Nostalgic Nightmares: Remembering Childhood Fears of the 1970s
By Sophia Maddox | March 31, 2024
Stranger Danger
Ladies and gentlemen, step into our time machine, because we're taking a groovy journey back to the 1970s, a decade filled with bell bottoms, disco fever, and some downright peculiar fears! Join us as we uncover the quirkiest, spookiest, and downright bizarre things that sent shivers down the spines of people in the '70s.
From the infamous Red M&Ms that mysteriously vanished to the hair-raising tales of devilish encounters and flammable Halloween costumes, this collection of retro fears will have you chuckling and reminiscing about the good old days. So, what are you waiting for? Keep reading, and let's explore the fascinating anxieties of the 1970s!
Stranger danger, a term that became a buzzword in the 1970s, left people wary of those they didn't know. So, why did the '70s see this surge in apprehension towards strangers? Well, it was a time when various high-profile cases of child abductions and crimes against children were making headlines. Stories like the disappearance of Etan Patz and the crimes of serial killers like John Wayne Gacy and Ted Bundy created an atmosphere of fear and suspicion.
Parents, in particular, were urged to educate their children about the dangers of talking to strangers and to take extra precautions to keep them safe. This collective anxiety gave rise to public service announcements, educational programs, and a cultural shift towards caution when it came to interacting with unfamiliar faces.
Evil Hippies
Why were folks in the 1970s spooked by far-out hippies? It all goes back to the late 1960s when the notorious Charles Manson and his gang of followers committed some heinous crimes. These shocking and brutal acts rocked the nation, and many of those involved were initially associated with the hippie counterculture.
The Manson family's crimes shifted the perception of hippies from peace-loving flower children to potential agents of chaos and violence. It made people question if that peace sign was just a facade and whether those long-haired, free-spirited folks might be harboring some dark intentions.
LSD
Let's dive into why the 1970s had folks feeling a little jittery about LSD and other psychedelic substances. You see, the '60s were all about the mind-expanding experience, with icons like Timothy Leary urging everyone to "turn on, tune in, drop out." However, by the '70s, there was a growing concern about the potential dangers of these mind-bending substances. High-profile incidents of bad trips, accidents, and even some tragic deaths linked to LSD sent shockwaves through society. The fear of losing control or having a trip go horribly wrong became a significant worry. Add in some sensationalized media stories, and you've got a recipe for psychedelic panic. So, while the '60s were all about exploring new horizons, the '70s saw a shift towards caution and skepticism when it came to these trippy substances.
The Devil
In the 1970s, the fear of the Devil was off the charts, and it's no surprise why! The decade gifted us cinematic classics like "The Exorcist," "The Omen," and the late '60s gave us "Rosemary's Baby," which showcased the absolute terror that the Prince of Darkness could unleash.
These films depicted possessed children, sinister cults, and demonic forces that could possess anyone, anywhere. Their impact on the '70s psyche was undeniable, and suddenly, Satan wasn't just a theological concept but a tangible presence lurking in the shadows. This cinematic trifecta fueled a wave of satanic panic and religious fervor, with people believing that dark forces were at play in their everyday lives. The '70s became a time when fear of the Devil wasn't just reserved for Sunday sermons but was a chilling, real-life concern.
Piranhas
Piranhas, those notorious tiny terrors of the Amazon, made a splash in the 1970s like never before. What sparked their sudden notoriety? Well, it all started with the release of the cult classic movie "Piranha" in 1978, directed by Joe Dante and produced by none other than Roger Corman. This B-movie gem brought the lurking horror of piranhas to the forefront of pop culture. With their razor-sharp teeth and insatiable appetite for flesh, these underwater villains struck fear into the hearts of moviegoers. The film's success spawned a slew of imitators and rip-offs, capitalizing on the public's newfound fascination with these ferocious fish. From posters to toys, piranhas were everywhere, creating a feeding frenzy of fear and fascination. So, thanks to the power of cinema, these scary little fish suddenly became the stuff of nightmares for many in the groovy '70s.
The Bermuda Triangle
The Bermuda Triangle, a small section of ocean off the southeastern coast of the United States, became utterly terrifying in the 1970s thanks to a perfect storm of factors. It all started with best-selling books like Charles Berlitz's "The Bermuda Triangle" and Vincent Gaddis' "Invisible Horizons," which popularized the idea that this stretch of sea was cursed. These books were laced with eerie tales of disappearing ships and aircraft, and they captured the public's imagination. Add in a few high-profile disappearances, such as Flight 19 and the USS Cyclops, and you've got a full-blown mystery on your hands.
Television specials and documentaries further fueled the frenzy, making the Bermuda Triangle a household name.
