15 Reasons the ’80s Were Better Than the ’70s
The ’70s gave us bell-bottoms, shag carpets, and enough polyester to smother a small village. Sure, it had its charm, but the decade also smelled like patchouli and bad decisions.
Then came the ’80s, bursting in with neon, synthesizers, and a level of confidence that made disco seem like a polite suggestion rather than a lifestyle. Suddenly, everyone had big hair, bigger shoulder pads, and music videos that could double as modern art exhibits.
By the end of the decade, the ’70s looked like the awkward middle school phase of history, while the ’80s strutted past wearing leather jackets, Walkmans, and a smug grin. Here's why we’re still not over it.
Ray-Bans Beat Peace Signs
Wayfarers and Aviators upgraded every outfit, while peace sign necklaces just scream, “I’m a hippie.”
Synths > Disco
Alien melodies and epic synths crushed repetitive beats that required sequins and bell-bottoms, dragging dirt.
Transformers Come Alive
He-Man and G.I. Joe turned toys into heroes while educational cartoons taught the boring periodic table.
Diet Soda Triumphs
Light, fizzy drinks replaced forgotten cocktails and boxed wine, tasting like liquid disappointment.
Walkman > Stereo Monstrosity
Portable private music replaced giant furniture that only played records and filled half your living room.
Pac-Man Devours Boredom
Tetris and NES brought stories and levels while Pong barely moved a dot or two.
Shoulder Pads > Polyester
Powerful shoulder pads screamed style while polyester sweated, sparked, and ruined your shirts.
VHS > Three Channels
Recording, renting, and controlling movies crushed knob-turning TVs with three sad channels.
Skateboards Over Bananas
Skateboards and BMX brought tricks and speed while banana-seat bikes looked like flying chairs.
Breakfast Club Wins
Imperfect, rebellious teens taught life lessons while Charlie’s Angels just smiled under supervision.
Big Hair Rules
Voluminous hairstyles held by industrial hairspray replaced limp, lazy cuts of the ’70s.
Explosions > Horror
Muscle-bound heroes demolished buildings while slow, atmospheric horror movies made you nap with candles.
Lycra, Not Bells
Fluorescent leggings handled cardio and mall trips while bell-bottoms collected dust and despair.
Moonwalk Beats Hustle
Michael Jackson defied gravity while the Hustle looked like office dancing in painful shoes.
Yuppies & Greed
Oil crises and economic stagnation gave way to yuppies and the shameless rise of “Greed is good.”