13 Things That Were Once Highly Respected But Is Now a Complete Joke

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Have you ever wondered what people do behind closed doors that they don’t want anyone to know about? Well, wonder no more! We’ve done the research and compiled a list of the most common things that people do but won’t admit to. These are the guilty pleasures, secret habits, and embarrassing behaviors that people are too embarrassed to talk about.

We scoured social media threads to bring you the most candid and honest responses from real people. From the mundane to the shocking, we have compiled a comprehensive list of the things that people do but won’t admit to.

So if you’re curious to know what everyone else is doing behind closed doors, keep reading!

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#1 Privacy

Toned picture of male hacker in hoodie with laptop
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Privacy used to be highly respected but with the rise of smart cams and social media. It has lost its value over time. According to a Pew Research Center survey conducted in 2021, 79% of Americans are concerned about the way their data is being used by companies.

Parents posting pictures or videos of their kids can threaten their children’s privacy. This trend has become a joke over time. We see that more and more people walk around with body cams, which adds to the lack of privacy.

#2 Working in a School

Pensive young teacher sitting on table while schoolkids are standing by a whiteboard
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They were working in a school that used to be a highly respected profession. However, over time, the value of this profession has diminished. Teachers are no longer held in the same regard as once, and the job has become somewhat of a joke. According to the National Education Association, the average teacher salary has decreased by 4.5% over the past decade, after adjusting for inflation.

The lack of support from administrators, less salary, inflation and the constant pressure to meet unrealistic expectations has led to high burnout and turnover..

#3 Netflix

Happy senior man relaxing at home and watching television, he is watching a comedy movie and laughing
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Netflix revolutionized the way we watch TV by ending high-cost cable subscriptions. But now, it’s another channel you pay for.

What happened to the company once highly respected and touted as a game-changer? It’s become one of those things that lost their value over time. This faced criticisms for lackluster original content and the removal of fan-favorite shows. From being a pioneer in the streaming industry to becoming a joke, it’s a reminder that even highly respected things can turn irrelevant.

#4 Salary

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Salary is one of those highly respected things that lost their value. Remember when $20 an hour used to be a good wage?

With the rising cost of living, it barely covers the essentials. It’s become a joke that the average person can’t make ends meet on such a wage. It’s no longer something to be proud of but rather a symbol of the struggles of the working class.

#5 McAfee Antivirus

Plastic and iron padlocks on a wooden table
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McAfee was acquired by the Intel in 2010 for $7.7 billion. This antivirus was once considered among the best things that lost their value in cybersecurity. Yet, over time, it has become the butt of jokes due to its many issues and inefficiencies. Some of them are outdated antivirus definitions, malwares and spyware.

Despite this, it is still widely used and mandatory on company laptops and servers. But here’s the catch – it’s often called the “antivirus that’s a virus.”

That’s right, the software designed to protect your computer can sometimes cause more harm than good. It’s no wonder that McAfee has lost its value and become a joke in the tech community. Stick with a more reliable antivirus to avoid becoming the next victim of this fallen icon of respect.

#6 Journalism

Happy attractive female video blogger recording vlog
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Journalism was once a highly respected thing turned joke. We call it “The Media” for a reason. According to the Pew Research Center, the number of newsroom employees in the United States has decreased by 25% between 2008 and 2020.

The focus is no longer on providing news and information but entertaining the audience. It’s sad to see something that was once so important become a joke over time. It’s essential to remember that the news should be informative and objective.

However, in today’s world, it’s hard to find news that isn’t biased or sensationalized. As news consumers, we must be discerning and look for reliable sources prioritizing accurate reporting. It’s time for journalism to get back to its roots and prioritize the truth over entertainment

#7 Being US President

NEW YORK, USA - Sep 21, 2017: Meeting of the President of the United States Donald Trump with the President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko in New York
Image Credit: palinchak /Depositphotos.com.

Being the US President was once a highly respected position. However, in recent years, it has become a joke to some. From scandals and controversies to ineffective policies, the value of the presidency has been diminished.

The term “leader of the free world” now seems like a distant memory as the world looks on with amusement or horror at the current state of American politics. It’s a shame that such a prestigious position has lost its luster and become a subject of ridicule. The US presidency deserves better than to be the butt of jokes and memes.

#8 Police Officers

Police officers with crossed arms looking at camera
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Police officers were once highly respected and held in high esteem. Yet, over time, this perception has changed. They have lost their value due to many incidents of police brutality, corruption, and lack of accountability.

These things have pushed the police to become a joke over time, losing their credibility and respect from the public they serve.

