From Tolerable to Taboo: 15 Once-Acceptable Practices Now Reviled

Mo Parker

Society is constantly evolving, and because of this, many practices and norms that used to be accepted are now looked upon with disdain. Here are 15 practices modern society has evolved past and now can’t stomach:

Smoking in Public Spaces

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Smoking used to be a habit that was considered glamorous and a sense of class. In current times, however, smoking, especially in public places, is frowned upon.
This is because, thanks to research, we now understand that smoking is a habit with serious health consequences for both primary and secondary smokers. So, laws now prioritize non-smokers’ rights and health, reflecting a societal shift towards wellness and respect for communal spaces.

Drunk Driving

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It used to be that if you could still drive your car to any destination while drunk, you were viewed with awe and respect. Now, however, modern understanding of the fatal risks of drunk driving has led to stiffer penalties, extensive awareness campaigns, and a collective intolerance for such reckless endangerment.

Discrimination Against LGBTQ+ Individuals

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If you’ve paid close attention to historical trends for a while, you’ll be aware there was a time when LGBTQ+ individuals used to be severely discriminated against. But now, things are changing. While discrimination still exists, there’s been a notable shift towards embracing diversity. LGBTQ+ rights, including marriage equality and protection laws, reflect growing societal acceptance and the unacceptability of discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Environmental Apathy

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These days, it’s almost like you can hardly watch TV or listen to the news without being reminded of the importance of being environmentally conscious. However, it may surprise you to learn that this wasn’t always the case.
Past decades often prioritized industrial progress over environmental health. This is primarily what has led to severe damage to the climate and the ecosystem as a whole. Now, individuals and governments have learned the importance of taking decisive action for environmental conservation. As such, sustainable living practices and policies are now prioritized.

Casual Racism

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It’s not really an exaggeration to say that racism has been existing for as long as modern society. Before, “harmless” racism jokes were things to laugh off or enjoy.
Now, these jokes are called out and challenged. This is a testament to society’s increased recognition of the harmful impacts of casual racism and the importance of addressing systemic issues.

Corporal Punishment in Schools

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Physical discipline in educational settings was once the norm. Then, it wasn’t surprising or illegal to see parents, guardians, or teachers disciplining kids with physical punishment approaches. Modern psychology and child development understanding, however, have rendered corporal punishment not only ineffective but harmful. This has, in turn, led to the enforcement of legal bans and the development of alternative disciplinary methods.

Gender Inequality at Work

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For a very long time, only men were allowed to hold top positions in the corporate world. Women were relegated to secondary roles, and they even had to suffer unequal pay and opportunities in this male-dominated space. Now, although gender discrimination is not entirely eradicated, it is challenged vigorously. There are also lots of initiatives encouraging equality and women’s rights in professional environments.

Lack of Data Privacy

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When we entered the digital age, there were a lot of things we overlooked in our excitement. One such thing is the initial lack of data privacy.
However, after high-profile data breaches and manipulative practices, there’s a growing demand for stringent data protection and ethical handling of personal information.

Animal Cruelty for Entertainment

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There was a time when people paid lots of money to watch different trained animals perform very dangerous tricks. This practice was rampant because people used to believe that animals couldn’t feel suffering, but that’s not the case at all. In recent times, activities like circus animal acts or using animals for dangerous stunts have lost societal approval. This is mainly due to increased awareness of animal rights, and their capacity for suffering has led many to condemn such practices.

Bullying

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Chances are you were bullied when you were growing up, and when you tried reporting it, you were told to just suck it up. This actually isn’t surprising since many people consider bullying a rite of passage. Now, there is increased understanding that bullying poses a severe threat to mental health and well-being of affected individuals. Because of this, there are anti-bullying campaigns, stricter school policies, and societal support for empathy and kindness.

Body Shaming

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For some time, it was fair game to critique how others look or condemn their appearance. In fact, body shaming was so rampant that it had led a devastating impact on the mental health and wellness of affected people.
Current societal shifts emphasize body positivity, celebrating diversity in size and shape and condemning harmful and unrealistic beauty standards.

Non-Consensual Sharing of Intimate Images

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Society’s growing understanding of consent now encompasses digital spaces, recognizing that sharing intimate images without permission is a violation of privacy, often with legal consequences.

Stigmatizing Mental Health Issues

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Mental health once carried a significant stigma, discouraging people from seeking help. Modern attitudes encourage openness and treatment, recognizing mental health’s equal importance to physical well-being.

Overworking Culture

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The glorification of excessive working hours is yielding to an understanding that balance is vital for productivity and health. Companies promoting wellness and work-life balance reflect this societal shift.

Silence Around Domestic Abuse

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Domestic violence was often treated as a private matter. Today, increased awareness, resources for victims, and societal support aim to break the cycle of abuse and the silence that enables it.

Men, Here are the 21 Types Of Women You Should NEVER Marry!

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Ever wondered why some guys are like, “Nope, not gonna marry that type of woman!”? Well, get ready to dive into the juicy details of the kinds of ladies some men prefer to avoid when it comes to settling down. Let’s uncover what makes them say, “I do not!”
Men, Here are the 10 Types Of Women You Should NEVER Marry!

10 Things Women Think Men Are Too Sensitive To Hear

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In today’s evolving landscape of gender roles and relationships, it’s important for men to embrace a new paradigm of masculinity that prioritizes self-care, emotional awareness, and respect for all, while discarding outdated notions of ego and superiority.
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Are Men Really Expected to Embrace These Outlandish and Unfair Roles in Modern Society?

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Even in a modern world, there are unrealistic expectations of men, with these 15 being the most outlandish.
Are Men Really Expected to Embrace These Outlandish and Unfair Roles in Modern Society?

10 Things Men Hate About Being a Man but Keep to Themselves

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In a world where societal expectations often shape the experience of masculinity, men grapple with a set of challenges that frequently go unvoiced. This article explores the unexpressed frustrations men encounter, illuminating the intricate path they navigate in their journey through manhood.
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16 Obvious Things Men Do That Scream ‘Lower Class’

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“Class – it’s not just about material possessions like mansions or fancy cars. It’s about your behavior, your words, and your treatment of others. Men have their perspectives on it, so here are signs that might say, ‘I’m not exactly high-class,’ according to our male panel. Let’s explore together!”
16 Obvious Things Men Do That Scream ‘Lower Class’

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Meet Mo Parker, the visionary founder of The Beard Brotherz. Mo's passion for redefining modern masculinity led him to create a platform that celebrates the diverse interests and journeys of men today. With a commitment to authenticity and inclusivity, Mo's entrepreneurial spirit and dedication shine through every facet of The Beard Brotherz. From grooming and fashion to tech and wellness, Mo's multifaceted approach mirrors the platform's essence, offering a welcoming community for all to embrace their unique paths in the modern world of manhood.