20 Things That Terrified Kids In The 1960s
By Sophia Maddox | January 29, 2024
Quicksand
As the 1960s unfolded, life transitioned from black and white to a myriad of shades of gray, introducing a new era of uncertainty and complexity. In this gallery, we explore some of the things that terrified young people during this transformative period. From the looming specter of World War III and the eerie tales of mummies to the heart-pounding fear of quicksand and the rebellious allure of rock 'n' roll, we delve into the fears that shaped the imaginations of youth in the 1960s. Join us on this journey through the fears of a bygone era and discover how they reflect the evolving landscape of a generation.
Let's step back in time and explore the fears that once haunted the hearts of young people in the 1960s. Continue reading to uncover the stories behind these fears and the unique experiences that defined this tumultuous decade.
In the 1960s, the fear of quicksand among children was largely fueled by Hollywood's portrayal of this natural phenomenon. Quicksand became a recurring element in movies of that era, appearing in nearly 3% of all films made during that time. This trend gained momentum in 1960, with notable instances of quicksand featured in popular films like Disney's "Swiss Family Robinson" and the sci-fi production "12 to the Moon." However, the most iconic quicksand moment in cinematic history occurred in the 1962 epic "Lawrence of Arabia." Directed by David Lean and acclaimed as one of the greatest films ever made, this movie, which won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, included a scene where a major character meets his demise after being drawn into a vortex of quicksand. As a result, children of the 1960s often found themselves contemplating elaborate escape plans in case they ever encountered this perceived "death pit" while out on everyday adventures.
The Draft
During the 1960s, the fear of the draft weighed heavily on many American children, even those who were not of the age to be eligible for military service. This apprehension was largely fueled by the ongoing Vietnam War and the possibility that as they grew older, they might face conscription into the armed forces. The draft was a constant presence in the news, and with the conflict escalating, young people were acutely aware of the consequences of reaching draft-eligible age. The fear of being drafted into a highly controversial and deadly war created a pervasive sense of uncertainty and anxiety among children, as they grappled with the unsettling idea that their future might include military service and the potential dangers it entailed.
Communism
During the 1960s, many children in the United States grew up with a heightened fear of Communism and Communists due to the prevailing Cold War climate. This era was marked by intense political tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union, both superpowers vying for global influence. The constant threat of nuclear war and the spread of Communist ideology instilled a sense of anxiety among young people. Additionally, events such as the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 brought the world to the brink of nuclear conflict, further fueling these fears. The Red Scare, McCarthyism, and anti-Communist propaganda also played a role in shaping children's perceptions of Communism as a menacing and potentially subversive force. Consequently, kids in the 1960s often viewed Communism and Communists with apprehension and fear, as they were seen as a threat to the values and way of life they held dear in the United States.
Nuclear War
Source: USA Social Condition
Children growing up in the 1960s lived in an era overshadowed by the fear of nuclear war and the looming threat of World War III. The Cold War rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union had reached its peak, and the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 had brought the world dangerously close to nuclear conflict. Schools conducted drills, teaching kids to hide under their desks or seek shelter in the event of an attack, fostering a pervasive sense of vulnerability. Television broadcasts, news reports, and images of mushroom clouds served as constant reminders of the destructive power of nuclear weapons. The widespread belief that a global conflict could erupt at any moment instilled a deep-seated fear among children, who grappled with the terrifying prospect of a world engulfed in nuclear devastation. This fear of nuclear war and the specter of World War III profoundly influenced the collective psyche of young people during that tumultuous decade.
The Universal Monsters
In the 1960s, classic monsters like Dracula, Frankenstein's Monster, and the Wolfman continued to strike fear in the hearts of some children while captivating others. This resurgence of interest in the Universal Monsters was fueled by the availability of model kit toys and reruns of their iconic movies on television. While these monster kits and TV broadcasts inspired a significant portion of children to develop an exciting fascination with these legendary creatures, they simultaneously evoked fear and trepidation in others. The eerie and suspenseful tales of vampires, reanimated corpses, and shape-shifting creatures were powerful enough to ignite the imagination of young viewers, sparking a mix of both excitement and fear among children who encountered these classic monsters during the 1960s.