#9 Politicians

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton speaks at a finance forum at the Taipei International Convention Center in Taipei, Taiwan, Novmeber 14, 2010. Former U.S. President Bill Clinton arrived in Taipei Sunday (November 14, 2010) afternoon and embarked on a whirlwind visit with less than 24 hours to spare.
Image Credit: ChinaImages /Depositphotos.com.

Over time, politicians have become the subject of jokes and criticism due to their lack of credibility and inability to keep their promises. It’s hard to take them seriously when they flip-flop on issues, engage in scandals, and prioritize their interests over their needs.

In short, politicians losing their values and have become a joke due to their actions and lack of integrity.

#10 Religious Leaders

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - Nov 20, 2015: Pope Francis during a meeting with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko
Image Credit: palinchak /Depositphotos.com.

It is a fact that religious leaders were once respected for their moral guidance and spiritual teachings. People looked up to them for wisdom and direction in their faith. But, over time, some religious leaders have lost their value and turned it into a joke.

This is mainly due to the loss of credibility resulting from scandals, corruption, and controversies surrounding some leaders. A few’s actions have tarnished many’s reputations, causing people to lose trust in religious institutions.

#11 The Profession of a Lawyer

Lawyer pointing at contract
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The profession of a lawyer was once favorably respected for its ability to uphold justice and defend the innocent. However, it has become a complete joke, losing its value and credibility over time.

The logic behind this is simple – the focus on profit over justice. Many lawyers today prioritize winning cases and making money over serving justice and the truth. This has led to a lack of trust in the profession and a perception that lawyers are only concerned with their interests. Unfortunately, what was once a noble profession has turned into something that’s become a joke over time.

#12 Hobbies

Young bike travellers with canned food sitting on cliff
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As a means of personal growth and leisure, hobbies play a vital role. They were considered an avenue for individuals to pursue their interests, learn new skills, and engage with like-minded people. However, over time, hobbies lost their value and became a joke.

This is due to the commodification of hobbies, with people now using them to gain social validation or pursue monetization opportunities. It’s important to remember the logic and reason behind hobbies and seek them for personal fulfillment rather than societal assurance.

#13 The American Flag

Young woman holding united states of america flag over red isolated background with happy face smiling doing ok sign with hand on eye looking through fingers
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The American flag symbolizes patriotism and national unity that citizens across the United States highly respect. It represents the ideals of freedom, democracy, and justice that the country was founded on.

However, over time, it has been used as a tool for political and social agendas. Some people have even turned it into a joke by misusing or displaying it incorrectly.

Source: Reddit.

11 Things That Will Vanish With the Baby Boomer Generation

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Change is on the horizon, and as the baby boomer cohort gracefully transitions into their senior phase, a consensus among many users emerges: specific facets of life are destined to become relics of the past. Let’s explore a selection of social media remarks that illuminate the potential contours of the times ahead.

The Ultimate Ranking of America’s 15 Most Desirable Cities To Live

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In this article, we look at the top 15 cities to live in America based on data from a comprehensive study from Scholarloo, a website that helps students find affordable solutions to fund their college education. The site used publicly available information to evaluate 151 American cities across 8 metrics. Metrics considered: Safety, affordability, economy, health, education, opportunity, and infrastructure.

10 Reasons Why Some People Harbor Resentment Towards Boomers

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It’s no secret that other generations love to hate on Baby Boomers, but what are the reasons that younger people feel a bit of frustration toward this generation? Let’s dive into a social media thread where commenters laid out some factors that might fuel these negative sentiments.

12 Unwritten Rules That All Men Follow

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Navigating the uncharted waters of male camaraderie can sometimes feel like deciphering a secret language. These unwritten codes of conduct weave a unique tapestry of male interactions. We’ve delved into a social media thread to unearth some of these unspoken rules, and here they are, decoded for your enjoyment and amusement.

“Oh God, I’m Such a Boomer” Non-Boomers Share Their 11 Most “Boomer-Like” Opinions

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In the ever-evolving landscape of technology and culture, opinions about various trends and changes often reveal generational divides. Inspired by a social media thread, let’s dive into the most boomer-esque opinions expressed by non-boomers that might leave you chuckling or nodding in agreement.

 

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Pri Kingston

Ash & Pri are the Founders of AshandPri.com and have spent the last decade building their way towards financial freedom and a lifetime of memories. Having successfully achieved their early retirement goal in under 10 years, they look forward to sharing their financial sense with like-minded people. Read more about Ash & Pri in the 'About Us' section.