An '80s childhood breeds tubular memories

by Kim Smith

The “nostalgia” phenomenon is rearing its ugly head and this time it’s random laser beam is focused on the ’80s.

First of all, what is the “nostalgia” phenomenon? The first example that comes to mind involves a small obsession with the ’50s during the ’70s and ’80s. This not only involves slicked hair and leather jackets or even the movie “Grease,” but Elton John’s “Crocodile Rock.” And let’s not forget the newfound love for the ’60s and ’70s during the ’90s. What are “flared” jeans, really?

So now it's the ’80s turn. Many of you are shaking your head, wondering how this could have happened. You are, in fact, doubting that anything good came out of the ’80s.

Well, take a look around. Chances are if you see someone aged 13 to 22, they were born in the ’80s — and some of them will change the world. Many of the freshmen were born sometime in 1984. While some of you had to brave high school or even enter the real world during the ’80s, some of you were learning how to tie your shoes and ride a Big Wheels.

But you’re wondering how good can come out of a decade with horrible things like the deaths of John Lennon, John Belushi and Marvin Gaye? How can I omit Ronald Reagan’s presidency or the dietary wonder of caffeine-free Coke?

Heck, what about Apple computers?

While we study the effects today, as a preschooler these things didn’t take a toll on my mental wellbeing. The ’80s may have been scary, weird and monetarily focused, but when children take on a decade like that — magic is made.

This is a childhood mix of Pat Benatar, Coke bottles, Kate & Allie, The Care Bears, Van Halen (with David Lee Roth), Rainbow Brite, The Cosby Show and “The Princess Bride.”

It isn't just limited to memories, either. I’ve seen rough, country-loving cowboys sing “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” at the top of their lungs, my roommate has fallen asleep listening to The Police, “The Goonies” is an unhealthy obsession for an entire household and my sister still watches “The Breakfast Club” religiously. It’s also a tradition for two of my friends to watch “The Labyrinth” at the end of every year. Grody to the max.

I have my own ’80s quirks. For example, I still own my records from childhood, including the soundtrack to “Footloose,” (remember when Kevin Bacon danced?) and Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” And I still believe that if cartoons today were half as good as “He-Man” and “She-Ra,” I’d spontaneously combust.

The point is (I knew you were wondering) everyone takes his or her own memories from the decade of their childhood.

The “nostalgia” phenomenon merely eliminates the bad parts. And for all of you skeptics out there, just remember, I could start talking about the early ’90s.

— Kim Smith is a junior journalism major who wants you to join her in reminiscing about layered socks and side ponytails. Send her an email at ks134100@ohio.edu.