Escalators
Escalators, those functional marvels of modern transportation, oddly became a source of fear in the 1970s. The reason? Well, it all started with a few highly publicized accidents. News reports and sensationalist media stories highlighted instances of escalator mishaps, often involving children getting their clothing or body parts trapped in the moving steps. These incidents sparked widespread anxiety about the safety of these everyday contraptions. As a result, people began to view escalators as potential deathtraps, leading to a collective escalaphobia. This fear prompted calls for improved safety regulations and better maintenance practices, eventually leading to design improvements and safety measures. So, in the '70s, escalators went from being a convenient way to get from one floor to another to a source of anxiety and caution, reminding us all to watch our step.
The Chip Pan
In the 1970s, chip pans became the unlikely source of culinary nightmares for many households. These deep-sided cooking pans were the go-to choice for frying up some crispy chips, but their notoriety stemmed from a darker side. You see, chip pans were responsible for a staggering number of house fires in the United Kingdom during that era. With around 12,000 chip pan fires annually, resulting in over 4,600 injuries and 50 tragic deaths, they were a major safety hazard. British Fire Brigades were frequently issuing warnings, urging folks to ditch these fiery menaces and opt for safer cooking methods. The numbers spoke for themselves, making chip pans the stuff of kitchen nightmares and sparking a switch to safer means of frying those beloved chips. So, in the '70s, the fear of chip pans was justified, reminding us all that safety should never take a back seat in the kitchen.
Lawn Darts
Lawn darts, those thrilling yet spine-tingling outdoor games, captured the hearts of many in the 1970s. But why were these seemingly innocent lawn games also a source of terror? The answer lies in their unexpected danger. Lawn darts, with their weighted metal tips, proved to be a perilous combination when not used with caution. Accidents and injuries abounded, particularly involving kids who didn't fully grasp the risks.
The pointy projectiles could easily become dangerous weapons if they veered off course or were thrown with excessive force. This led to numerous accidents, including head injuries and puncture wounds, which resulted in a growing fear of these once-popular backyard amusements. Eventually, the real hazards became evident, leading to bans and safety recalls that marked the end of the lawn dart craze.
Mercurochrome
Mercurochrome, that vivid red antiseptic solution, was indeed a frustrating and somewhat horrifying prospect in the 1970s. Why? Well, despite its popularity as a wound disinfectant, it contained mercury, a toxic heavy metal. This raised significant concerns about its safety, especially when applied to open cuts and scrapes. Worries about mercury poisoning and potential harm led to a wave of anxiety among parents and health-conscious individuals.
The fact that it left a long-lasting red stain on the skin didn't help matters either. As awareness grew about the dangers of mercury exposure, mercurochrome's reputation took a nosedive, eventually leading to its decline and eventual ban in many countries.
The Oil Crisis
The 1970s oil crisis all kicked off when a handful of nations, led by Arab nations through OPEC, got real miffed about America and a few others supporting Israel in the Yom Kippur War. In a crushing move they quadrupled oil prices practically overnight. That's right, quadrupled! This sent shockwaves through the American way of life. Gas stations ran dry, with 20% of them completely sold out in 1974.
Government-enforced rationing became a reality, where your license plate determined when you could fuel up, leading to incidents of violence and sheer panic. Truckers, who rely on fuel to make a living, weren't too thrilled either and went on strike. Suddenly, gas-guzzling cars were out, and economy cars were in. The speed limit was reduced to a dreaded 55 mph, earning the nickname "double nickel" among truckers. And just when folks were starting to adapt, 1979 rolled in with the infamous Ayatollah Khomeini causing a whole new wave of panic by reducing oil production in Iran.
Cue hours-long gas lines, soaring prices, and an ever-present belief that this whole crisis was just a hoax cooked up by the oil companies. Tensions were at an all-time high, and the 1970s became a time of significant change, not just in American car culture but in the way we all lived our lives.
Nuclear Annihilation
The 1970s were an era of palpable fear when it came to the looming specter of nuclear annihilation. Even though we associate the iconic image of kids sheltering under school desks with the 1950s and 1960s, the Cold War was far from over. In fact, it was still going strong well into the '70s and even stretched into the '80s.
What fueled this enduring fear? Well, it was the relentless advancement of nuclear capabilities. Some argued that the world was teetering on the precipice of mutually assured destruction like never before. The United States and the Soviet Union were locked in a frenzied arms race, amassing enough nuclear firepower to obliterate humanity many times over. This perilous balance of power, coupled with the ever-present threat of nuclear conflict, left people living in a state of perpetual anxiety.
The Financial Crisis
In the 1970s America found itself unable to foot its bills, and President Richard Nixon took a cue from Europe, ditching the gold standard. The result? Inflation went through the roof. Post-World War II, the United States had basked in unparalleled prosperity, boasting low unemployment, manageable debt, and a quality of life that turned heads worldwide. But fast-forward to the '70s, and that economic Utopia had all but vanished. Tied intrinsically to the oil crisis, the era saw the stock market crash of 1973-74, bringing with it a whopping 9% unemployment rate.
