AIR POLLUTION was visible and sometimes smelly (Wikipedia).

One of the phrases very popular in political campaigns is “Are You Better Off Now Than You Were Four Years Ago?” Originated by Ronald Reagan (or his speechwriters), it was a brilliant zinger that is still employed every even-numbered fall.

But I think that’s too short a time frame, if you really want a sense of societal progress. So, if I was talking to a high school history class, I would lecture them on “Is the Typical Orange County Person Better Off Now Than 50 Years Ago?”

• The air was much dirtier, and “smog alerts” were common, warning you not to go outside, exercise or – in certain areas, try to breathe. Your eyes watered and stung.
• Cars were deathtraps. Few had power brakes or power steering, padded dashboards or collapsable steering columns. Seat belts were there, but not shoulder straps. Air bags? Forget it. Drunk driving was widespread and winked-at by many, despite the fact that in a typical year, more Americans died in drunk-driving accidents than were killed in the entire Vietnam war (about 58,000).
• Gay people continued to be the target of widespread discrimination and even violence. The term “gay marriage” was a punch line for many comedians and outstanding employees could legally be fired for no reason other than real or suspected homosexuality.
• The streets flooded. Much of Orange County grew so fast in the 50s and 60s that most cities paid scant attention to storm drains and flood control channels and every winter and spring your car was up to its hubcaps in rainwater.
• Most adults smoked and there were few “non-smoking” businesses or even colleges. The barrier between “smoking” and “non-smoking” sections in restaurants and airplanes was imaginary. And second-hand smoke? Never heard of it.
• Men’s pants had flared legs. And were polyester.

See how good you have it now?