World has seen changes overtime, few changes were gradual whereas few others were radical. But change is a constant which we keep seeing around us.
It is intriguing to see the certain things at time marked as radical or a taboo has turned mainstream now. Our behavioral changes has led to lot of unimaginable things turned into reality. Let me share some examples.
1. Denim Jeans : In early 1870s Jacob W. Davis and Levi Strauss patented Jeans. Jeans has its origin in mines where miners needed a rugged clothing to sustain the rigors of their work. That point of time it was laughable to think of jeans would be fashionable and wearable of rich people but down the line 100 years, it’s one of the most worn and accepted cloth. It is worn with pride by not only a miner but business tycoons of today.
2. SUVs : Sports Utility Vehicles are vehicles which are usually having higher ground clearance and boxy design. SUVs were meant for rough roads and it gained popularity among masses who lived far in the country side where paved roads were nearly absent. A downside of SUVs was its uncomfortable ride but as a matter of fact SUVs were not meant for luxury and comfort, practicality was the main focus. Just before World war 2, SUVs started gaining popularity in Military due to its rugged appeal. Thanks to refined engine, better suspension and space, things have changed now, every second car sold in United States in a SUV. All luxury car companies are competing to launch luxury SUVs as faster as they can.
3. News Anchor : News reader/ New Presenter or News Anchor’s are supposed to share news to viewers without any bias and let viewers make opinion. This was the norm or trend for many decades. It was unimaginable 20 years back that news anchor would put forward their personal opinion and scream through their lungs. Fast forward in 2021, 24 hours news channels have become a drama house with Anchors being the entertainers. It is not uncommon to see a news anchors are taking sides and speaking at top of their voice. It seems people are liking this kind of drama and it has all become a game of TRP, real news has taken a back seat and journalism is turning in its grave.
4. Food Truck : Concept of food truck flourished in United States in later 1800s as a mobile restaurant for the construction workers. Reasonable cost and speedy delivery were the USP of food trucks. For a longtime, eating at Food truck was considered “uncool” and probably it was related more with cheap food. But fast forward to now, no more such taboo exist. Restaurants owners who downplayed the reach of food trucks never imagined that food truck would become their competitors one day. Today Food truck market in US has become a 3 billion dollar business. Its popularity has such inroads among masses that many restaurant associations are requesting Govt to control Food trucks. In Chicago, a regulation prevents food trucks from selling food within 200 feet of brick-and-mortar restaurants. Food truck has come long way.
5. Cricket : Only few outdoor sports are played with trousers. Cricket is one of them. Cricket was originally played in early 1800s by British aristocrats known for their superiority in social hierarchy. These aristocrats were also called 'Gentlemen' and thus cricket earned its title as the Gentlemen's' Game. Imagine a game having drinks break, lunch break and post afternoon a relaxing tea break before end of the days game. A game played in plush white clothes has now become sports of masses. Though it is still restricted within erstwhile British empire but it has certainly travelled a long way. Who would have imagined bodyline bowling, bouncers aimed at heads, players sharing a mouthful of cusswords would become a norm in the game.
It is difficult to mark a change good or bad, probably every change is for good but exceptions are there.
The purpose behind sharing above examples is to make you believe in behavioral flexibility. Whenever your friends says that XYX thing won't change as people won't expect it, give him/her above examples.
Nothing is permanent, be ready to embrace a change as it is inevitable whether you like or not.
