8 Reasons Why I Wish I Grew Up In The '80s
Start writing a post
Arts Entertainment

8 Reasons Why I Wish I Grew Up In The '80s

And no, I am not just talking about wearing cute, neon scrunchies.

382
8 Reasons Why I Wish I Grew Up In The '80s
20th Century Fox

The 1980s were, like, totally bitchin' and I wish I could have experienced them firsthand. I truly believe I am growing up in the wrong time period, and here's why...

The MUSIC!!!!!

Honestly, this reason alone gives a full explanation of why I wish I was alive then. 1980s music can never be topped (sorry Beyoncé). No other generation of music creates so many emotions within the minds of its listeners. Think about it… There are songs that make you wanna love hard and rip your heart out at the same time, like "Total Eclipse of the Heart" or "I Want To Know What Love is." Songs about real sex, not just about large butts, "hitting and quitting," or only pleasuring themselves as demeaning rappers do nowadays. Even the really risqué '80s songs like "Cum On Feel The Noize" or anything by Madonna, were all in a playful manner and encouraged pleasure for both partners. Also, songs that just make you feel good about life, such as the classic "Don't Stop Believing" or "Jump." And of course, the best tunes for aging girls to dance around their bedrooms to like "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" or "I Wanna Dance With Somebody".

It's no wonder why my dad lost his hearing in the '80s from blasting songs like "Here I Go Again" and "Livin' On a Prayer" in his 1975 F150 Pickup with subwoofers. The music was to die for and allowed young people to express themselves in so many ways. It is loud and raw, just asking you to headbang and sing as loud as possible. Nothing will ever beat listening to '80s music.

Big shoulders

Clothes, especially jackets, blazers and coats, were amped up with extra shoulder padding. I personally have , shoulders already, so I feel as though I would rock the "big shoulder" look. Also, if you add a belt or something to cinch up your waist, the look really helps to define a woman's curvy body. Plus, how cool is it that a power suit was the look, which is both sexy and empowering.

Big hair

Teasing and perms were the way to go, in order to rock the "big hair" look. For girls with naturally curly and voluminous locks, this was an easy hairstyle to pull off. My hair has both these attributes, so I am just waiting for this trend to resurface. Big hair is also extra and being extra makes life so much more exciting. I'm sure girls bathrooms from the '80s still hold the hairspray smell from when girls would spend loads of time teasing and spraying their hair in order for it to hold the large shape of the time period.

'80s movies

Really though, how many iconic movies came out of the '80s?? Name all the classics and I guarantee most of them are from the '80s or set in the '80s. I truly feel as though I relate to these movies so much, I think my personality and thoughts are straight out of an '80s movie. As well as we have all wished at some point that we were Baby from "Dirty Dancing" or Ariel Moore from "Footloose." Each film shows heartache and struggle and then finishes with a happy ending, allowing us to come full circle at the end. '80s movies are the best!!

The slang

Just to name a few: gag me with a spoon, gnarly, eat my shorts, radical, and take a chill pill. Wouldn't it be, like, totally righteous if it was socially acceptable to use all these sayings now???

No social media

Not having to worry about your next Twitter post, people bragging on Facebook, or how many likes your latest Instagram picture got. Yes, that sounds so nice. People got to communicate on landlines and could angrily hang up the phone to release anger, instead of just ghosting someone on Snapchat, which just leaves you both unsatisfied. I , grow up in a world with more face to face interactions and less social media.

Role models like Princess Diana

Every year my mom still hangs her Princess Diana ornament on the Christmas tree that she got in the '80s and I never understood why or who she was until I got older. A billion people tuned in to see Prince Charles and Lady Diana get married. She was a fashion icon and for good reason, too. Diana learned what looked good on her and didn't always abide by seasonal changes. There are still Instagram pages dedicated to her, that shows the impact she had to young women.

Workout clothing

Legwarmers and spandex are what comes to mind when I think about '80s fashion. I think I would totally be more apt to go to the gym if I could wear these adorable and extremely extra outfits without getting strange looks. I remember playing with Barbies dressed in the cute blue and pink workout outfit and wish I owned one for myself. Everything is more fun when you have the perfect outfit on. Think how much more glamorous sweating during your cardio routines would be while wearing a cute neon-colored outfit.

Basically, a time period where everything made a statement, is where I belong. I say we bring back these trends and see where it takes our society, but for now, I am just going to go watch "Sixteen Candles" on repeat.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

94442
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments