An 80's Pop Culture Love Affair... For the Most Part
History repeats itself, or at least, that's what we are often told. When it comes to the history of 80's pop culture, there are probably some things that are best left in the past, and others that could at least provide some fluffy entertainment. If you go to the highlight reel of 80's pop culture, you'll see a wide variety of flashy fashion, music and fads. Here, we list some of the best and worst that 80's pop culture has to offer.
BEST: Madonna
Madonna represents everything that was right with the 80's. In her legendary cone bra, she revolutionized pop music, and showed the world what it took to stay on top of the music industry as a whole. She never stayed with one image for very long, and as a result, she has become an 80's pop culture icon for the ages.
WORST: Leg Warmers
Here's one thing from the 80's pop culture vault that is, rather unfortunately, making a resurgence. The fashion statement became popular after the movies Fame and Flashdance hit the scene, but these woolen monstrosities were not preventing dancers' legs from cramping. Instead, they were creating embarrassing photos for their patrons to scowl at years down the road.
BEST: Oregon Trail
Load up the wagons, and head out west! One of the first accessible computer games, this 80's pop culture phenomenon involved blazing the Oregon trail in the face of horrors like rattlesnakes, famine and dysentery. Careful crossing that river, you might lose an ox!
WORST: Mullets
Another fashion faux pas from days gone by, the mullet is by far one of the most frightening components of 80's pop culture. It was business in the front, and a party in the back, but ridiculous looking all around. Worn by men, women, and Billy Ray Cyrus, this hairstyle should stay buried in the past.
BEST: Star Wars
Ok, so maybe the first movie came out in 1977, but The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi solidified Star Wars as an 80's pop culture phenomenon. You either wanted Princess Leia, or wanted to be her, and the force was strong in you. Yoda was the ultimate source of wisdom, and you could not wait for the next installment to come out. You probably had the action figures, too, didn't you?
WORST: John Lennon's Assassination
Sure, the Beatles were already over. However, John Lennon was a legendary artist who was still making contributions to the world of music. His death shook 80's pop culture to its core, and the void he left behind was filled with bands like Air Supply and Wham!, which is a travesty in and of itself. So long, John. You will be missed.