About the 80s

The 1980s brought forth many changes in the social, political and economic landscape of America. Our values and our ways of thinking were challenged. New technology altered the structure of our daily lives. Established practices and institutions gave way to new, more effective ways of doing things and dealing with one another. Identities bacame more fluid as access to other cultures increased and people took on multiple roles.

Features

Mohawk

Vietnam was over, Disco was dead and an actor named Ronald Reagan moved into the White House. Video killed the radio star with the launch of MTV in 1980. Soon after, Madonna exploded onto the pop charts with catchy tunes that appealed to America's youth and racy videos that spurred controversy. Bruce Springsteen brought the voice of the working man to the music scene. Little Michael Jackson grew up and started a dance craze. Fashion and music blended together like never before. Blue jeans were ubiquitous, the wearing of a single glove became de riguer and teenage girls donned lace skirts and rosary beads before heading out to the mall. The punk movement that started in the 1970s grew more mainstream as British rock band The Sex Pistols gained attention in America. Soon, suburban youth could be seen sporting mohawks, piercings, eyeliner and ripped clothing. Despite the new, darker influences on culture, the top rated televsions shows of the 1980s remained largely family friendly. "The Cosby Show" and "Family Ties" offered up comedic family fun with life lessons, while "Cheers" made bar flies loveable. Television, still a relatively new invention, became more central to American life. Everyone wanted to know "who shot J.R." as "Dallas" birthed the first "cliff hanger" season finale that forever changed television programming. Millions tuned in to watch the spectacular weddings of British royals Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer and Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson. These ill fated unions that tarnished the institution of British royalty are just two examples of how previously conceived notions were turned on their heads in the 1980s. Actress and political activist, Jane Fonda became a work out sensation. Ronald Reagan left chimp movies behind to become the leader of the free world. Finally, our notions of masculinity were challenged in 1985 when Rock Hudson died of AIDS and it was revealed that he was gay.

Invented

The Challenger Crew

In the 1980s, technology grew in leaps and bounds. Scientists strived for new innovations to make life easier and more enjoyable. Hundreds of television channels suddenly became available to those willing to install 10-feet wide dishes in their backyards. Anyone who felt like they were missing out on all these channels had to offer, could record missed programs on their new VCR, available in VHS or Beta Max. Avoiding the boss or in-laws became much easier as the answering machine brought about the practice of call screening. Kids and adults alike found new entertainment options with the intoduction of the first home computers and video game systems. Leftover night became widespread for American families who purchased a new microwave oven. Mom loved not having to cook while the kids hated the reappearance of unwanted brussels sprouts. All technological advances were not positive, however. Crack cocaine exploded onto the drug scene, tearing through the poorer neighborhoods of America like a plague. The effects of progress on the environment gained attention as the endagered species list grew, a hole in the ozone was discovered and concerns about acid rain surfaced. Finally, as we watched the Challenger explode on January 28, 1986, we were all reminded of mankind's fallibility.

Significance

Berlin Wall

New technology coupled with the changing structure of the American family set the stage for progress and change in many areas. As the divorce rate climbed, women had an increasing need for full time and lucrative work. New industries and ways of thinking assured them a place. The social change movements started in the '60s and '70s, also began to significantly affect policies in the workplace. Women entered the workforce and gained earning power like never before. Ronald Reagan appointed Sandra Day O'Connor to the Supreme Court, the first woman to ever hold this prestigous position. In 1984, Geraldine Ferraro further opened doors for women in power as she became the first woman to run for Vice President. Minorities gained a foothold in the changing work environment as well. More opportunity and better pay than one could have hoped for in the '70s became reality. Jesse Jackson threw his hat in the ring for President. Racism and sexism still persisted, but these and other old wounds began to heal. Vietnam vets, so disenchanted by their treatment upon returning home, were somewhat villified when in 1982 the Vietnam War Memorial was erected in their honor. The Cold War, that had raged between America and the U.S.S.R. for decades, finally drew to a close. Ronald Reagan, remembered for his excellent foreign policy, implored Mikhail Gorbachev to "tear that wall down." Under immense pressure to change, and perhaps moved by the aid offered in the wake of the nuclear disaster at Chernobyl, he finally listened. Millions turned on the television in late 1989 to watch the Berlin Wall come down, and Germany's dreams of reunification was realized.

Misconceptions

Atari Game System

Many remember the '80s as a happy go lucky time of peace and prosperity. Others think of the decade as a period of excess, disillusionment and the end of good moral values. In fact, there was progress in several areas, but little peace, widespread fear, and financial uncertainty for many. October 19, 1987 brought about the worst stock market drop in history, surpassing even the great crash of 1929. By the end of the decade, the national deficit had grown to epic proportions. While many segments of the population flourished economically during this time, others continued to suffer in poverty. Widespread layoffs in certain industries, as well as a growing drug problem, did much damage to Americans already living on the edge. The advent of AIDS put fear into the hearts of every American. Little was known about this deadly disease and its transmission until late in the decade. Misinformation and discrimination sometimes reached a fever pitch. While the U.S. military was much less busy than in earlier decades, conditions throughout the world were far from ideal. Hunger in Ethiopia and Uganda gained worldwide attention. Conflict for change raged in El Salvador, Lebanon, Northern Ireland, Iran, Iraq, the Phillipines, Panama, China and South Africa. Some conflicts were ultimately resolved, others remain volatile decades later.

Effects

Madonna

Events of the 1980s have had a long lasting impact on family and economic structures, foreign relations and modes of thinking. Divorced and blended families, once taboo, are now commonplace. Most households have a two earner income, sometimes with the woman bringing in the higher income. Not only are women afforded many more opportunities in career choice than existed prior to the 1980s, economic forces have made her income necessary to the survival of many families. The consumerism and excess that ran rampant in the 1980s persists in many ways. Modern attitudes toward spending and status symbols as well as the diffusion of innovation continue to reflect the bigger, newer, faster, more attitudes of the '80s. Efforts made during this decade to establish the United States as a superpower continue to serve the country well in the international arena. Specifically, relations with Russia and China have greatly improved due to steps taken during the '80s. Our world leaders weren't the only ones crossing continental divides. The technological innovations of the '80s have led to better and increased communication for all throughout the world. In the global village, the lines between us have grown blurry.