These Vintage Ads Were Once Socially Acceptable – But Now They’re A Bit Disturbing

Crack open a magazine or unfurl your morning paper, and what do you expect to find? Ads! Lots of companies trying to get you to buy their stuff. If you happened across an old newspaper, though, you probably wouldn’t be uplifted or tantalized by how brands shilled their goods – more patronized or offended. Prepare to be shocked as you check out these 50 unbelievable – but totally real – vintage ads.

50. I’ll enlist as a lady, thanks

The artist’s signature on this painting reveals that they completed the artwork during World War I. And it was a clearly different time – you know, the era in which women couldn’t serve their country. Though as it turns out, ladies have all the strength and intelligence required of a naval officer. Too bad for the men-only troops of WWI!

49. Bald and bizarre

Now, this is quite the sales pitch! Apparently, you should buy a hairdryer even if you don’t have a single strand atop your head. We wouldn’t see such an ad today because, well, it makes no sense. Plus, it seems to poke fun at those sans hair. And now we know better – being bald is no less beautiful than having a voluminous mane.

48. Beer-y goodness

There’s nothing like that first beer of the day. No one would argue, though, that a pint of Guinness “[does] you good” or “gives you power.” And yet this 1968 ad – which circulated after the company built an outpost in Sierra Leone – claims that the stout can improve drinkers’ health. Huh.

47. Stay skinny and never stop cleaning

Wow, you can be the perfect housewife just by eating the right cereal?! And it gets even better – by which we actually mean worse. You’d have enough energy to do all of your housework but not so much that you’d gain weight. Absolutely charming.