight the same battles we did in the 1960s. That era was marked by profound movements that reshaped society: the Civil Rights movement, the Stonewall riots, the Women’s Liberation movement, anti-war demonstrations, environmental advocacy, the Red Power and Chicano movements, not to mention the cultural awakening of the Summer of Love.
Yet, we still grapple with fundamental questions: Do Black lives truly matter? Do gay and trans individuals deserve equal protection under the law? Do women have the right to control their bodies? And do shareholder profits and military dominance outweigh the preservation of life on this planet?
Incredibly, we made it through childhood in the 1960s!
Back then, kids were often exposed to secondhand smoke, allowed to roam freely in the streets, and sugar was a staple in almost everything. Everyday hazards were just part of life. Looking at the more attentive and protective parenting style today, it’s surprising to think about what was once considered ‘normal’ for kids in the ’60s. I was born in 1953, a part of the Baby Boomer generation, and grew up during the 1960s.
Today, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on what life was like back then and how much things have changed regarding what was considered ‘normal’ for kids and parenting compared to today.
I have to say, I’m proud to be a Baby Boomer. In those days, kids weren’t pampered, and therapy wasn’t familiar.
We had to learn to navigate life independently, finding our way. And honestly, I’m grateful for that experience. It taught me a lot about independence, resilience, and how to thrive, even when life got tough. From an early age, I learned to accept myself, regardless of whether the world did.
That doesn’t mean kids today don’t face their challenges—they do, just different ones. Each generation has its strengths and struggles, and I believe we are born into the generation that best prepares us for our unique journeys. Growing up when I did helped me become adaptable, resilient, and open to change. In the past three years, I’ve noticed many online articles criticizing Baby Boomers.
I even came across a social media thread in which someone suggested that the world would be better off if all Baby Boomers just disappeared, blaming them for the country’s issues. Once the Boomers were gone, everything would supposedly improve.
I respectfully disagree; however, everyone is entitled to their perspective.
Here are a few of my memories with some history tied in:
Chewing Sweet Bubble Gum:
Bazooka is a classic American bubble gum brand that debuted in 1947. When I was a kid, I used to chew Bazooka bubble gum, which cost just a penny per piece. With today’s inflation, you’d need to take out a personal loan to afford it, as the price might skyrocket to $45 per piece someday. Bazooka bubble gum was introduced in the U.S. shortly after World War II by the Topps Company, based in Brooklyn, New York. The gum likely got its name from the U.S. Army’s rocket-propelled weapon used during the war, which was, in turn, named after a type of musical instrument.
Drinking From Garden Hoses:
Back then, simple joys included drinking cool water from a garden hose on a hot summer day. Of course, that was when products were still made from materials that, as we later learned, could potentially cause cancer. Nowadays, if someone catches you drinking from a garden hose, you’d think they saw you smoking a dozen cigarettes at once. You get a similar reaction if you dare pour yourself a tap water. Sipping water straight from the garden hose was a summer staple as a kid. I remember it having a strange taste, like a mix of plastic and metal. It didn’t do me any harm—I’m still here!
Hitchhiking:
From the Great Depression through the mid-1970s, hitchhiking was familiar on American roads. Service members, adventurers, students, and teenagers embraced the open road, seeking freedom and the romance of travel. Activists, feminists, and hippies involved in civil rights and antiwar movements saw “thumb tripping” as a form of liberation, embodying the counterculture’s defiance of traditional norms. However, the once-common sight of youthful travelers pursuing the spirit had mainly disappeared when Ronald Reagan, who had once been a hitchhiker himself, became president. The sympathetic portrayal of hitchhiking in the media and support for it in state legislatures followed them. Attitudes toward hitchhikers evolved in line with broader economic, cultural, and political changes, offering a glimpse into America’s transformation during the decline of liberalism and the emergence of the Reagan Era. Can you even imagine hitchhiking these days? I hitchhiked a lot, and even from California to Woodstock. I was never wary of getting into a stranger’s car. LOL!
