The 1980s, undoubtedly, were a fascinating era marked by its unique characteristics. It was a time when hairstyles reached impressive heights, music resonated at deafening volumes, and fashion choices often raised eyebrows. Though it’s enjoyable to reminisce about those days, it’s essential to acknowledge that societal norms have evolved considerably since then. In today’s world, some aspects from that period would undoubtedly face criticism and scrutiny under the lens of contemporary sensibilities. The “cancel culture” concept would likely have been applied to several aspects of that era. So, take a moment to reflect on those times and appreciate how our perspectives have changed over the years.
Cassette Tapes
Before the era of streaming services, individuals enjoyed their music on cassette tapes – those small, rectangular objects housing spools of tape. The process often involved manual rewinding and fast-forwarding to locate a desired track. Let’s not forget the sound quality, which was mediocre at best. In contrast, the present-day music landscape revolves around high-definition sound and immediate access to an extensive library of millions of tracks at your fingertips.
Neon Everywhere
In the eighties, neon hues adorned clothing, accessories, and even home decor, all aiming to stand out and create a striking impression. Nowadays, there has been a noticeable shift towards more subdued color palettes. The preference leans towards understated tones, with neon shades finding their niche primarily in construction vests and glow-stick parties.
Business at the Front, Party at the Back — The Mullet
The mullet, a distinctive hairstyle blending formal and informal elements, held its own quirky charm. However, candidly speaking, it often resembled a puzzling contradiction atop one’s head. In our modern era, hairstyles emphasize symmetry and elegance, rendering the mullet more of a comedic reference than a prevailing trend. We can genuinely appreciate the departure from mullets, as they were, frankly put, quite unflattering in appearance!
Big Hair
One defining characteristic of the 1980s was the pervasive trend of voluminous, oversized hairstyles, where more significant was undoubtedly better. Back then, aerosol cans of hairspray were an indispensable companion. However, in contemporary times, this trend lacks fashion appeal and raises environmental concerns. Aerosol sprays have been identified as detrimental to the ozone layer. Today, the focus has shifted towards embracing natural hair and endorsing sustainable haircare products.
The Cultural Appropriation Problem
In the 1980s, there was a notable tendency to draw elements from diverse cultures and transform them into fashion trends. However, this practice is widely regarded as cultural appropriation in contemporary times. The current emphasis is on fostering appreciation rather than appropriation. People have become more informed about the importance of cultural symbols and traditions, resulting in a decreased inclination to exploit them for the sake of fashion.
The ‘Gay’ Put-Down
Regrettably, in the 1980s, using the term ‘gay’ as an insult was widespread. However, in today’s context, such behavior is regarded as wholly unacceptable and categorized as a form of hate speech. Over time, significant progress has been made in championing LGBTQ+ rights and fostering greater awareness, leading to well-deserved criticism of derogatory language. It is heartening to note that this is one trend we fervently hope will never see a resurgence.
Gas Guzzlers
In the past, possessing a flashy sports car was significant as a status symbol. The larger and speedier the vehicle, the more it seemed to boost one’s prestige. In our current landscape, however, gas-guzzling automobiles no longer command the same level of admiration as they once did. The ongoing focus on sustainability, coupled with the growing popularity of electric cars, has considerably dimmed the allure of sports cars as a status symbol among individuals.
A Tale of Leotards and Headbands
During the time of Jane Fonda’s workout videos, which were all the rage, aerobics attire was practically your go-to uniform. Vibrantly hued leotards and those elastic headbands were like your unofficial membership badge. Fast forward to today, and you’ll see a noticeable shift in workout attire preferences. Performance-oriented fabrics and more understated workout clothing have taken center stage, rendering the flashy aerobics look from the ’80s a nostalgic relic of a bygone era.
