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We've all heard the saying, 'Old is gold,' but let's be honest—not everything from the past is worth holding onto. From outdated mindsets at work to cringe-worthy beauty hacks, some old habits need to fade away. Especially the ones that create havoc in our modern-day lives.Sparked by a discussion from u/Soren-J, the r/AskReddit community shared their opinions on the most damaging trends from our past. Pandas, let’s take an eye-opening dive into those stubborn trends that might just have you rethinking a few of your own habits!
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#1
Gender reveal parties. One even started a f*****g forest fire but people still think it's cute.
RELATED:
#2
Irresponsibly selective breeding dogs. People want their cute petite dog or their “hard” looking pits while completely disregarding how their genetic deformities gives them a s**t quality of life. A lot of these animals die relatively young and if they miraculously do make it to old age, end up suffering horrendously as their issues become magnified. So much so that most of the a******s that want to have/ breed these animals end up abandoning them or just neglecting them until they’re incapable of powering through their struggles and die.
Lost Panda 2 months ago
Though I loved my Akita, love my Sheltie, the best dogs (health/temper) I ever had were all mutts
Nostalgia is a very strong feeling. It can make us yearn for “the good old days” when life appeared simpler and trends carried a certain charm. However, just because something was popular decades ago doesn’t mean it’s beneficial—or even safe—today.
We find it easy to romanticize the past, especially when we’re bombarded with images of iconic fashion, vintage cars, and classic films. But beneath the surface of these seemingly idyllic times lie trends and behaviors that are better left behind.
#4
Excessive plastic packaging, any plastic packaging.
Manana Man 2 months ago
Plastic packaging has prevented massive amounts of food waste. It also has vastly improved medical safety. Don't just ban things, find alternatives.
#5
I live in Appalachia:
People who are all “zen” and natural and at one with nature will hike to any of our rivers and balance a bunch of rocks which will, I dunno, increase their vibrations or something.
Know what it does? It takes nature and turns it into a big sign that says, “humans were here.” Which defeats the purpose of nature.
Plus, we have critically endangered stream life around here that depends on some of those rocks for their habitat. Rooting around trying to find that perfect flat rock to make your chakra more whatever it needs to be harms the creatures that need the most protection.
Stop balancing rocks into a pile on other rocks in the middle of a river! All it does is make YOU think how amazing and cool and different you are.
Smoking is a prime example. In the mid-20th century, smoking was not only widespread but also seen as something glamorous. In films, actors puffed away on-screen, and cigarette ads promised things like sophistication and health benefits.
Today, we know better: smoking is a leading cause of preventable death worldwide.
#7
Diamonds. Diamond engagement rings only became a thing in the 1920s due to aggressive marketing by the DeBeers diamond cartel. Diamond mining is often done under horrendous conditions, then most of them are locked away to keep the prices high. That $1000 diamond ring is a lie. Diamonds are not actually that rare.
troufaki13 2 months ago
If I ever get proposed to, I want it to be done with a bouquet of kittens!
Another example is workplace safety—or the lack thereof. There was a time when workers in factories and construction sites operated without protective gear.
Helmets, gloves, and respiratory masks were seen as mere options by many people. This resulted in numerous injuries that led to chronic ailments and loss of life, which could otherwise have been avoided.
#10
Giving children (and adults, for that matter) open access to social media. It's utter brain rot at this point.
Lost Panda 2 months ago
It was only good in the beginning when we were still hopeful for the global community it could create. Now it is a cess pool.
#11
Only getting 2 days for the weekend per week. It never feels long enough. I think 3-day weekends should become the norm. The work week should be Monday through Thursday.
4-day weekends are probably too long though. I won't go that far. They should be reserved for occasions.
#12
Men and boys being told boys don't cry, to man up, to suppress their emotions.
Aroace tiger (she/they/he) 2 months ago
I hate it and j hate rhe obvious damage thats been done to my male friends :(
Today’s emphasis on safety gear and regulations isn’t just bureaucratic red tape but an important development that shields workers from harm. Yet, some still cling to the outdated notion that "toughness" is more important than safety.
#13
More of a job specific thing, but literally any tradesman that will argue that modern PPE is unnecessary. I don’t care if your grandpappy used to use a paint sprayer without a respirator, I’m trying to not destroy my lungs. Work smarter, putting yourself into an early grave to make shareholders/your boss happy is moronic.
