And yet, there seems to be some unspoken rule in the entertainment industry that dictates that if you don’t absolutely adore 1980s classics, then you must have no taste at all. Well, I’m here to say that I can’t defend 1980s classics, and I don’t need to.
Let me preface my argument by saying that I understand the appeal of 1980s classics. The 80s was a decade known for its extravagant fashion, catchy music, and iconic movies. It was a time of excess and indulgence, and that manifests in the entertainment that came out of that era. For many people, the nostalgia factor alone is enough to keep them coming back to 1980s classics time and time again.
But for me, the nostalgia factor just doesn’t cut it. I wasn’t even born until the late 90s, so I don’t have the same emotional connection to 1980s classics as some people do. And that’s okay. I don’t need to pretend to love movies like The Breakfast Club or Dirty Dancing just because they have a cult following. I don’t have to fake a love for 80s music just because it’s considered classic. And I certainly don’t have to defend my lack of interest in 1980s fashion just because it’s making a comeback.
What I do value in entertainment are things like storytelling, character development, and originality. And while there certainly were some great movies that came out of the 1980s, I can’t say that they are inherently better than movies from any other decade. For every classic 80s movie, there are dozens of forgettable ones that just didn’t stand the test of time. And for every iconic 80s song, there are countless others that have been long forgotten.
It’s not just the quality of the entertainment that bothers me about the obsession with 1980s classics, though. It’s the fact that people feel the need to defend them so vehemently. It’s as if there’s some sort of 80s purist club that you have to be a part of in order to be considered a true lover of entertainment. The truth is, everyone has their own individual tastes and preferences, and that’s what makes the world of entertainment so diverse and interesting.
I’m not saying that people shouldn’t enjoy 1980s classics. If that’s your thing, then more power to you. But what I am saying is that we shouldn’t put so much pressure on others to feel the same way. Just because something is considered a classic doesn’t mean that everyone has to love it. And just because a movie or song came out in the 80s doesn’t automatically make it better than anything that came out before or after.
At the end of the day, it’s okay to recognize and appreciate the impact that 1980s classics have had on the entertainment industry without feeling the need to elevate them above everything else. There’s a whole world of entertainment out there just waiting to be discovered, and limiting ourselves to a narrow view of what’s considered “classic” only serves to hinder our appreciation for all the wonderful and diverse creations that have come from all different times and places. So, let’s stop the pressure to defend 1980s classics and instead open ourselves up to the endless possibilities that exist in the world of entertainment.