The Unofficial Babysitter
During the 1980s, when a child acted out inappropriately, it was almost customary for an adult to intervene and address the situation, whether they were a neighbor or even a stranger. In today’s context, however, we observe a notable shift in parenting approaches. The prevailing sentiment is that disciplining another person’s child is now deemed unsuitable. This transformation in perspective is emblematic of increased parental protectiveness and a more precise delineation of personal boundaries.
A Little Trash Here, A Little Trash There
In the past, tossing everything into a single trash bin without a second thought was standard practice. Recycling was merely a word in our vocabulary, not a concrete action. However, as we fast-forward to the present day, neglecting to recycle is considered a grave social transgression. The looming climate crisis has raised our collective awareness about responsible waste management, and failing to recycle is now seen as an irresponsible and environmentally harmful act that we all strive to avoid for the well-being of our planet.
Casual Sexism That’s Not So Casual
During the 1980s, casual sexism was, unfortunately, a pervasive issue, making its presence felt in advertising and everyday conversations. Women frequently found themselves on the receiving end of belittlement and objectification. However, we shift our gaze to the present moment. In that case, it becomes evident that such conduct would swiftly result in social cancellation, almost in the blink of an eye, thanks to the growing emphasis on gender equality. The concerted efforts of various social movements have significantly reshaped the discourse surrounding sexism, rendering it a universally unacceptable practice.
Over the Shoulder Pad
Shoulder pads, without a doubt, were quite a significant fashion trend and were substantial, both figuratively and literally. Their purpose was to lend an appearance of broader shoulders, often linked to notions of power and authority. However, let’s be frank; they could also leave you resembling a linebacker. In contemporary times, empowerment is no longer associated with bulky attire but stems from self-assuredness and capabilities. Now, shoulder pads are relegated to costume parties and Halloween as nostalgic relics of a bygone era.
The Comedy of Racism
Once upon a time, it was regrettably all too common to encounter jokes that targeted a person’s race or ethnicity. Stand-up comedy shows and sitcoms frequently resorted to these jokes in pursuit of easy but hurtful laughter. However, if we shift our gaze to the present day, we’ll see a significant societal attitude transformation. Such jokes have become unacceptable as we’ve matured in understanding that humor should never be used to marginalize or demean entire segments of our diverse society.
Leg Warmers, What?
Leg warmers weren’t exclusively reserved for dancers; they became a significant trend in mainstream fashion. Draped stylishly around your legs atop your leggings, they epitomized the quintessential ’80s workout look. However, the landscape of sportswear has since evolved significantly, emphasizing functionality and advanced technology. In this contemporary era, leg warmers are seen as impractical and outdated relics reminiscent of the aerobic exercise craze of yesteryears.
Secondhand Smoke
Once upon a time, smoking indoors was, ultimately, utterly acceptable. Restaurants, airports, and hospitals—practically everywhere—welcomed it. But fast forward to the present day, things have significantly transformed. Lighting up within a 20-foot radius of most public buildings has become a significant no-no. Secondhand smoke has earned its reputation as a bona fide health menace, leading to a shift in societal norms and often backed by stringent legal restrictions, rendering indoor smoking an action that is socially frowned upon and frequently illegal.
Sun Worshipping
Do you recall those glorious, sunny days when achieving the perfect tan was the ultimate goal? As opposed to protective sunscreen, Tanning oils were considered essential, must-have items for poolside lounging. However, the tides have changed significantly. Nowadays, we prioritize using high-SPF sunscreens to safeguard our skin from harmful UV rays. The threat of melanoma is not to be taken lightly, and the numerous health dangers connected to prolonged sun exposure have been extensively documented. Consequently, contemporary preferences have shifted towards cherishing the beauty of healthy, unblemished skin rather than the overly tanned appearance that was once so coveted.