#14
Giant green lawns that are nothing but non-native turf grass covered in chemical treatments. This year World Migratory Bird Day had the tagline [“No Insects, No Birds”](https://www.birdlife.org/news/2024/05/11/no-insects-no-birds-world-migratory-bird-day-2024/#:~:text=Today%2C%20on%20World%20Migratory%20Bird,migratory%20birds%20across%20vast%20distances) because so many bird populations are declining due to insect population collapse. There’s many reasons behind this, but on a micro level, monoculture lawns are causing whole areas to be basically devoid of insect life. Especially when you pair that with municipal mosquito spraying (kills all the bugs, not just mosquitos) and the lack of native plants anywhere that plants are allowed to exist, like landscaping and parks. The old trend was to have giant lawns to show you were so rich didn’t need to grow food, and now we’ve just had this idea so embedded in our culture that it’s incredibly hard to break out of it.
#15
People thinking that their vote doesn't matter. Too many people.
Child of the Stars 2 months ago
Also thinking that POTUS is the only thing to bother voting for. There's far more important things to vote for than just President. Your vote counts a helluva lot at the state and local levels, plus there's all kinds of things like allocation of tax money. For example, my state has a prop on the ballot this year for Medicaid funds. My school district also has one for allocation of money within the district. Both of those will have a significant impact on the people in my city and state; they're extremely important. By saying "I don't like the Presidential candidates so I'm just not going to vote," you're screwing yourself and your community.
During the 1950s and 1960s, extreme dieting was often presented as the path to beauty. As a result, women felt compelled to starve themselves to fit into tiny waists. This led to a rise in eating disorders, a problem that continues to affect many people today.
While modern movements toward body acceptance are helping to combat these harmful ideals, the ghosts of past beauty standards still linger.
#16
An 8-hr a day, 5 day a week work schedule still being the minimum, expected standard for employees. That’s supposed to be the maximum, as set forth by all the labor laws and guidelines from decades ago, not the bare minimum. COVID reminded and demonstrated just how unnecessary it is, and how detrimental it is to society and worker health overall. Most people can complete their tasks/duties with an adjusted schedule that allowed more time at home, but alas, we cling heavily to tradition and old practices in this area:P.
troufaki13 2 months ago
Also work from home. It became a thing during covid but now (in Greece at least) they're trying to minimize it and go back to the old ways.
#17
Prison industrial complex
People think locking up criminals makes you safer. But more than half of prisoners have untreated trauma and mental illness that is not being addressed in prison and is often made worse. Long term we need a restorative system not punitive if people actually want to be safer. Instead people prefer the illusion of safety, using criminality as a scapegoat.
Meanwhile, solve rates for violent crimes remains exceedingly low.
#18
Giving cats milk. They're lactose intolerant. If you're going to give them milk, make sure it's milk specifically for cats.
#20
Racism.
Peskie Reality 2 months ago
Say what you will, I still think the best race in the world is the Bathurst 1000
#21
Going broke to have an extravagant marriage and spending said money on things that ultimately dont really matter during your wedding.
Im at an age now where people around me start marrying and my bf and I are actively keeping a list of things we missed or need to avoid for our own eventual marriage.
Not all trends from the past are bad, of course. Some, like sustainable living practices, have made a much-needed comeback. In the past, people reused items, conserved resources, and lived more in harmony with nature.
Today, as we face environmental crises, these old practices are proving invaluable. The popularity of farmers’ markets show that not everything from the past should be discarded—sometimes, the old ways are the best ways.
#22
Literally anything that categorizes body types into “trends”.
Alexandra Nara 2 months ago
but how can you sell capitalism if you don't create new shopping trends for body and skintypes. Can't just kill greed with being happy as you are😬😬😬
#23
Private health insurance. We (the United States) pay more for our insurance (like, _double_) for worse outcomes and lowered life expectancies.
Ace 2 months ago
Nothing wrong with private health insurance per se. Here in Switzerland it is mandatory for everyone, but properly regulated to ensure that everyone can afford it, nobody can be denied it and pre-existing conditions are covered and not penalised. The healthcare system here is one of the best in the world, and cost per capita is pretty much in line with other European countries like France and the UK with more socialised systems.
