“Diamonds”: 35 Old Trends That Many People Don’t Realize Are Harmful
by Nikita Manot, Ieva Pečiulytė · Bored PandaADVERTISEMENT
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 From outdated mindsets at work to cringe-worthy beauty hacks, some old habits need to fade away.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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Child beauty pagants.
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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.
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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.
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.ilikemrrogers , Tranmautritam/pexels
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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.
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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.
Being blind followers of any political, religious sect.
Wood_to_dust
4-day weekends are probably too long though. I won't go that far. They should be reserved for occasions.Cat-guy64 , Ron Lach/pexels
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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.
Men and boys being told boys don't cry, to man up, to suppress their emotions.
Legitimate-Wheel-507
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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.
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.
BakedBrie26
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Sending your kids to school sick. 🤢
Going to work sick. 🤢.
Defiant_Network_3069
Racism.
xx6xx1
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.
ElysianForestWitch
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.
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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.
Private health insurance. We (the United States) pay more for our insurance (like, _double_) for worse outcomes and lowered life expectancies.
vbfronkis
Demonizing certain foods (i.e. carbs, fats, sugar, etc). Moderation seems to be a rarity.
anonymousrex_
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.
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Going to the office 5 days a week.
Working half a day on Saturdays.Marius_Sulla_Pompey , cottonbro studio /pexels
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?
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Social media use and the effect on mental health.
bld5145
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.Aggravating_Sense183 , KoolShooters /pexels
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Buying pets online/through non-certified breeders.
CuriousLavender
Feeling like we need to be someone we're not in order to find a partner.
projectchango
Note: this post originally had 57 images. It’s been shortened to the top 35 images based on user votes.
Ic_puzzle