From the 1950s to the 1970s, flying was a luxurious experience. Aviation historian Graham M. Simons recalls it as a time of elegance, with spacious seats and stylish crew. Passengers dressed up, adding to the sense of occasion.
Flight options were limited and costly. A round-trip ticket from Chicago to Phoenix in 1955 cost $138, about $1,200 today. Aviation expert Guillaume de Syon notes that flying was four to five times more expensive than now, making it accessible only to the wealthy.
Airlines served lavish meals with delicacies like caviar and foie gras. Some even hosted fashion shows on board. Former flight attendant Suzy Smith remembers serving beluga caviar during flights.
Flying felt like a cocktail party. Passengers dressed formally, and relaxed security allowed unusual items like pet birds in shoeboxes. This freedom contributed to a laid-back atmosphere.
Pan Am epitomized luxury and glamour. Former employee Joan Policastro recalls star-studded flights with exclusive lounges.
Flight attendants had strict appearance standards, wearing high heels, white gloves, and corsets. Airlines imposed rules on appearance, hair length, weight, and marital status.
Despite its end, the Golden Age of flying is fondly remembered. Groups like World Wings, former Pan Am employees, cherish memories of when flying was an adventure synonymous with luxury and excitement.
A Mom Faces Criticism for Painting Stretch Marks on Her Daughter’s Doll
In an age where unrealistic beauty standards and airbrushed images saturate media platforms, one mother’s bold decision has ignited a fierce debate. Instead of following what everyone else thinks, she did something empowering and accepting. She painted stretch marks on her daughter’s doll.
Kate writes books for kids.
Kate Claxton, is a talented author dedicated to inspiring children. Among her notable works is the multi-award-winning picture book, “My Mum’s a Tiger!” Crafted with love and a profound understanding of the challenges faced by many, Claxton created this heartfelt story as a cherished gift for her baby’s first birthday.
Little did she know that her creation would transcend personal boundaries and resonate with countless individuals around the globe. “My Mum’s a Tiger!” serves as a powerful reflection of the experiences of numerous real-life people who grew up being told that their scars, stripes, spots, and so-called ’flaws’ should be concealed.
She has body-inclusive dolls for her kids at home.
Claxton not only writes empowering books but also practices what she preaches in her own home. Recognizing the importance of body inclusivity and normalizing the beauty of individuality, Claxton provides her children with body-inclusive dolls. As much as she adores her acclaimed work, “My Mum’s a Tiger,” which beautifully embraces tiger stripes and other unique features, Claxton understands her daughter’s fascination with dolls and their ability to be dressed and undressed.
Consequently, she took it upon herself to modify one of these dolls, adding the very stripes that so many people cover up. Claxton believes in embracing differences and encourages others to do the same, offering a poignant line from her book: “Let’s take what makes us different and instead of trying to hide, let’s be more like animals and wear our marks with pride.”
Some people criticized her for painting the dolls.
Inevitably, not everyone embraced Kate Claxton’s initiative of painting the dolls. But Claxton takes pride in the fact that her Barbie craft session sparked conversations and stirred up reactions. However, she acknowledges that reading the comments can sometimes be disheartening, particularly when encountering individuals who completely miss the point.
Among the critical comments, one person questioned the motive behind painting the dolls, asking, “Why make young girls worry more about their bodies? I’ve got no stretch marks, so maybe it would be better to teach them about being positive rather than negative about their bodies.” Another comment echoed a similar sentiment, stating, “Why make girls worry more all the time? I had three kids and no stretch marks. Make them think positive.”
She doesn’t listen to the mean comments.
Despite encountering some less-than-supportive remarks, Claxton chooses to scroll past those comments, refusing to let them overshadow the positive impact and meaningful discussions her efforts have generated. While acknowledging these differing viewpoints, Claxton remains committed to her mission of promoting positivity and fostering a healthy body image in children.
Another mom that received a lot of attention for her unique parenting style was actress Kristen Bell. Known for her refreshing approach to raising her children, Bell brings a combination of compassion, empathy, and open-mindedness to the table. In a candid moment on her podcast, Kristen Bell openly shared a personal anecdote about her daughter’s developmental journey, revealing that her daughter wore diapers until the age of 5.
Preview photo credit reallyratherwild / Instagram
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