Juvenile Delinquents
In the 1960s, the fear of juvenile delinquency among children stemmed from the portrayal of rebellious youth in popular films such as "The Wild One," "Blackboard Jungle," and "Rebel Without a Cause." These movies depicted a world where juvenile delinquents ran rampant, challenging authority and engaging in reckless behavior. Although these films were meant to serve as cautionary tales, they had a profound impact on young viewers who might not have fully grasped the intention behind them. To kids who were unfamiliar with the filmmaking motives, these movies presented a frightening image of what could happen if they were to defy authority or engage in rebellious behavior. As a result, the fear of juvenile delinquency became a prevalent concern among children in the 1960s, driven by the cinematic portrayal of the consequences of going against societal norms and authority figures.
Polio
In the 1960s, children had a deep-seated fear of polio, a crippling and potentially deadly disease that had plagued generations. The specter of polio loomed large as outbreaks of the virus were still occurring, causing panic and anxiety among parents and young people alike. The disease's unpredictable nature and the inability to prevent its onset fueled widespread fear. Children often saw their peers or family members affected by polio, experiencing the devastating consequences of muscle weakness and paralysis. Public health campaigns and images of children in iron lungs further intensified the dread associated with polio.
Zombies
In the 1960s, a fear of zombies gripped many children, primarily influenced by the groundbreaking film "Night of the Living Dead." Directed by George A. Romero and released in 1968, this film portrayed a horrifying world overrun by reanimated corpses. Despite being a work of fiction, it deeply unsettled audiences, including young viewers. The concept of the dead coming back to life and relentlessly pursuing the living tapped into primal fears of mortality and the unknown. The graphic and shocking imagery presented in the movie left a lasting impression on children, who couldn't help but be frightened by the prospect of encountering such nightmarish creatures. "Night of the Living Dead" played a significant role in shaping an irrational fear of zombies among 1960s children, making them wary of the dark and what might lurk there.
Spies
In the 1960s, the fear of spies and espionage was prevalent among children due to the heightened tensions of the Cold War era. The ongoing rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union fueled a pervasive atmosphere of suspicion and secrecy. Spy novels, films, and television series like James Bond and "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." portrayed thrilling but often treacherous espionage adventures. These depictions showcased the clandestine world of spies, filled with double agents, covert operations, and international intrigue. The fear of espionage, instilled by media and real-world events such as the Cuban Missile Crisis, made children wary of the unknown and contributed to a sense of insecurity about the world around them.
The Kennedy Assassination/Assassinations In General
In the 1960s, children were deeply affected by the fear of assassinations, particularly in the wake of two tragic and high-profile events: the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963 and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968. These shocking and public acts of violence had a profound impact on the nation's psyche and were widely covered in the media. Children witnessed the aftermath and understood the significance of these events, which raised concerns about safety and the stability of society. The idea that influential figures could be targeted and killed instilled a sense of vulnerability and fear among young people, who grappled with the unsettling reality that even leaders who advocated for positive change could become victims of violence.
Lava
In the 1960s, the fear of lava among children stemmed from both real-world volcanic eruptions and their portrayal in popular media. During this era, volcanic eruptions were widely covered in the news, and vivid images of molten lava engulfing landscapes left a lasting impression. The destructive power of volcanic activity, with lava flows capable of destroying entire communities, became a source of fascination and fear. Additionally, Hollywood often featured volcanic eruptions in disaster movies, such as "Krakatoa, East of Java" in 1969, further amplifying the dread associated with lava. The idea of being near or engulfed by molten rock tapped into primal fears of a fiery and unstoppable force of nature, making the fear of lava a prominent concern among children in the 1960s.
The Works of Edgar Allen Poe
American International Pictures
In the 1960s, the works of Edgar Allan Poe often invoked fear in children, primarily due to the cinematic adaptations of his stories, particularly those directed by Roger Corman. Corman's series of Poe-inspired films, known for their gothic and macabre atmosphere, brought Poe's tales to life with a vivid and eerie intensity. Movies like "The Pit and the Pendulum," "The Masque of the Red Death," and "The Fall of the House of Usher" featured dark and foreboding settings, supernatural occurrences, and themes of madness and death. These cinematic interpretations, combined with Corman's penchant for creating unsettling visuals, left a strong impact on young viewers.
