It’s 2015 and advertising is governed by a code of practice.

Once upon a time though, things were a little more laissez-fair and a lot more racist, sexist and absurdly unsafe.

Take this 1960s coffee ad, for example, in which “Papa Eddie” solves a coffee-related crime.

Were you trying to kill him, woman?

Imagine an ad objectifying a woman like that these days? It just wouldn’t fly (*cough*).

To be fair, that particular campaign did get banned in the UK, despite the company behind it claiming it was ‘tongue-in-cheek.’

And at the very least, the medical advice on offer through advertisement has improved, I mean, Santa Clause isn’t trying to sell you cigarettes any more…

Someone was “toasted” when they thought this was a good idea.

And I challenge you to find a health professional who would advocate giving your infant cocaine to cure their toothache.

BRB just going to pop into my local druggist.

I’d wager this anti-obesity ad would fit right in on any Facebook side bar though.

So simple. Why didn’t I think of it before?

Here are some of our other faves:

vintage ad 11

vintage ad 13