Seven Things About The Seventies

That Made Our Generation Who We Are Today (No. 64)

Growing up in the 1970s was a unique experience, a blend of burgeoning cultural shifts and a lingering sense of an earlier, less connected time. It was a decade that, despite its challenges, instilled valuable lessons and offered a distinct kind of freedom. For those of us who came of age during those years, the '70s weren't just a period of disco and bell-bottoms; they were a formative era that shaped our understanding of the world in very specific and tangible ways.

Television Was an Event

Before the advent of streaming services, DVRs, and an overwhelming array of cable channels, watching television was a highly anticipated, almost ritualistic activity. Families would gather around the TV at specific times, eager to tune into their beloved shows. If you missed an episode, it was often gone forever – or until reruns, if you were lucky. This shared experience fostered a sense of togetherness, creating lively discussions about plot twists and character developments. It taught us patience and appreciation as we excitedly awaited our favorite programs, whether it was the wholesome charm of "Happy Days" or the whimsical escape of Saturday morning cartoons.

Independence Was Mandatory

Children in the '70s enjoyed a level of freedom that seems almost unbelievable today. We rode our bikes to friends' houses, explored our neighborhoods unsupervised, and played outside until the streetlights flickered on or our parents' calls echoed through the twilight. Without mobile phones to check in and without the structured "playdates" common today, we simply ventured outside to find our friends. This encouraged a deep sense of independence, problem-solving skills, and self-reliance. This freedom fostered an adventurous spirit, allowing us to create our own narratives and experiences in a way that modern technology often overshadows.

Music Was a Journey and a Self-Identifier

The music of the '70s was an immersive experience, far more involved than today's instant playlists. We bought albums, carefully placed them on turntables, and listened from start to finish. The album art wasn't just a cover; it was a canvas to be appreciated, and liner notes often revealed insights into the artists' thoughts and creative processes. Concerts and live performances were communal experiences that brought people together, embedding a profound connection to art and culture. This appreciation for music as a cohesive journey taught us to engage deeply with creative works, allowing the rhythms and lyrics to resonate with our lives in meaningful ways.

Beyond the immersive listening experience, music in the '70s was a powerful tool for self-identification and finding your tribe. Kids swore by the bands depicted on their T-shirts: Steve Miller Band, Eagles, Journey, Styx. You could tell a lot about a person just by the band they identified with. Wearing a particular band's shirt was a declaration of your musical allegiance and, often, your personality. It was a silent yet potent way of signaling who you were and who you wanted to connect with, fostering a sense of belonging among like-minded peers.

The Phone Was Tethered

In a world without mobile phones, we relied on rotary phones, typically located in central areas such as kitchens or hallways. Long cords offered a semblance of privacy, though conversations were far from private if you shared a "party line" with neighbors. Phone calls were typically brief and to the point, free from the distractions that arise from modern multitasking. This lack of "phone surfing" while talking encouraged us to be truly present in our conversations and prioritized face-to-face interactions, nurturing relationships that felt more profound and engaged.

When away from home, payphones offered a remarkably inconvenient way to stay in touch, requiring a dime for each call. Finding a working payphone, often in a noisy public space, and then scrounging for change, added a layer of logistical challenge to what is now an effortless act of communication. These brief, often hurried calls were a stark reminder of the limited connectivity of the era.

Less Was Usually More

Despite the decade's occasional extravagances, consumer culture was far less saturated than today. We weren't bombarded by endless aisles of toys or pressured to acquire the latest gadgets. Instead, we learned to be resourceful and creative with what we had, transforming simple items into imaginative tools for play. Whether it was turning a cardboard box into a spaceship or organizing neighborhood games with makeshift equipment, this simplicity instilled a deep appreciation for creativity and a sense of gratitude for what we did possess.

And yes, the '70s had their share of fleeting fads and consumer whims. We saw the rise of the Pet Rock, a literal rock sold in a box with a witty instruction manual, and the mystical allure of mood rings, which supposedly changed color with your emotions. While undeniably silly, these "extravagances" were affordably silly, typically costing just a few dollars. They were accessible novelties that offered a momentary diversion or a chuckle, a stark contrast to today's landscape of trendy video consoles and high-end electronic gadgets, which generally cost hundreds if not thousands of dollars. The occasional indulgence in the '70s was a lighthearted, low-stakes affair, a testament to a time when fleeting trends didn't demand a significant financial commitment.

The World Felt Bigger (and a Little Smaller)

When the Islamists overthrew the Iranian government in 1979 and took American hostages, few kids my age had ever heard of Iran or an Ayatollah and didn't have the slightest clue what they had against America. With the absence of instant access to information and the lack of a 24-hour news cycle, news traveled at a different pace. Global events would take time to filter down to our communities, making the world feel vast and mysterious. Crucially, the slower dissemination of news allowed critical stories to build a natural momentum, rather than being incessantly promoted like the latest propaganda. This meant that significant events, like the Iranian hostage crisis, unfolded with a gravity that wasn't diluted by constant, often sensationalized, updates.

Yet, our neighborhoods were often tight-knit, where block parties and impromptu gatherings fostered strong community connections. This dual perspective taught us the importance of nurturing local relationships while also cultivating an awareness of the broader world—a balancing act that remains important today.

Change Was Constant

The '70s were a period of immense turmoil and transformation, marked by social upheaval, political unrest, and evolving cultural norms. From the aftermath of the Vietnam War to the rise of the environmental movement, we learned to navigate change on both small and large scales. Witnessing these shifts taught us resilience, adaptability, and the understanding that change—both positive and negative—is an inherent part of life. This lesson remains crucial as we continue to evolve in an ever-changing world.

Growing up in the '70s was not merely a chapter in our lives; it was a hearty stew of experiences that shaped our values, perspectives, and appreciation for life's nuances. The decade offered lessons in patience, independence, creativity, communication, gratitude, connection, and resilience—lessons that continue to resonate as we navigate the complexities of modern life.