20 Things That Terrified Kids In The 1970s

 Wicked Hippie

Ladies and gentlemen, step into our time machine as we take a fun trip back to the 1970s, a decade that was full of bell bottoms, disco fever and some very strange scares! Join us as we uncover the most bizarre, scary and downright bizarre things that sent shivers down people's spines in the 70s.

From the infamous red M&Ms that mysteriously disappeared, to hair-raising tales of demonic encounters and flammable Halloween costumes, this collection of retro scares will make you laugh and reminisce about the good old days. So what are you waiting for? Keep reading, and let's explore the fascinating concerns of the 1970s!

Why were people afraid of far-right hippies in the 1970s? It all dates back to the late 1960s when the infamous Charles Manson and his gang of followers committed some heinous crimes. These shocking and brutal acts shocked the country and many of the people involved were initially associated with the hippie counterculture.

The crimes of the Manson Family changed the perception of hippies from peace-loving flower children to potential agents of anarchy and violence. It made people question whether that peace sign was just a fluke and whether those long-haired, free-thinking people might be harboring some dark intentions.

Let's find out why people felt a little squeamish about LSD and other psychedelic substances in the 1970s. You see, the '60s were all about mind-expanding experiences, with icons like Timothy Leary urging everyone to "turn on, tune in, tune out." However, by the 70s, there was growing concern about the potential dangers of these psychoactive substances. High-profile incidents of botched trips, accidents, and even some tragic deaths linked to LSD shocked society. The fear of losing control or of the trip going horribly wrong became a significant concern. Add some sensationalist media stories, and you've got a recipe for psychedelic panic. So, while the 60s were about exploring new horizons, the 70s saw a shift towards caution and skepticism when it came to these harsh substances.

In the 1970s, fear of the devil was off the charts, and it's no wonder why! This 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 could be unleashed by the Prince of Darkness.

These films depict possessed children, sinister cults, and demonic forces that can possess anyone, anywhere. His impact on the psyche of the '70s was undeniable, and suddenly, Satan was no longer just a religious concept, but a tangible presence hiding in the shadows. This cinematic trifecta fueled a wave of satanic panic and religious fervor, as people believed dark forces were at play in their everyday lives. The '70s became a time when fear of the devil was not limited to Sunday sermons, but a real-life, frightening concern.

Piranhas, those infamous little terrors of the Amazon, made a splash in the 1970s like never before. What caused his sudden infamy? Well, it all started in 1978 with the release of the iconic classic film “Piranha”, directed by Joe Dante and produced by Roger Corman. This B-movie gem brought the hidden terror of Piranha to the forefront of pop culture. With their extremely sharp teeth and insatiable appetite for flesh, these underwater baddies strike fear into the hearts of moviegoers. The success of the film spawned a host of imitators and spoofs who took advantage of the public's newfound fascination with these ferocious fish. From posters to toys, piranhas were everywhere, creating a frenzy of fear and fascination. So, thanks to the power of cinema, these scary little fish suddenly became the stuff of nightmares for many people in the 70s.

The Bermuda Triangle, a small stretch of ocean off the southeastern coast of the United States, became completely terrifying in the 1970s due to a perfect storm of factors. It all started with best-selling books like Charles Berlitz's "The Bermuda Triangle" and Vincent Gaddis's "Invisible Horizons," which popularized the idea that this part of the ocean was cursed. These books were filled with terrifying stories of disappearing ships and planes, and they captured the public's imagination. Add in some high-profile disappearances like Flight 19 and the USS Cyclops, and you've got a full-blown mystery on your hands.

Escalators, those functional wonders of modern transportation, strangely 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 highlight instances of escalator accidents, often involving children's clothing or body parts becoming entangled in moving stairs. These incidents created widespread concern about the safety of these everyday devices. As a result, people began to view escalators as potential death traps, giving rise to mass escalaphobia. This fear prompted calls for better safety regulations and better maintenance practices, which ultimately led to improvements in design and safety measures. So, in the 70s, escalators became not just a convenient way to get from one floor to another, but a source of anxiety and caution, reminding us all to watch our step.

Stranger threat, a term that became a buzzword in the 1970s, made people wary of people they did not know. So, why did we see this increase in xenophobia in the 70s? Well, this was the time when various high-profile cases of child kidnapping and crimes against children were making headlines. Stories such as the disappearance of Etan Patz and the crimes of serial killers such as John Wayne Gacy and Ted Bundy created an atmosphere of fear and suspicion.

Parents were especially urged to educate their children about the dangers of talking to strangers and take extra precautions to keep them safe. This collective concern led to a cultural shift toward caution in public service announcements, educational programs, and interactions with unfamiliar faces.