Another positive trend is community living. Decades ago, it was common for neighborhoods to be close-knit, with people relying on one another for support. In recent years, we’ve seen a revival of this sense of community, whether through online groups or local initiatives.
#25
Demonizing certain foods (i.e. carbs, fats, sugar, etc). Moderation seems to be a rarity.
#26
That working out while sick makes you sweat out your sickness but in reality you're prolonging your recovery and potentially getting others sick at the gym too.
#27
Choosing college over trade schools because of the prestige factor.
Igor914624 2 months ago
College graduates looking down on the people in trades. You are not superior to me because you have a degree, you just have a different knowledge base and experience.
As we look back on the past, it’s important to recognize that not all trends are worth reviving. By understanding the impact of past trends, we can make informed choices about which ones to bring into the future—and which ones to leave behind.
For instance, these posts should definitely be left in the past. What do you think? Is there any trend from the past you don’t particularly like?
#28
Smoking.
Going to the office 5 days a week.
Working half a day on Saturdays.
#31
Sun tanning.
Tans are a persistent fad, but the damage is far more lasting than any fad.
People of all colours should wear sunscreen everyday, thank me in 30 years.
#32
Buying pets online/through non-certified breeders.
#33
I have never understood how you can limit people's sick time, or give it in advance, you may get poorly 3 times only in one year. We have sickness policies in the UK to stop people taking the p**s, and as a non NHS nurse I don't get sick pay, but if I'm sick, I'm sick, and I'm going to be off for however long I need to be off. The US system is so bizarre.
Louisa johnson 2 months ago
I have read this week that labour is implementing more workers rights one of which is that if your off sick then you will be getting paid from the first day of sickness. A lot of the papers are up in arms over this saying businesses owners will suffer but workers deserve decency and respect to not be penalised for being sick. I think it's great that workers rights are being protected, especially as the OP said they were a nurse, if anyone deserves to not stress about losing money for illness it's the nurses, teachers frontline workers. They are literally out there holding up society just to be unpaid for the first 4 days off work for sickness.
#34
Feeling like we need to be someone we're not in order to find a partner.
deletemyaccount 2 months ago
We don't need partners. I havent been on a date in 25 years and Ive never been happier.
#35
The lack of paid maternity leave.
What do you think ?
Dolevaal 2 months ago
Small one but still: having small pets in their cages all day long, especially rabbits or guinea pigs. Mostly bc you dont want your stuff to get dirty. Dude no. They need to move, jump around, run and lots of space. Keeping them in their cages all day isnt natural and will make them bored und unhappy. Pets will make your place dirty, atleast to some extend. Clean more often or dont get pets if you mind so much.
Beary Nice 2 months ago (edited)
I was just talking to my sister about this yesterday(not the small pets just pets overall)they need stimulation, exercise and contact,not to be held as an ornament of some kind...her neighbor has a dog that is locked out in the backyard all the time,mine had one that wore a path into their garden from walking in circles,I use to have my own dogs (I trained one to be a sniffer lol)I had to rehome them to someone on an actual farm because I could not provide these things for personal reasons...this is not small at all...this is a big thing
Load More Replies...
WindySwede 2 months ago
Or, he only hits you because he likes you. Or if said this so any kid.. 😵💫
Load More Replies... Dolevaal 2 months ago
Small one but still: having small pets in their cages all day long, especially rabbits or guinea pigs. Mostly bc you dont want your stuff to get dirty. Dude no. They need to move, jump around, run and lots of space. Keeping them in their cages all day isnt natural and will make them bored und unhappy. Pets will make your place dirty, atleast to some extend. Clean more often or dont get pets if you mind so much.
Beary Nice 2 months ago (edited)
I was just talking to my sister about this yesterday(not the small pets just pets overall)they need stimulation, exercise and contact,not to be held as an ornament of some kind...her neighbor has a dog that is locked out in the backyard all the time,mine had one that wore a path into their garden from walking in circles,I use to have my own dogs (I trained one to be a sniffer lol)I had to rehome them to someone on an actual farm because I could not provide these things for personal reasons...this is not small at all...this is a big thing
Load More Replies... WindySwede 2 months ago
Or, he only hits you because he likes you. Or if said this so any kid.. 😵💫
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