It might not have been as catastrophic as the Great Depression, or as recent as the 2008 Recession, but for a generation that had experienced the post-WWII boom, the fall was a tough pill to swallow. Boomers who had grown up in the Land of Plenty suddenly found themselves in a much harsher economic climate. The '70s financial crisis was a stark reminder that even economic giants could stumble, leaving many with a sense of insecurity and fear about their financial future.
Having Your Plane Hijacked
The 1970s may as well have been a parallel universe era as opposed to a different decade when it comes to air travel. There was absolutely zero airport security until 1972, a far cry from today's rigorous checks. Back then, airport workers simply checked your bags, and that was it. To put things in perspective, between 1958 and 1967, there were only 48 hijackings (which is still a lot!). From 1968 to 1977 the numbers skyrocketed to a staggering 414 hijackings. There were moments when not one, not two, but four planes were hijacked simultaneously!
Boarding a plane in the '70s meant there was a real chance you'd end up on a Soviet island or held hostage for an unforeseeable amount of time. It was a time when setting concrete plans after a flight was a risky proposition.
The Vietnam War
The Vietnam War cast a long and haunting shadow over the 1970s. It was an era marked by widespread fear and anxiety, as the war in Southeast Asia raged on. Americans were deeply concerned about the toll it was taking on their loved ones who were drafted to serve, or who had volunteered to fight in a distant and seemingly endless conflict. The daily news broadcasts, filled with grim reports of casualties and protests, added to the collective unease. The anti-war movement was in full swing, and public sentiment against the war was strong. The fear of the Vietnam War wasn't just about the physical dangers faced by soldiers but also the emotional and societal wounds inflicted on a nation deeply divided by the conflict. The scars of this tumultuous period left a profound impact on the American psyche, making the 1970s a decade marked by a pervasive fear of the war and its consequences.
Crime
The 1970s saw a staggering rise in crime numbers that struck fear into the hearts of many. No matter how you crunched the numbers, crime during this tumultuous decade was undeniably higher than in previous years. For instance, forcible rapes in 1960 numbered 17,190, but that figure skyrocketed to a chilling 37,990 by 1970.
While population growth played a role, particularly in the age range where most rapes occurred, it didn't negate the alarming increase. Life suddenly felt a whole lot less safe, and the surge wasn't limited to just one type of crime. The '70s also witnessed a disturbing rise in serial killers, with 119 emerging during the decade compared to a mere 19 in the 1960s.
Telekinesis
Telekinesis became the stuff of spine-tingling fear in the 1970s, thanks to its pervasive presence in pop culture. This mind-bending phenomenon infiltrated the era's entertainment, from the eerie tales spun by Stephen King like "Carrie," to the suspenseful adventures of "Escape From Witch Mountain." And who could forget the NBC made-for-TV movie "The Spell," which only fueled the telekinetic frenzy?
These works brought the power to move objects with one's mind into the mainstream consciousness. While it was captivating on screen and in books, it also left many folks wondering if such abilities could exist in real life.
Swimming
Swimming in the 1970s came with a generous side of fear, and it's all thanks to one colossal cinematic predator: "Jaws." This Spielbergian masterpiece took the silver screen by storm in 1975, transforming the serene ocean into a realm of sheer terror.
The image of that menacing great white shark, coupled with John Williams' iconic "duh-nuh, duh-nuh" score, seared itself into the collective psyche. Suddenly, the mere thought of dipping a toe into the water sent shivers down spines across the globe. "Jaws" turned every beach visit into a nerve-wracking affair, and for many, the fear of being chomped by a lurking shark became all too real.
Highly Flammable Halloween Costumes
Halloween costumes in the 1970s came with an unexpected fright: the risk of being a human torch. In 1971, the F.D.A. delivered a chilling warning to parents, urging them to inspect their kids' costumes meticulously to ensure they weren't made from dangerously flammable materials. The culprit? Some youngsters, perhaps a bit too enthusiastic about getting close to those fiery jack-o'-lanterns on the front porches, inadvertently turned their costumes into potential fire hazards. It was such a prevalent issue that the standards for costume manufacturing were swiftly updated the following July to prevent the creation of costumes that could easily ignite.
Red M&Ms
The 1970s marked a peculiar and somewhat amusing fear - the dreaded red M&Ms! In 1976, M&M's straight-up ceased production of the red ones, leaving candy lovers perplexed. The reason? It all goes back to the 1950s when Red Dye No. 2 in candy had caused enough kids to fall ill that it set off a major scare. However, at the time, they brushed off concerned parents, insisting that Red Dye No. 2 wasn't to blame for the health issues. Fast forward to the 1970s, and it turned out they were wrong all along.
Red Dye No. 2 had become a prevalent ingredient, found in a whopping $10 billion worth of food products in 1970. After numerous studies confirmed its poisonous nature, the FDA decided to ban its use, leading to the disappearance of red M&Ms, despite the fact that M&M's didn't even use that particular dye.
