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HumanEarth · F
Something I Thought Was a Luxury as a Kid
Multiple Telephones
I always thought a house with two telephones was a luxury. It seemed like a symbol of affluence to have a phone in different rooms.
Extra Televisions
Having more than one television in the house felt extravagant. We only had one, and the idea of multiple screens was fascinating.
Remote-Controlled Television
A television with a remote control was enticing. The ease of changing channels without getting up felt incredibly advanced at the time.
Cars with Power Windows
Cars equipped with power windows were a sign of sophistication. The manual crank seemed outdated compared to them.
Automatic Transmissions
Owning a car with an automatic transmission seemed like a luxury; most vehicles we encountered were manual.
New Clothes
Getting new clothes was rare for us. Usually, it was only at Christmas or when a well-off relative gifted them. We mostly relied on thrift store finds or hand-me-downs.
Personal Transportation
Having a car was a dream. My childhood was filled with walking or riding the bus everywhere.
Computers and Video Game Systems
If a family owned a computer or a video game system in the late 1970s and early 1980s, they were perceived as rich.
Color Television
Finally, the moment we had our first color television in 1978 was monumental. It was on my mom's birthday, and she cried, saying, "I feel rich today." That simple color TV brought so much joy to her life, showing how a small investment could create lasting happiness.
Multiple Telephones
I always thought a house with two telephones was a luxury. It seemed like a symbol of affluence to have a phone in different rooms.
Extra Televisions
Having more than one television in the house felt extravagant. We only had one, and the idea of multiple screens was fascinating.
Remote-Controlled Television
A television with a remote control was enticing. The ease of changing channels without getting up felt incredibly advanced at the time.
Cars with Power Windows
Cars equipped with power windows were a sign of sophistication. The manual crank seemed outdated compared to them.
Automatic Transmissions
Owning a car with an automatic transmission seemed like a luxury; most vehicles we encountered were manual.
New Clothes
Getting new clothes was rare for us. Usually, it was only at Christmas or when a well-off relative gifted them. We mostly relied on thrift store finds or hand-me-downs.
Personal Transportation
Having a car was a dream. My childhood was filled with walking or riding the bus everywhere.
Computers and Video Game Systems
If a family owned a computer or a video game system in the late 1970s and early 1980s, they were perceived as rich.
Color Television
Finally, the moment we had our first color television in 1978 was monumental. It was on my mom's birthday, and she cried, saying, "I feel rich today." That simple color TV brought so much joy to her life, showing how a small investment could create lasting happiness.