Long Live the 80's

The hair. The clothes. The music. You remember the 1980's, right? Sure you do and you're all the better for it! But even if you don't, you can still appreciate the great achievements of that period. From dystopian scifi to big hair bands to Super Mario Bros. to Cold War politics, there's a lot to love about the 80's and if you've got something to share, whether it be hilarious stories or fond memories of days gone by, then we'd love to hear about it! So don't be shy, grab your complementary time machine and leather jacket and bask in the radiant glory of that most cherished of decades. Big hair and sparkly lip gloss is optional, but definitely encouraged! <strong>What the 1980's is all about:</strong> <div class="spoiler"><input type="button" class="button" onClick="this.nextSibling.nextSibling.style.display='block';this.style.display='none';" value="Show spoiler"> <span class="spoiler_content" style="display:none"><input type="button" class="button" onClick="this.parentNode.style.display='none';this.parentNode.parentNode.childNodes[0].style.display='block';" value="Hide spoiler"><br>-<strong>Super violence</strong>. People getting ripped apart by gunfire, turned into goo by toxic waste, or mutating into giant babies and then exploding, the 80's is all about blood, gore, and violence all the time. -<strong>Jingoism</strong>. It's the 80's and that's means dirty Communist infiltrators trying to destroy our democratic, capitalist way of life! Trust no one, particularly your neighbors and family members!! Even your aged grandmother could be pining away for the silver-tongued teachings of Lenin. -<strong>Unbridled negative attitude regarding the future</strong>. The 80's were fun, but we all figured that the world was about to go to hell in a hand basket by the time the 21st century rolled around. It was all about post-apocalyptic wastelands ruled by brutal gangs and dystopian futures ruled by a handful of super-powerful megacorporations. -<strong>Neon</strong>. It's bright, colorful, and oh-so-expressive! Can't live without it. In fact, if your body isn't draped in neon at this very moment, you're probably in the wrong club. -<strong>Juvenile delinquency</strong>. Nothing says 80's like sticking it to the man by riding your motorcycle really fast and burning stuff in the street. And it's all cool, because the government's so corrupt that it deserves it. -<strong>Child-like innocence</strong>. While seemingly at odds with many of the other defining characteristics of the 80's, they were also, nevertheless, a time of child-like wonder and innocence. Many a fantasy movie reveled in this feeling and have, in recent years, become a continued source of such feelings. Nothing says nostalgia like the 80's! -<strong>Technology</strong>. None of us are fortune tellers, but we could see the writing on the wall. Technology was advancing in a big way and it was going to be long before it completely ruled our lives. Global networks, computers that could connect directly to your brain, and human-like artificial intelligence were just the tip of what we all saw coming down the pike.<!--spoiler--></span></div> <strong>Disclaimer:</strong> <div class="spoiler"><input type="button" class="button" onClick="this.nextSibling.nextSibling.style.display='block';this.style.display='none';" value="Show spoiler"> <span class="spoiler_content" style="display:none"><input type="button" class="button" onClick="this.parentNode.style.display='none';this.parentNode.parentNode.childNodes[0].style.display='block';" value="Hide spoiler"><br>Do not reminisce about the 80's while operating heavy machinery. The 1980's may not be appropriate for all people, consult your physician before viewing LaserDiscs or grainy VHS tapes. May induce intense feelings of nostalgia and increasing disconnect from reality.<!--spoiler--></span></div>