The 1950s were a fascinating era for advertising. The decade is marked by a post-war economic boom, the birth of television advertising, and campaigns that now seem both charmingly nostalgic and sometimes, let’s face it, a bit eyebrow-raising.
Here are ten observations from looking back at 1950s adverts:
- Consumerism: The post-war economy saw a rise in consumer spending. Ads showcased a wealth of new products and the ‘must-have’ mentality.
- Stereotypes: Gender roles were firmly in place, with many ads showing women as housewives and men as breadwinners.
- TV Takeover: Television took the advertising world by storm. Many iconic brands and jingles were born during this era.
- Technological Advances: New products reflected the era’s technological innovations, from kitchen appliances to televisions.
- Health Claims: Amazingly, ads often promoted health benefits of products we now know are harmful, such as cigarettes and sugary drinks.
- Illustrated Ads: Unlike today’s photographic ads, illustrations were often used to create vibrant and imaginative scenes.
- Copy-Heavy: Adverts often contained lengthy descriptions and persuasive text, a far cry from today’s emphasis on visuals.
- Aspirational Themes: The ‘American Dream’ permeated advertising, with a focus on prosperity, comfort and the perfect family life.
- Celebrity Endorsements: The power of celebrity was harnessed in ads, with famous faces promoting everything from drinks to cars.
- Post-War Optimism: There was a distinct sense of optimism in ads reflecting the era’s prosperity and technological progress.
QR Poet Summary
Today, take a moment to appreciate how far we’ve come from the advertising of the 1950s. While it’s fascinating to look back and see how societal norms have shifted, it’s also a reminder to stay mindful of the messages we absorb from media today. Just as ads of the 50s were a product of their time, so are today’s – be aware of this influence and remember to question the ‘must-have’ mentality.
