16 Popular Magazines from the ’70s That Would Face Backlash for Their Content Now
Ah, the swinging ’70s! Bell bottoms, disco fever, and questionable magazine content. If those magazines were still around today, they’d be in hot water faster than you can say “bell bottoms.” Let’s hop in our time machine and look at 16 popular magazines from the ’70s that would face serious backlash for their content today.
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Playboy
This magazine was made iconic for all the wrong reasons. It was first published over 60 years ago and featured a nude Marylin Monroe. The magazine crossed all records of popularity. This fame didn’t come without backlash, though, as the magazine was condemned for female objectification and the harmful impact that it had on the young generation of boys especially. But, even with countless issues, the magazine’s allure was hard to resist.
National Lampoon
The magazine was a comedy goldmine. The magazine’s creators used humor as a weapon rather than a shield. With racist stuff being showcased in the 1964 yearbook parody, they were combined with blatant sexism in the name of sexual liberation. The magazine’s greatest triumphs back in the day would have proved to be its greatest tragedy today.
Hustlers
Like every other magazine of the 1970s, this one also didn’t shy away from explicit content. The magazine’s first issue was put out in 1974 by its creator, Larry Flynt. The already outrageous magazine took the world by storm when it published nudes of former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. This act today would have proved fatal for the magazine’s life.
Oui
Think of it as Playboy’s slightly racier cousin. Oui magazine, where the articles were as steamy as the centerfolds. Dishing out spicy content that would make your grandma blush with sexy stories and racy photos. But hey, in the ’70s, it was all about pushing boundaries, right? It’d probably be considered more scandalous today than a disco dance-off at a church picnic.
Penthouse
Based in California, the magazine was first published in 1965, 59 years ago. The magazine was again famous for its explicit content and adult themes. Needless to say, like all its contemporaries, it would have had a hard time surviving today, at least not without completely revamping its entire existence.
Ramparts
This was a Catholic literary magazine in California, first published in 1962. The magazine went on from discussions relating to the catholic clergy to publishing excerpts relating to explicit content, playing with its reputation. In addition, the magazine deals with conspiracy theories and radical journalism. Sometimes, even rampantly publishing misinformation. Given its controversial nature then, the magazine sure wouldn’t have fared well now.
Rolling Stone
Rolling Stone was like that cool friend who always had the juiciest gossip about rock stars. It rocked the ’70s with scandalous covers and articles that made parents cringe. With its wild stories about sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll, Rolling Stone would be the ultimate rebel magazine, leaving everyone laughing or gasping in shock. While still popular today, the magazine has completely transformed its outlook to stay relevant.
EasyRiders
This was THE magazine for folks who loved two wheels and the open road. Instead of fancy bikes and safety gear, think more like wild hair, leather jackets, and a little too much attitude. It’s like they took the rulebook for responsible riding and threw it out the window, opting instead for a wild ride on the rebellious side. It’s the kind of magazine that makes you want to rev your engines and go all out.
Mad
First published in 1952, this was the “OG” magazine for satire and humor. The magazine was revered for its content back then, with an Indian version taking the floor twelve years later in 1964. Though nothing was explicitly wrong with the magazine’s content, it would just have had problems surviving in this hypersensitive pop culture environment.
Screw
The abundance of these adult and explicit magazines tells us all we need to know about the 70s. This magazine by Al Goldstein was first published in 1968. With the kind of content it published, deciding its fate in today’s environment is not rocket science.
The Realist
The OG of counterculture magazines. It always had something to say, even if it was bizarre. They dished out spicy opinions and stirred up trouble with their wild ideas. But that’s precisely what made them cool then. However, in today’s world of clickbait and cat videos, The Realist would be that quirky uncle at the family reunion, still dropping truth bombs and making everyone laugh nervously.
Creem
In 1969, this beloved rock music magazine was born in Detroit. It was like a wild concert in magazine form, where the writers jammed out outrageous articles and cheeky commentary on all things rock. From wild album reviews and outrageous interviews with rockstars, it was like the backstage pass to the craziest show in town. But like everything else, its popularity also had an expiration date.
High Times
Quite synonymous with its name, the contents of this 1974 magazine were drug-centric and marijuana-celebrating. It was like the bible for the stoners, celebrating all things weed. This controversial magazine is best viewed as a relic of the past.
Stag
“Stag” magazine is where men went to ogle at pictures of scantily clad women and read articles about, well, mostly more scantily clad women. If “Playboy” was for the sophisticated types, “Stag” was for the guys who just wanted to see some skin without all the fancy talk. It was like the trashy romance novel of magazines, except with more mustaches.
Gallery
ReadingIt was like a rollercoaster ride through a wild world of sexy snapshots and scandalous stories. If it were around today, it would be the magazine you’d read with one eye open and your hand ready to cover it if someone walked in. It was the kind of magazine that made you gasp, giggle, and quickly hide it under your mattress.
Sassy
The magazine that made being a teen cool before it was even a thing. It was like your quirky best friend, dishing out advice on fashion, crushes, and navigating the ridiculous world of adolescence. It wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Sometimes, Sassy got a little sassy, poking fun at the absurdities of teen life with a wink and a smile. Though fun and exciting, the magazine lacked the flair to fit in today’s environment.
16 Famous Comedians Whose Jokes Are Forbidden in Today’s World
Related: In the ever-evolving comedy landscape, societal norms and sensitivities play a significant role in shaping acceptable humor. Over the years, certain comedians who were once celebrated for their wit and sharp humor have found themselves in hot water for jokes now deemed offensive or inappropriate.
Here are 16 famous comedians whose jokes are forbidden in today’s world.