No Childproofing Back Then:
Childproofing, also known as babyproofing, involves making an environment or object safe for children by reducing risks to an acceptable level, as determined by society, institutions, or individual parents. This can mean restricting children to secure areas or preventing them from accessing dangerous ones. Childproofing has gained more prominence with increased awareness about child safety and a more comprehensive range of products available. It’s become so crucial that hotels and family-friendly resorts now offer “child-proof” rooms for added peace of mind. I remember riding my bike barefoot in the rain as a kid. Things are different for kids today. When I was a kid, childproofing wasn’t a thing. Childproofing often just meant putting a kid in a playpen. In the U.S., childproof safety caps didn’t even exist until 1972. Despite the lack of safety measures, my siblings and I avoided severe accidents around the house.
No Sunscreen – Baby Oil and Iodine:
In the U.S., especially in California, a deep, golden tan symbolized beauty, health, and a laid-back lifestyle. Over 40 years ago, a mix of baby oil and iodine was popular for achieving that coveted bronze look. However, this once-common practice has since raised significant health concerns for the Baby Boomers who indulged in it. During the mid-20th century, the combination of baby oil and iodine became a popular makeshift tanning oil. Baby oil, a mineral with added fragrance, was known for its moisturizing properties. In contrast, iodine, a non-metallic mineral essential for human health, was believed to speed up the tanning process by increasing the skin’s sensitivity to the sun. I almost hate to admit this, considering how long I had stuck with it; however, I never used to wear sunscreen. For years, I’d skip it entirely. I’ve stopped sunbathing altogether since my melanoma cancer diagnosis in 1989.
Nuns with Rulers:
According to several older Catholics, nuns in Catholic schools often used rulers for discipline. In California, teachers were once allowed to use paddles. While I don’t support corporal punishment, lousy behavior must have consequences. The issue, as shared by friends of mine who are teachers, is that many parents today refuse to support the teacher’s authority. This wasn’t always the case—there was a time when, if a child misbehaved and the parents were notified, they would typically address the issue themselves. I am so happy that I did not attend Catholic school, and yes, the nuns did use wooden rulers to smack knuckles for things like poor handwriting or chewing gum in class. If a nun tried that today, she’d likely face severe consequences and be sent straight to hell on an express elevator!
Smoking Was Everywhere and Encouraged:
If you’ve ever seen Mad Men, you’d notice how almost everyone smoked, closely reflecting reality in the ’50s and ’60s. Back then, smoking was widespread and practically a social norm. My stepmother was a smoker, and I still remember her giving me 35 cents to buy a pack of cigarettes from the grocery store down the road. She’d send a note, and no one ever questioned it. I picked up the habit in high school, mainly to fit in. I wasn’t a heavy smoker and quit after about a year, never really missing it. I know cigarettes are harmful and can leave your clothes smelling awful. Unless you’ve been a smoker, it’s challenging to grasp just how addictive they can be, both psychologically and physically, for some people. My brother George, for instance, started smoking at 15 and continued throughout his life.
Spanking and Discipline:
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines spanking as striking, especially on the buttocks, with an open hand. In contrast, beating is described as striking with repeated blows intended to injure or cause damage, along with the resulting injury or harm. As a Baby Boomer, I can say that the occasional spanking most kids received didn’t leave them traumatized. There’s a big difference between a harsh beating and a quick spanking to correct bad behavior. I vividly recall a time when my former husband spanked our three-year-old daughter, and I was furious. I made sure it never happened again.
Transistor Radio:
Teenagers were thrilled when the transistor radio debuted in 1954, providing a new and exciting way to listen to music. The release of the Regency TR-1, which tuned into AM stations, marked a breakthrough moment. Priced at $50 (over $400 in today’s dollars), it quickly became popular. This innovation also spurred manufacturers to develop more compact devices, including cameras, alarm clocks, and calculators. The widespread success of the smaller, more affordable Sony TR-63, launched in 1957, helped the transistor radio become the most popular electronic communication device throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
Despite its flaws, I’m grateful to have been born in the ’50s and grown up during the ’60s. I take pride in being a Baby Boomer.
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