Tetanus
In the 1960s, children had a palpable fear of tetanus, a potentially deadly bacterial infection often associated with wounds and injuries. The threat of tetanus was amplified by a lack of widespread vaccination, as the tetanus vaccine became routine only in later years. Kids were often exposed to stories and cautionary tales about individuals contracting tetanus from minor cuts or puncture wounds, which could lead to severe muscle stiffness, spasms, and even death if left untreated. These frightening narratives of tetanus cases, along with the general lack of information and preventive measures, contributed to a sense of unease and apprehension among children who were acutely aware of the dangers associated with injuries and the potential onset of this debilitating disease.
Automatons
In the 1960s, children often harbored fears of robots and automatons, influenced by the era's science fiction literature, films, and television shows. The depiction of robots as emotionless, sentient beings capable of turning against their human creators was a recurring theme in popular media. Classic science fiction stories like Isaac Asimov's "I, Robot" and movies like "The Day the Earth Stood Still" portrayed robots as both marvels of technology and potential threats to humanity. This portrayal instilled in young minds a sense of unease about the rapidly advancing field of automation and robotics, raising questions about the ethical and existential implications of creating intelligent machines. These fears were further fueled by the Cold War climate, where the race for technological superiority also fueled anxieties about the potential misuse of advanced technology, including robots.
Outer Space
The notion of venturing beyond Earth's atmosphere was both thrilling and terrifying for children. The uncertainty of the cosmos, with its vast and unknown expanses, sparked apprehension about the dangers that astronauts might encounter. The fear of running out of oxygen or being stranded in the void of space was palpable, as space missions carried real risks and challenges. News of early space missions and the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union often highlighted the perilous nature of space travel, making it a source of anxiety for young people who contemplated the perils of venturing into the unknown reaches of the universe.
Police Brutality
The civil rights movement was in full swing, and protests against racial discrimination and police brutality were gaining momentum. Children often witnessed or heard about clashes between law enforcement and civil rights activists on the news. These incidents, along with the prevalence of racial tension and the use of force during demonstrations, left a lasting impression on young minds. Additionally, the era's countercultural movements, such as anti-war protests and anti-establishment sentiments, led some children to view the police as representatives of authority figures they were rebelling against. The fear of being caught up in conflicts, along with concerns about unjust treatment by law enforcement, contributed to a sense of apprehension among young people regarding the police during the 1960s.
Mummies
The '60s were rotten with mummies thanks to a resurgence of interest in classic horror, with Universal Studios re-releasing their iconic monster movies, including mummy-themed films like "The Mummy's Hand." Horror comics like "Tales from the Crypt" and "The Haunt of Fear" were also popular during this period, often featuring chilling mummy stories. Moreover, there was a growing fascination with Egypt and its ancient history, fueled by events like the discovery of King Tutankhamun's tomb. However, this fascination also led to a sense of mystery and fear surrounding mummies, as they were often depicted as reanimated corpses seeking vengeance in popular culture.
Science Gone Wrong
During the 1960s, the fear of science gone wrong and the concept of mad science haunted the imagination of many children. The decade witnessed significant advancements in science and technology, including the exploration of space and the development of nuclear energy. However, these achievements also fueled concerns about the unintended consequences of scientific experimentation. The era's science fiction literature and films often depicted scientists tampering with the natural order, creating monstrous creatures or unleashing catastrophic events. Iconic works like Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" and films like "The Fly" showcased the dangers of unchecked scientific ambition.
The Killer in the Backseat
In the 1960s, children often harbored a fear of urban legends, with one of the most notorious being the story of the killer in the backseat. This chilling tale warned of an unsuspecting driver with a malevolent stalker lurking in the backseat of their car, waiting to strike when they least expected it. The fear stemmed from the story's plausibility and the potential for it to happen to anyone. The narrative often involved a sinister twist, such as a helpful stranger alerting the driver to the danger just in the nick of time. This urban legend played on the fear of vulnerability and the idea that danger could be lurking in everyday situations, leaving children wary and anxious about their surroundings and the people they encountered while traveling.
Rock N' Roll
Parents and societal norms often viewed rock music and its associated lifestyle as a threat to traditional values. The music was considered controversial due to its loud and electrifying sound, with lyrics that sometimes challenged social norms and authority. The rock 'n' roll culture, characterized by youth rebellion, non-conformity, and the embrace of countercultural ideals, led parents to caution their children against it. The fear of rock 'n' roll stemmed from concerns that it could potentially lead young people astray, promoting a lifestyle of excess and defiance. While many children were drawn to the excitement of rock 'n' roll, they also faced the apprehension of being seen as rebellious or straying from the values upheld by their parents' generation.
