The Decade That Defined Cool
The 1980s were the defining decade of our pop-culture zeitgeist. Movies, music, arcades: it was all at its height. Sure, every generation thinks its generation is the greatest. But when you're growing up during the inception of blockbuster films, gaming and computers, you just can't beat that excitement, and here are 20 reasons why.
1. The Birth of the Blockbuster
Movies went into overdrive in this decade because filmmakers were now able to realize epic fantasies. Going to the movies wasn't just something to pass time; you went to see events like Back to the Future or The Empire Strikes Back. Movies had magic and production values that were created physically, not digitally.
2. Music Videos Changed Everything
Pre-MTV you only listened to your favorite artists, but now MTV made them household visuals. Seeing a video premiere was like a huge block party everyone discussed at school next day. Artists had to step their game up in order to be more creative. We were blessed with some of the greatest visuals of all time.
3. Saturday Morning Cartoons
It was cool waking up early on the weekends. The TV stations would broadcast hours of exciting cartoon antics. You would pour yourself a massive bowl of sugary cereal and sit glued to the TV for hours. These cartoons were engineered to make you dream. Plus it was nice feeling like every other child in the nation was watching the same thing at that very moment.
4. Arcades Were Social Hubs
You didn't play games alone in your room. You went to the mall to play the latest releases. Bright flashing lights and the cacophony of sound from every corner of the arcade were energizing. Trying to beat that high score felt monumental. You befriended others in line and picked up tricks watching older kids dominate the joystick.
5. Fashion Had No Fear
No one was afraid to look different. Bright colors, big hair, and out-there silhouettes ruled the decade. You wore leg warmers or a patch-covered jean jacket, but you always wore it big. Because dressing "too much" was the best compliment you could give your outfit.
6. Physical Media Had Soul
Digging through aisles of videos at your local video rental store on a Friday night was nice. There's something special about holding a tangible record or cassette tape in your hands. Makes you feel like the music is something you own rather than just appreciate. You enjoy album art and liner notes like you don't with digital streaming.
7. The Rise of the Action Hero
These were the days of icons that seemed bigger than life. Superstars who shouldered entire franchises. Films driven by larger-than-life characters and blockbuster stunts that had you cheering from beginning to end. Star power you knew what you were going to see when you saw their names. Movies that delivered.
8. Childhood Independence
Children had freedom we hear about in legends. Many times you didn't come inside until the street lights turned on. You played outside all day riding your bike around the neighborhood. There was no GPS or cell phone tracking your location. This allowed you to figure things out for yourself and adventurously experience life.
9. Synthesizer Soundscapes
Music was heading toward the future as electronic keyboards and drum machines started being used heavily and sounded really awesome. They created this twinkly, ethereal sound that characterized pop and rock music during this period. You know it's an 80s song when you hear it because of those infectious electronic hooks.
10. Toys Were Built to Last
Action figures and playsets were detailed and built to last during this era. Hours could be spent staging epic fights on your bedroom floor with figures that had rich histories and awesome accessories. Lots of the original toys from this time are still loved today because they were made with love.
11. Mall Culture Was Peaking
The mall was the place to go. It was where you went to hangout with friends, shop, and see everybody you knew. You would roam around stores all afternoon and get pizza from the food court. It created a sense of community and somewhere to physically be with friends that social media apps will never be able to replace.
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12. Iconic One-Liners
Movies were full of witty banter and quotable lines. People toss these around in everyday conversations still. Writers knew how to craft that perfect "water cooler moment". You probably have that one line from a comedy or action movie you say just to make someone laugh.
13. The Boombox Era
Portable music made listening social again. You could take your favorite music everywhere and blast it for the whole neighborhood. Owning a heavy silver box strapped to your shoulder was super stylish and proclaimed your arrival. It made chilling at the park become an event with a soundtrack.
14. Classic Sitcoms
TV programs consisted of family you could relate to and comedy that gathered the whole family in front of the TV. You fell in love with these characters because they felt like your neighbors and the writing was so heartwarming. They allowed you to unwind and laugh routinely.
15. Experimental Car Design
Cars started resembling science fiction movies with pointed angles and pop-up headlights. Bold designers experimented with unusual styles. Cars appeared aggressive even when sitting in someone's driveway. You could tell vehicles apart because each manufacturer had extremely distinctive styling.
16. The Joy of Mixtapes
There was no better way to show you cared than meticulously dubbing a mixed tape for someone. You had to pace yourself so each song was perfect, and neatly handwriting the track list as well. Showing someone you cared was a labor of love that took time and effort. You actually had to know what the other person liked.
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17. Radical Sports Culture
Professional sports were elevated to blockbuster entertainment this decade with historic rivalries and superstar athletes. Athletes you saw became international celebrities who revolutionized their sports. It felt like there was more intensity in championships because there was less dispersed media coverage.
18. Innovation Without Overload
Tech was exploding with new advancements like home computers and VCRs, but it was not intrusive. You didn't use technology all of the time, instead you went to use your computer or watched a movie on your VCR. Life was awesome because you had technology, but you didn't live life staring at a screen 24/7.
19. Bold Graphic Design
Trapper Keepers, book covers, jackets, notebooks, even movie posters were splashed with psychedelic colors and garish shapes that screamed at you. It was playful and embraced being silly. There was a sense of joyful abandon in the mundane. Life was a graphically rendered Saturday morning cartoon.
20. A General Sense of Optimism
You sensed that tomorrow was going to be better and filled with fantastic potential for everyone. Most people had sincere excitement about what the next great invention will be or who'll make the next great song. You felt like you belonged to a culture that was always progressing towards something greater and more vibrant.
