Livin' the 80s Life!
Second Semester Final Project by Haley S.
Music
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
Technology
Standards: D, I
Personal Computers
CDs
VHS & VCR
Cable Television
Cell Phones
Movies
Television
Food and Candy
Women's Fashion
Standards: A, G
Men's Fashion
Standard: B
Hairstyles
Standard: E
Big Hair and Big Bangs
All the ladies (and some men!) wanted big hair! Teasing combs and bottles of hairspray were found in every teen's bathroom. It was often curled or crimped to make it appear even larger. Hair bands became popular, strutting on stage with their guitars and giant manes.
New Wave Hair
"New wave" fans were famous for their asymmetrical haircuts. Instead of having bangs straight across, these people requested diagonal bangs. The rest of their hair was also cut at an angle to emphasis their want to be different from everyone else.
Side Ponytail
Every "valley girl" wanted their hair to be in a side ponytail. They'd pull all their hair tight to the side of their head and secure it with a nice, large scrunchy. To add more fun, girls often teased, curled, and crimped their hair. This popular hairstyle was seen throughout the entire decade, even lasting into the 90s.
Mohawk
Mohawks were a statement, not a hairstyle. Punk rock kids across the country sported these crazy 'dos. They were a unique way for teens to say that they don't have to conform to society. With a long piece of hair sticking straight up from a bald scalp, these teens were rebelling.
Mullet
When someone sported this 'do, they were "business in the front, party in the back." Hair was cut short on the front and left long and flowy in the back. "Everyone had mullets!" The longer the mullet, the better. This care-free hairstyle was popular from preps to punks.
Rattail
Rattails were a thin strand of hair that hung at the nape of one's neck. It was longer than the rest of one's hair, hence the name. Wearers of this style kept the rest of their hair tame, except for this long piece. It could be added to any hairstyle, adding to its popularity.
Toys and Games
Standard: J
Click on the link below to view a slideshow featuring some of the most popular toys and games of the decade!
Forever 80s
The 1980s left an impression that America will forever feel.
Many songs from this decade are still popular and relevant today. Across the country, girls still love listening to Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" while hanging out with their girlfriends. "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey continues to be popular among teens are adults alike. Many bands still continue to tour or record albums that capture the audiences. The various unique sounds made famous during the 1980s are still used today. Artists of today sample old songs, reliving the great era.
Technology has definitely changed since the 1980s. However, this change has come about because of advancements then. Personal computers are now smaller and more powerful than ever before. CDs are still common, but music now is mostly digital on computers and MP3 players. VHS VCRs have evolved into DVR that is stored digitally on our cable boxes. Cable television is still extremely popular, now feature hundreds of channels of high and low quality. Cells phones are EVERYWHERE today, it seems as though anyone over the age of 8 has one now. They are much more efficient and cheaper today, but would be nothing without the advancements made during the 80s.
The effect of the film and television isn't as prominent as others, but can still be seen today. 1980s movies continue to be hits among movie buffs. Some have been remade in hope of re-spiking the popularity, Sitcoms created thirty years ago are still being shown today. They have also influenced popular shows of today, like Modern Family and The Middle. Cartoons continue to be popular, even having their own channels. The television industry today is nearly a mirror of television in the 1980s, but more advanced.
Food of today is basically the same as food from the 1980s. Many of the most purchased candies today were created in the 1980s. Dairy Queen Blizzards are dessert favorites across the country. Fruit snacks are now made in many colors and flavors and feature the characters of popular children's shows. Lean Cuisine Meals continue to be the perfect diet food for those watching their waistlines.
Perhaps the longest everlasting aspect of the 1980s is the fashion. Runways throughout the country feature looks inspired from the great decade. Baggy shirts, mini skirts, bright colors, floral patterns, lace, and almost everything else popular then is popular today. It is no longer a retro look to dress up for the decade, but a fashion statement of what is modern today. In men's fashion, the styles have faded, but are still sported by some. Guys of today dress more preppy or sporty, but the 80s can still be seen through color choices and brand names, such as Polo and Nike.
Along with the popular vintage clothing styles comes the same popular hair styles. Gradually, these hairstyles have come back in style. Big hair, asymmetrical bangs, and side ponytails are among the most sought after styles. Luckily for men, the 1980s hairstyles haven't made much of a comeback. Mohawks are still being rocked by the most hardcore band members, but mullets are rattails are still stuck in the 80s. Instead, men and boys sport shorter styles that are easier to manage.
The toys of the 1980s have evolved to meet the needs of children today or influenced modern toys. Cabbage Patch Kids and My Little Pony can still be found on shelves today. Girls continue to love them. Atari game systems influenced the game systems of today, such as the XBOX-360 and PS3. They continue to have the same idea of inserting a cartridge or disc into a more expensive system. Rubik's Cubes can still be found, and the company released an electric game a few years ago. The other toys in the presentation have died away, but may make a comeback someday!