Reading and watching Much Ado About Nothing set in the 1980s was a very interesting. I was not alive during the time, but I nonetheless feel like I have a personal connection to the decade because of the media I have consumed about it.
That being said, why do the 80s feel so nostalgic? I have nothing to be nostalgic about really. All it takes is for someone to say "eighties" and I already have images forming in my head of my mom with a feathery mullet-style haircut, and Madonna, and ridiculous bright patterns everywhere. Is my perception (similar to many other's who were born after the decade) true of the culture during that time?
With years of the Vietnam war, and Social Rights fading away, the decade is one of the few to stray from strong political memories. Though other wars were going on, America stayed out of major military action. Reagan was president, and his ideas satisfied many people from different parties. Royalty was at the forefront of our culture in moments with Princess Diana walking down the aisle.
Another place I get my "nostalgia" for the 1980s is popular culture. I know for one example, Stranger Things has really defined my generation's view and love for the decade. Nerdy beginnings in video games like Pac-Man, and movies like Indiana Jones also came around during this time. These are elements that are still around in todays popular culture.
I think what makes the 80s so nostalgic for all generations is the timeless, mindless fun that is associated with it. Everything from the clothing, to the music, to the games and movies are just so fun! There is hardly any associations to negative times like with social rights and wars, which contributes to the idea that it was a decade of partying, instead of rioting.
How does to people seeing the 80s represented on stage? Is the mindless fun what comes to mind for everyone? Is there something that I might miss, being removed from the generation of the 1980s?
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