Many old-school ideas are extremely outdated but seem to linger around. Society has moved on, but some people hold tight to these beliefs. These are 18 old-school beliefs we should leave in the past forever.
Some people still believe men are better than women
It is an extremely dated concept that men are better than women. In recent decades, society has made great strides in gender equality, but there’s still room for progress. The United Nations says that we still need to work to close the gender gap in every country across the world.
Racial superiority is still a thing
Racism is still a big problem in America, and most of it is down to racial superiority. The idea that one race is better than others needs to disappear. Things are constantly improving, but there are still many people who have this backward way of thinking.
Homosexuality is a sin
The LGBTQIA+ community has seen a dramatic shift in acceptance over the last few decades. However, there are still many people who are homophobic. A great number of Americans still believe that homosexuality is a sin, a belief that is often connected to religious teachings.
People still believe in bloodletting
Treating illness by removing blood was based on a misunderstanding in medicine. It does more harm than good, but many people still believe it has benefits. It didn’t die in the Middle Ages, and while doctors no longer prescribe bloodletting, it’s still used in alternative medicine.
Conversion therapy still exists
Conversion therapy should never have been a thing, but it still surprisingly exists in America. Many people still believe that this dangerous practice can change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Time Magazine says that more than 1300 practitioners still offer conversion therapy in the US.
Women shouldn’t work
A lot of people still believe in traditional gender roles and don’t believe women should work. The belief is that they should be homemakers and raise a family with no place in business. This belief is not just upheld by men, but also women, and the ‘tradwife’ trend is having a moment.
The class system is still upheld
In today’s society, the lines between classes are blurred, but many people still believe the class system is extremely important. This outdated system judges people based on their wealth and jobs. It leads to inequalities and injustice by putting people in a societal position where they feel they can’t achieve.
Pro-life thinking is not that simple
In the past few years, the US has taken steps backward with abortion. Almost half of US states have now banned or severely restricted access to abortion. Pro-life is an outdated belief that doesn’t take into consideration the physical or mental well-being of a mother and subsequent impacts on not only the individual but society.
A number of adults still believe in physical punishment for children
Physical punishment for misbehavior is something you may think has been left in the past, but there are many adults who still believe in it as a tool for discipline. According to the World Health Organization, around 60% of children across the globe still receive physical punishment.
Mental illness is thought to be demonic possession
In the last 10 years, mental health has become an incredibly important subject and something that people feel more open to discussing. However, there are some people who still believe mental illness is demonic possession. This is most common in strict Christian circles.
Flat earthers are still among us
The flat earth theory ignores scientific evidence in favor of old-school views about the earth’s shape. This belief undermines research, education, and progress within science. Although it is a scientifically disproven theory, research has found that around 10% of Americans still believe in it.
Marriage is no longer that natural course
There’s no denying that marriage is great, but it should no longer be a societal norm. More people than ever are choosing alternative life paths and relationship types, something a lot of people disagree with. Many Americans have an archaic view that you’re a failure or something is wrong with you if marriage isn’t the goal.
Many people justify slavery
Although slavery was abolished in America in 1865, there are many people who justify it. The thought that owning and exploiting other human beings is acceptable is a huge violation of human rights. Thankfully, the US Constitution protects US citizens from slavery with the 13th Amendment.
Divorce is still viewed as a failure
No one enters into a marriage expecting a divorce, but that is the reality for almost 50% of marriages in the US. Even in today’s society, with those statistics, there is still a stigma attached to divorce. Relationships break down; it’s natural, and divorce should not be seen as a failure.
Americans believe you shouldn’t discuss money
It’s ingrained into society that discussing money is distasteful. However, only 50% of Americans have financial literacy, and a lot of this is due to the fact that money is not an open discussion. It’s important to open up the lines of communication to break down this taboo.
A lot of people believe immigrants take jobs away
Many people have a negative opinion of foreigners, mainly because they feel that immigrants take jobs away from hard-working Americans. This belief should be left in the past as immigrants actually impact the economy positively. Foreigners are never prioritized over Americans for job opportunities.
Sexuality is thought by many to be a choice
It is an extremely outdated concept that sexuality is a choice. Sexuality and gender identity is not a choice. There are many biological factors that show you don’t choose who you’re attracted to. There is even scientific evidence to back this up, but a lot of people still believe it’s something you can choose to change.
Older generations think young people are lazy
The way we work has changed dramatically, but this leads older generations to think that young people are lazy. However, this is a false stereotype, and most young people are extremely hard-working. Economic instability and a changing job market mean that many young people are unemployed, but even more are entrepreneurs.
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