Living in the Past

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Living in the Past
As Seen on TV: Ancient Chinese Secret, Huh?

As Seen on TV: Ancient Chinese Secret, Huh?

Yes, this really was a commercial.

Samantha Kemp-Jackson's avatar
Samantha Kemp-Jackson
May 03, 2025
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Living in the Past
Living in the Past
As Seen on TV: Ancient Chinese Secret, Huh?
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The famous Calgon commercial of the early 70s. Gender and racial stereotypes were fully intact.

“As Seen on TV” is an ongoing series about our favourite (or not-so-favourite) commercials from our youth. In this first installment, we’ll remember a popular ad that painted the backdrop of our youth for almost a decade. Love it or hate it, you definitely remember it.

The Commercial: Calgon Detergent aka “Ancient Chinese Secret”

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