While many people celebrate the 1980s with nostalgia for Saturday morning cartoons, Garbage Pail Kids, and classic toys like Teddy Ruxpin, it’s essential to remember that the decade had its share of drawbacks. Sure, we fondly recall MTV’s music videos, but here’s a more balanced look at why the ’80s could be considered less than perfect.
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The Mullet
Known by various names like the “ape drape” or “Kentucky waterfall,” the mullet was a hairstyle that society accepted without question. You could walk down the street or even go to the office rocking this questionable look, and no one would bat an eye. Icons like Axel Stone and Paul McCartney wore it proudly, but let’s face it: it was a fashion disaster. -
Sky-High Bangs
Anyone who experienced the ’80s knows the struggle of achieving those towering bangs. It involved curling, spraying, and more spraying, leading to what could only be described as a hairdo resembling an exotic flower—if that flower were made of hairspray and bad decisions. The epidemic of “Girl’s Bathroom Lung” was a real concern in high schools as we tried to perfect this look. -
Homophobia
The entertainment of the time was rife with casual homophobia. Films like Monster Squad and sitcoms like Three’s Company casually tossed around slurs that would make today’s audiences cringe. While we might indulge in nostalgia for He-Man and Nickelodeon, those in the LGBTQ+ community certainly remember a different reality. -
Misguided Fears About AIDS
In the ’80s, misconceptions about AIDS were rampant. The tragic story of Ryan White, a young boy with hemophilia who contracted HIV, illustrated the fear and ignorance surrounding the virus. At that time, people believed you could contract the disease from mere contact—misinformation that caused immense suffering and stigma. -
Questionable Cars
Let’s be honest: the automotive designs of the ’80s were not the best. From boxy shapes to flip-up headlights, these vehicles were often plain ugly. If you had kids, you likely ended up in a maroon station wagon with faux wood paneling. Talk about style points! -
“We Built This City”
Starship’s 1985 hit has been dubbed one of the worst songs ever. Despite its Grammy nomination, critics have panned it for its corporate vibe. Blender magazine even named it the worst song of all time. The irony of a band criticizing corporate greed while profiting from it is too rich. -
Trickle-Down Economics
The economic policies of the ’80s, particularly under Ronald Reagan, often perpetuated racial stereotypes. The term “welfare queen” emerged, painting a derogatory picture of single mothers. The solution? Give tax breaks to the wealthy in hopes that it would help everyone else. Spoiler alert: it didn’t work. -
Cocaine Culture
While wealthy individuals indulged in cocaine at lavish parties, the poorer communities faced the harsher realities of crack cocaine. The disparity in treatment and legal consequences highlighted the racial injustices of the decade, further deepening societal divides. -
Lackluster Disney Films
Comparing Disney’s output in the ’80s to the glorious ’90s is hardly fair, but it’s hard to ignore the mediocre animated features released during this period. Besides The Little Mermaid, the decade produced forgettable titles, while Don Bluth delivered classics like The Land Before Time that still resonate today.
In conclusion, while the 1980s are often romanticized, they were a complex time filled with both memorable moments and significant challenges. For a deeper dive into modern family topics, here’s a helpful resource on pregnancy and home insemination: womenshealth.gov. And if you’re curious about at-home insemination kits, check out Make a Mom.
By reflecting on the past, we can better appreciate the progress we’ve made and the challenges that still lie ahead.