The 1980s are often celebrated as a vibrant decade filled with nostalgia—think about the Saturday morning cartoons and iconic toys like Teddy Ruxpin. Many reminisce fondly about the era when MTV actually played music videos, all while sporting their beloved Converse sneakers. But the ’80s we glorify today hardly reflect the complete picture. Amidst the fun, there were significant downsides that deserve recognition.
1. The Mullet
Often referred to as the “ape drape” or “Kentucky waterfall,” this hairstyle somehow gained acceptance in mainstream culture. People strutted around, even in professional settings, with this bizarre haircut that was emblematic of the time. Rock legends like Axl Rose and Bono made the mullet infamous, and it was an era when no one would bat an eye at such a style—perhaps a benefit of the lack of social media.
2. Sky-High Bangs
For many girls of the time, achieving the perfect bangs meant a rigorous routine of curling and copious amounts of hairspray. The result? A towering hairdo that resembled an exotic flower, albeit one that contributed to serious indoor air quality issues in school bathrooms across America.
3. Casual Homophobia
The ’80s were rife with casual slurs in children’s entertainment. While films like “Monster Squad” were popular, they often included problematic language that required uncomfortable explanations for parents. Sitcoms like “Three’s Company” perpetuated stereotypes that today would be considered unacceptable, casting a shadow over the otherwise nostalgic memories of the decade.
4. Misunderstanding AIDS
In a time when misinformation was rampant, the AIDS crisis was met with ignorance and fear. Individuals like Ryan White faced immense challenges simply to attend school after contracting the virus, while society grappled with misconceptions about transmission. Thankfully, advancements in medicine have changed the narrative, but the stigma of that era lingers.
5. Unattractive Vehicles
The design of cars from the ’80s left much to be desired. Boxy shapes and awkward features dominated the streets, making it hard to find a vehicle that didn’t look outdated even by the standards of the following decade. For parents, station wagons with faux wood paneling were often the norm—hardly a stylish choice.
6. “We Built This City”
Starship’s hit song from 1985 has been widely criticized and even dubbed the worst song ever by some music critics. While it was a chart-topper, many have lamented its corporate feel and lack of authenticity, illustrating the disconnect between commercial success and artistic merit during the decade.
7. Trickle-Down Economics
Rooted in problematic political rhetoric, the ’80s saw the rise of trickle-down economics. The term “welfare queen,” used to stoke racist stereotypes, became common parlance. Rather than addressing systemic issues, the solution proposed was to funnel resources to the wealthy, a strategy that has been heavily criticized for its ineffectiveness.
8. Cocaine Culture
The decade was marred by a stark contrast in drug use—while affluent individuals indulged in cocaine, poorer communities faced the devastating impacts of crack cocaine. This disparity in societal response and legal ramifications highlighted the racial and economic inequalities that defined the era.
9. Disney’s Lackluster Output
Comparing Disney’s animation from the ’80s to the subsequent decade may seem unfair; however, the animated features released during this time didn’t quite measure up. Aside from “The Little Mermaid,” many films failed to resonate, while contemporaries like Don Bluth produced beloved classics that struck a chord with audiences.
In conclusion, while the ’80s were filled with memorable cultural moments, they also had numerous flaws that are often overlooked in today’s nostalgic reflections. The Doomsday Clock, latchkey kids, and missing children’s faces on milk cartons serve as reminders of the complexities of this decade.
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