There are two kinds of nostalgia concerning the 1980s: nostalgia from those of us who were there to experience it, and nostalgia from younger generations who discover it and wish that they were. And you know what? That's OK, because we had the time of our lives one way or another. Reminiscing and letting nostalgia hit us today can be both a little heartwarming and a little cringing depending on the trend – hit or miss. Let's take a look at two things in each category as we look back in time.
HIT – Music Videos on MTV!
This goes without saying, but shortly after midnight on August 1, 1981, with the broadcast of the Buggles' “Video Killed The Radio Star”, things would never be different again. MTV veejays (video disc jockeys) popped up to introduce videos and it spawned several popular incarnations at the time from Headbangers Ball to Yo! MTV Raps. Music videos were an experience all to themselves in the 1980s with so many classics that we haven't forgotten ever since: Michael Jackson's “Thriller”, Peter Gabriel's “Sledgehammer”, Genesis “Land of Confusion”, Madonna's “Like A Prayer”, Cyndi Lauper's “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun”, a-ha's “Take On Me”, and so many more that would take forever to list them all. The only annoying thing, which is sort of nostalgic in itself, was having to sit and wait for your favorite video to come on MTV, unlike typing it up on YouTube and having that instant gratification today.
MISS – Fanny Packs
On one hand, it kept our valuables safe and accessible. On the other hand, we're not sure when emulating a kangaroo become a form of fashion sense. Even Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson got in on the action in posting one of his old photos (granted, circa the 1990s) with his cringeworthy haircut, turtleneck, gold chain necklace, and fanny pack. But hey, we were all there once, and that only adds to the nostalgia.
HIT – Calling Somebody On The Phone
While those who were born and raised during the internet and smartphone generation won't understand this one, there was something romantic about meeting somebody, getting their digits, and calling them up to go out on Friday or Saturday night. Unfortunately, you might not get them on the first, second, third, or ninth call, but who doesn't have those memories of staying up all night talking to a best friend or your significant other on the phone? While it's seemingly much easier today to “swipe right” on one picture of somebody's face on Tinder, Bumble, or whatever app you prefer, it's too easy and part of the reason we've become so jaded in a sense.
MISS – Mullets
Business in the front, party in the back! Both men and women had this, ahem, “classic” hairstyle at one point or another in the 1980s. Who are we kidding? We all did! Good memories and good laughs. Come to think of it, the mullet is coming up on the “1980s Revival Trends” list soon, right? RIGHT?!?
HIT – Music Videos on MTV!
This goes without saying, but shortly after midnight on August 1, 1981, with the broadcast of the Buggles' “Video Killed The Radio Star”, things would never be different again. MTV veejays (video disc jockeys) popped up to introduce videos and it spawned several popular incarnations at the time from Headbangers Ball to Yo! MTV Raps. Music videos were an experience all to themselves in the 1980s with so many classics that we haven't forgotten ever since: Michael Jackson's “Thriller”, Peter Gabriel's “Sledgehammer”, Genesis “Land of Confusion”, Madonna's “Like A Prayer”, Cyndi Lauper's “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun”, a-ha's “Take On Me”, and so many more that would take forever to list them all. The only annoying thing, which is sort of nostalgic in itself, was having to sit and wait for your favorite video to come on MTV, unlike typing it up on YouTube and having that instant gratification today.
MISS – Fanny Packs
On one hand, it kept our valuables safe and accessible. On the other hand, we're not sure when emulating a kangaroo become a form of fashion sense. Even Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson got in on the action in posting one of his old photos (granted, circa the 1990s) with his cringeworthy haircut, turtleneck, gold chain necklace, and fanny pack. But hey, we were all there once, and that only adds to the nostalgia.
HIT – Calling Somebody On The Phone
While those who were born and raised during the internet and smartphone generation won't understand this one, there was something romantic about meeting somebody, getting their digits, and calling them up to go out on Friday or Saturday night. Unfortunately, you might not get them on the first, second, third, or ninth call, but who doesn't have those memories of staying up all night talking to a best friend or your significant other on the phone? While it's seemingly much easier today to “swipe right” on one picture of somebody's face on Tinder, Bumble, or whatever app you prefer, it's too easy and part of the reason we've become so jaded in a sense.
MISS – Mullets
Business in the front, party in the back! Both men and women had this, ahem, “classic” hairstyle at one point or another in the 1980s. Who are we kidding? We all did! Good memories and good laughs. Come to think of it, the mullet is coming up on the “1980s Revival Trends” list soon, right? RIGHT?!?
