American History: Life in the 1980´s

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in the 1980’s? The crazy hair styles, the new and improved things that were being created made this time alive, and fun. To be born in the 1980’s would have a been a privilege, who wouldn’t want to be known as “The decade that defined…. “US!” The 1980s was a decade that began on January 1, 1980, and ended on December 31, 1989. This decade was a great social and economic time period for people living in the 80’s. The world was becoming more developed as well as everyone in it. This decade became the “Look at me” generation of status seekers. The 80’s made a new breed of billionaires and money makers. “The decade began with double-digit inflation, Reagan declared a war on drugs, Kermit didn't find it easy to be green, hospital costs rose, we lost many, many of our finest talents to AIDS which before the decade ended spread to black and Hispanic women, and unemployment rose,” according to Peggy Whitely of Lone Star College. Although this time seemed like all fun and games, there were many problems. People say we lost the meaning of “We” and it suddenly became “I.” Citizens were realizing that you couldn’t depend on others around you; they were coming up with new ideas, and inventions to allow things to be more efficient. Although the 1980’s suffered a huge change for the American people, the fads and fashion part of the people strived, as well as the inventions. These two things will be some of the most historical, yet fascinating parts of the 80’s generation in American History.

The first item that I wish to discuss is inventions. It is one thing to think of an invention, but creating it is a whole other story. Although challenging, it seemed like everyone in the 80’s was think...

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...s that cocaine would be too, but not in this case. For one gram of cocaine it cost around 100 dollars to 125 dollars. Cocaine and crack were so popular in the 80’s that in the 1986 poll they would win out over alcohol for most abused drug, which was pretty impressive. Associations such as “Just Say No to Drugs,” and “DARE” were introduced to lessen the cocaine use.

There could be a lot more to say about the 80’s when it comes to drugs, but if you really do your research, cocaine is what defined this decade. The 80’s is glorified because of its crazy clothing and awesome inventions. The 80’s had its highs and lows, but for the most part you could say it was the decade that changed everything and everyone for the worse or the better. People took pride in their fashions, fads, and inventions in the 80’s; as a matter of fact, everyone took pride in these three things.