Aimee+E’s+OpEd+Article



It seems to me that every past decade holds some notorious respect and/or stereotype: the 1950‘s: Marilyn Monroe, The Korean War, Buddy Holly, the 1960’s: The hippie movement, Bob Dylan, Vietnam, the 1970’s: Groovy glamour, the Maude movement, Apollo 13. And then there is the 1980’s. **WHENEVER** I discuss or read about this era, people respond with utter disgust and repulsion. “Oh man are you nuts? The ‘80s? Shitty synthesizers, horrible clothing, everyone looked and acted like idiots... Aimee? Are you alright in the brain?” Yes, I am alright in the brain. The 1980’s was an awesome, economically stable, revolutionary time. So the question is, are **YOU** alright in the brain?! Man, oh man, do I have some grievances.

Let me start off by addressing the most common complaint of the 80’s: the music. The 80’s music scene was very interested in the “new wave” movement along with bold and daring recording technologies not utilized in previous generations. These technologies included synthesizers, overdubbed and aesthetic sounding effects. Artists’ who abused these technologies are the ones whom people regard as the main culprits of the bad music reputation. Such artists include: Duran Duran, Depeche Mode, Oingo Boingo, Madonna, Poison, Journey, Rush, Wham!, George Michael etc.


 * HOWEVER, NOT ALL MUSIC WAS LIKE THIS**. Let us take a gander at all of the **GOOD** and **POWERFUL** and **UNDER APPRECIATED** and **OVERLOOKED** music of this era.

>
 * 1) U2- http://youtu.be/s9CJU8-m-ig
 * 2) The Clash- http://youtu.be/xMaE6toi4mk
 * 3) The Smiths- http://youtu.be/ojbEWJFF3Dw
 * 4) The Cure- http://youtu.be/hXCKLJGLENs
 * 5) The Police- http://youtu.be/aENX1Sf3fgQ
 * 6) The Romantics- http://youtu.be/jvHKjDKY_O8
 * 7) David Bowie (yes, he was around before, but this song is fucking great)- [|__http://youtu.be/N4d7Wp9kKjA__]
 * 8) Joy Division- http://youtu.be/hdmrt72mib0
 * 9) Blondie- http://youtu.be/HUAmWCox5fs
 * 10) Echo & the Bunnymen- http://youtu.be/SV3IsQlZsiM
 * 11) Psychadelic Furs- http://youtu.be/LGD9i718kBU
 * 12) The B-52s- http://youtu.be/szhJzX0UgDM
 * 13) Beastie Boys- http://youtu.be/evA-R9OS-Vo
 * 14) Michael Jackson- http://youtu.be/sOnqjkJTMaA
 * 15) Guns ‘N Roses- http://youtu.be/1w7OgIMMRc4
 * 16) Ozzy Osbourne- http://youtu.be/otdHbA4GlSI

PLUS MORE.

Another aspect that people fail to realize, out of sheer **stupidity, ignorance and judgement,** is that the 80’s was a time of economic stability. By 1983, inflation had eased after the recession of 1982, and the USA had a sustained period of economic growth and benefit. The annual inflation rate stayed under 5% through 1990... Let us not forget about Reagan’s economic policy, which allotted lower tax rates, thus motivating people to work harder. This lead to more saving, investment, harder work ethic, more production, and an overall stimulated economy. In comparison to today’s economy, the 80‘s was much better. So 80’s= cash money, baby.

Oh, and you know what else? Great films were created around this time. Just to name a few:


 * 1) The Breakfast Club
 * 2) Sixteen Candles
 * 3) Back to the Future
 * 4) Star Wars continuations
 * 5) Star Trek continuations
 * 6) Pretty in Pink
 * 7) E.T.
 * 8) Dirty Dancing
 * 9) The Princess Bride
 * 10) Indiana Jones
 * 11) Footloose
 * 12) Ghostbusters
 * 13) Beetle Juice
 * 14) The Karate Kid
 * 15) Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
 * 16) The Goonies
 * 17) Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me

Revolutionary technologies were also derived during this time. IBM made the first home computer, and Microsoft and Apple began manufacturing various computers and software as well. The first cell phone was released to the public in 1983; although the size of a small child: http://www.wirelessmuseum.org/archives/654/attachment/210, it was the first step of modernizing to our iPhones that we use so vigorously today. The technological aspects that this era brought us were catalysts, and extraordinarily influence how we live and function as human beings.

Although most people aren’t a fan of 80’s fashion, we did gain a lot of influence from it in how we dress today. Successful stores like American Apparel and Urban Outfitters carry attire that totally resembles the 80’s.

So, in short, the next time some ignorant baffoon decides to slam the 1980’s, I will **viscously** come after them, and they will suffer. The 80’s was a time of prosperity in the midst of a recession. It was **awesome**. It was **totally rad, man.**

To close this muckracking op-ed, I will leave you with my mother’s favorite 80’s song, enjoy: [|__http://youtu.be/0UIB9Y4OFPs__] ...