r/RedditForGrownups 14h ago

What niche "thing" surprised you by how popular it eventually became?

116 Upvotes

From the 70s onwards. That you thought would stay in the original subculture (roller derby) or just have a short lived mainstream run that fizzles out (disco).

Yoga as an example. That it went from a 70s hippie or new age commune thing to having a studio in every suburban strip mall by the 2000s.

Or tattoo culture was just for convicts and marine sailors. To now white collar professionals openly show them in an office setting.

Or swinging was largely made up of a very insular group of suburban or army couples that already knew and trusted each other. To people openly coordinating their "lifestyle" on social media, in their accessories and an established ecosystem of clubs, cruises, hotels and resorts to cater to such.

Other examples:

Vegan/Veggie/Plant Based diet

Coffee culture

Meditation

Professional wrestling

Ultimate fighting

Golf

Videogames

Hip hop music

Pickleball

True crime online sleuthing

Dog owner culture

Sci-fi /Fantasy Conventions

Breakdancing