Overlaying Your Makeup
Heavy makeup was unquestionably the prevailing trend in the 80s. The mantra was clear: the more makeup, the better. Imagine bold choices like vivid blue or green eyeshadow extending to the eyebrows, generous blush, and the iconic red lipstick. However, fast-forward to today, such an extensive makeup regimen is likely excessive and disconnected from reality. A paradigm shift has occurred, emphasizing the allure of natural beauty. Modern trends encourage individuals to embrace their authentic selves, recognizing that makeup isn’t merely a facade but a means to enhance self-confidence and feel comfortable in one’s skin.
The Fur Coat Fiasco
During the vibrant era of the 1980s, owning a fur coat was seen as the ultimate symbol of status and luxury. Just envision figures like Joan Collins, known for her role in “Dynasty,” gracefully adorned in lavish mink coats. In those days, possessing a genuine fur coat meant you exuded sheer opulence. However, as the years have progressed, a significant transformation has occurred in our societal values. Animal rights advocacy has gained considerable prominence, leading to a substantial shift in fashion choices. Presently, donning real fur is widely considered outdated, and an act that perpetuates cruelty is unsustainable and runs counter to contemporary ethical standards. Today, faux fur has emerged as the moral and fashionable alternative, reflecting our evolving values and consciousness.
“No Boomers Allowed”: 15 States Where Retirees Are NOT Welcome
If you’re planning a significant change during retirement, it’s crucial to think about the kind of home you desire and the aspects you should steer clear of. “If you’re thinking about making a big move in retirement, it’s important to consider what characteristics you want in your new home and which ones to avoid at all costs,” suggests experts. To assist you, we’ve compiled a catalog of the 15 least favorable states for retirement.
“No Boomers Allowed”: 15 States Where Retirees Are NOT Welcome
16 UNACCEPTABLE THINGS BOOMERS GOT AWAY WITH IN THEIR YOUTH THAT WOULD SPARK OUTRAGE TODAY
Looking back on the childhood of the boomer generation, it becomes evident that certain things once considered appropriate would never pass today’s standards. The cultural landscape has evolved significantly, leading us to recognize 16 aspects of their upbringing that would be deemed wholly unacceptable today. From unsupervised outdoor adventures to unfiltered television content, the boomer generation got away with various experiences that would undoubtedly raise eyebrows in today’s world. Let’s delve into these intriguing elements of their upbringing and reflect on how far society has come.
16 UNACCEPTABLE THINGS BOOMERS GOT AWAY WITH IN THEIR YOUTH THAT WOULD SPARK OUTRAGE TODAY
STUCK IN THE 60S: 10 THINGS BABY BOOMERS REFUSE TO LET GO OF
Memories of the “good old days” keep us trapped in the past. Baby boomers love to retell tales of how it was “in my day.” At the same time, millennials will tell them to get with the times. Being stuck in a time warp from which they don’t want to snap out of, here are things that baby boomers still think are fantastic. STUCK IN THE 60S: 10 THINGS BABY BOOMERS REFUSE TO LET GO OF
IT’S TIME TO LET GO: 30 OUTDATED BOOMER HOME TRENDS THAT DESPERATELY NEED TO BE SHOWN THE EXIT!
With the advances of social media, home trends, décor, and fads change faster than ever before. While some trends become instant classics, others can be redundant, unsensible, or just downright hideous. In a popular online forum, users shared the home fads they’re tired of seeing. We’ve compiled a list of these most disliked home décor fads, so grab a cup of coffee, and let’s look into these less-than-inspiring home design options!
IT’S TIME TO LET GO: 30 OUTDATED BOOMER HOME TRENDS THAT DESPERATELY NEED TO BE SHOWN THE EXIT!
BOOMERS FED UP: THE NEVER-ENDING SAGA OF MILLENNIAL BLAME FOR FINANCIAL FAILURES – ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
Millennials look at their current economic situation with despair. The feeling amongst them is that the boomers are the cause of their woes. Boomers are considered to be a group of individuals who are self-serving, greedy, and short-sighted. But is this the case?
BOOMERS FED UP: THE NEVER-ENDING SAGA OF MILLENNIAL BLAME FOR FINANCIAL FAILURES – ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!