With the exception of big hair, great music, and the dismantling of the Berlin Wall, the 80's were hardly memorable. However, for those who reveled in the Reagan presidency, it was a great time to be an American. For others, it was a disastrous era that couldn't end soon enough.
The death of Michael Jackson has resulted in a nostalgic craze, casting a bewitching spotlight on the decade of greed, sleaze and boredom. Hence, taking into account all the events that took place in the 80s; news, fashions, entertainment, politics and the beginning of the AIDS epidemic; do you remember where you were and what you were doing when:
1. Women of all sizes adorned their derrieres in jeans by Calvin Klein and Gloria Vanderbilt? Ladies, just by a show of hands, how many of you can still fit into your Vandies, without breaking the zipper or working up a sweat? I can, I can.
2. The birth of the personal computer was launched? Wow, those joysticks and floppy disks seem like relics in comparison to today's 21st century gadgets. Can anyone say Bill Gates?
3. Fifty-two American hostages were released from Iran, after being held hostage for 444 days? And we thought that was the last we would hear about the 18th largest country in the world. Who knew?
4. Michael Jackson was a virtual THRILLER, as he did the moon walk and told the world to Beat It. Jackson was so popular, no one blinked an eye, when he appeared at an awards show cradling diminutive actor Emanuel Lewis, aka Webster, in one arm, while holding his pet chimp Bubbles in the other. Whew, if we only knew then, that we were watching a unique performer whose death would shock the world 25 years later.
5. Ronald Reagan made the decision to fire thousands of air-traffic controllers? And things haven't been the same since.
6. Geraldine Ferraro became the first woman to be nominated by a major political party for the vice presidency? Sadly, it took nearly 25 years before another woman followed in Ferraros footsteps. What a pity! Now, if Hillary Clinton can become Americas first female president, women in America will really have something to shout about. Hip Hip Hoooray!
7. Americans were spellbound by the theatrical production of The Phantom of the Opera . Ah yes, who could forget Michael Crawford in the white mask and that beautiful voice? Aw, those were the days.
8. Richard Chamberlain was dashing as a sexy priest in The Thornbirds ? To refresh your memory, Chamberlain played the role of Father Ralph De Bricassart, a catholic priest who has a brief affair with a young woman played by the enchanting Rachel Ward, who bore him a son. Ah come on guys, you know the story. Strange isn't it? Although he admitted years ago that he was gay, Chamberlain proved that you don't have to be straight to play a romantic hero. Ouch!
9. These were household words? Boy George, J.R. Ewing, yuppies, E.T., Urban cowboy boots, Bo Derek, Brooke Shields and Cabbage Patch Kids. Just out of curiosity, have you seen Boy George lately? Not surprisingly without the long hair and funky clothes he wore in the 80s, he looks, well, almost normal.
10. When Oprah unveiled her massive weight loss on national TV? Wearing a black turtleneck and fitted jeans, the queen of daytime talk was fit, trim and sizzling. You Go Oprah!
11. A babbling Rev. Jimmy Swaggert appeared on TV and said, Forgive me my lord, for I have sinned against you, after being busted for soliciting a prostitute. Strangely, Swag didn't engage in any sexual act, he just wanted to see the chick naked. And that's how I remember the 1980s. What about you? Care to take a trip back to the decade of Greed, Sleaze and Boredom? All Aboard, let's ride!
Peggy, what a great article! you have my wheels spinning as I was a high school from 81-85! Great times for sure! So, I remember the first hit by Madonna and dancing to "Burning Up". Also, remember well when Michael Jackson was burned while filming a Pepsi Commercial and all the girls loved Steve Perry. Sadly, I don't remember much of went on around the world as far as the important stuff, cuz, well, I was a teenager who didn't care.
(Although I am learning lots of important stuff now :-) ) Thanks for the trip down memory lane!
So,you graduated in 1985, as I recall that was a great year. As for Madonna, I first became familar with this funky diva when she performed "Like A Virgin" to an enthused TV audience in the early 80s.
Now, nearly 27 years later, Mo, is still doing her thing.
Hi Ms. Butler! Greed, Sleaze and Boredom? Sounds like this decade, too! The trip down the 80s memory lane is all about vice, Miami Vice, for me. I was living in South FL and our Friday nights were centered around the show. That didn't come on the scene until '84. The years prior, I was in Atlanta. Atlanta Child Murders had many of us involved in the search for those missing kids. I can say, I was not suffering from boredom. They were enjoyable years as I was coming into adulthood and finding my way.
I know I should have responded to this comment months ago; unfortunately due to a computer glitch I could not respond to the comments or edit my articles. Now, the problem has been solved and I am back on track.
Wow, the Atlanta Child Murders,I haven't thought about that in years. I was 18,when I first heard about the murders,and it's strange, that even though wayne Williams was arrested and sentenced to life, I have a strange suspicion that he didn't really do it. Oh well, maybe one day the truth will be revealed.
Hey, do I need to take a "chill pill" to comment on this dashing article? You have described quite a tubular and retro era ~ I bounced on a mini trampoline to songs of the decade and lost a zillion calories doing so ~ I would say a time that was quite liberating for women ~ thanks for the walk down memory lane ~ loved the connection and bouncing to music by Madonna...and a "Borderline" memory of having that "Physical Attraction"...those were some terrific songs even if you weren't fond of the artist that caused quite a controversial rage with her stardom......perhaps, she was what gave Jackson that extra competitive edge.
Those were the days, were they not? The politicians were inept, the clothes were quirky, but I absolutely loved the music..... Michael, Madonna, Huey Lewis and the News, Toto, Culture Club... I could go on and on, but I won't.
The TV shows were good too..... Dallas, Dynasty, the Jeffersons. Okay,let me stop before I too need a chill pill.
Those were the days were, they not? The era of being able to purchase a library card, without having to show your drivers license or state ID. A time when we communicated by mail and telephone; instead of Twitter, Face Book and My Space. A time where you were not concerned with drivers and their cell phones. Also, is it just me or were kids more respectful to adults than they are now? My, how times have changed.
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