I Love The 80's

I realize that I have not talked about how much I love the 80's. I supposed I assumed that this was known. It was one of the main reasons that I fell in love with Ready Player One. Where else can you have Back to the Future, Ghostbusters, Wargames, Pong, Pac-Man, Dig Dug, BladeRunner, Highlander references? Not just references but mentioned with the reverence that they deserve. This book puts so many cultural icons on the pedestal that I believe they deserve. How many people think about the greatness that was arcades. You didn't just go to play but you went there to run into your crush or meet up with your best friends. You made memories that stayed with you for the rest of your life there. I wonder if we replaced these kinds of meeting places with chatrooms and social media. Facebook does not have watered down soda and delicious greasy pizza to go along with playing fantastic games that allowed you to transport into the galaxy and fight for your life. The movies took you to other places as well. They allowed you to travel to the future and the past, fight ghosts, kiss your crush, and experience levels of embarrassments that you thought you left behind in high school. I think it has to do with serious masochism that we willingly bring back such terrible memories and choose to watch it over and over again. I also refer to the popularity of the show "Freaks and Geeks". The 80's does not only give us video games and movies but tv shows that tried to give examples of American middle-class life that we all tried to aspire to. From Family Ties to Whos the Boss - I had the biggest crush on Judith Light instead of the usual Alyssa Milano - I have no explanation for this. I just did. I also really wanted to be the grandma. She had such an easy chill life. She lived with her daughter and didn't have to work. That is the life to me. I have a son and I dont think that would be a good idea for me. Music released has stood the test of time. Ready Player One mentions some of the hits and some of the songs we wish everyone would forget about - wake me up before you go go - I have to mention that I was sorry zero Peter Cetera references were made in the book. I am happy he - Earnest Cline - did have Parzival attempt to win Art3mis back by playing Peter Gabriels "In your eyes" I had the album and yes played the song over and over during times of broken heart eras. Thank the gods there was no reference to the politics of the era - well maybe kind of one time. His reference to how a poor family could have enough money to afford a whole house just for themselves does reference the standard of living most Americans enjoyed during this decade. If you want to see a recent example just watch Stranger Things on Netflix. I still find it hard to believe that Winona Rider and her family were so poor due to the fact that they have a house and car and her kids had food and clothes on their backs. This should be considered Part 1 of my love for the 80's. I have not even scratched the surface. I haven't talked about the cartoons or sports or toys. Until Next time MTFBWYA

PS - I LOVE THE 80'S