Sailors kissing - absurd art
HIV infection – A Devastating Disease

In the early 1980s, an enigmatic and devastating disease suddenly emerged, shattering lives and confounding medical experts. The AIDS epidemic gripped the world with fear and uncertainty as its origins and transmission mode remained elusive. This composition delves into the medical and political detective story of HIV and AIDS as it unfolded in the 1980s, […]

Home photography of old Russian lady
Everyday life in Soviet: USSR nostalgia

The 1980s marked a transformative and eventful period in the history of the Soviet Union, encompassing a myriad of socio-economic changes and shifts that profoundly impacted the fabric of everyday life. As the nation continued its pursuit of communist ideals, the lives of ordinary Soviet citizens evolved in dynamic ways, reflecting both the enduring traditions […]

Interior design in the 1980s
Acceptable in the 1980s – Not Now

Over the past four decades, society has experienced significant shifts in cultural norms and accepted behaviors. The 1980s, characterized by the rise of MTV and the popularity of Atari, represented a distinct era compared to today’s technologically advanced and socially interconnected world. This essay delves into the profound cultural transformation by examining the practices considered […]

Cartoon of the Earth in a Star Wars environment
The Strategic Defense Initiative: Reagan’s Star Wars

The Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), colloquially called “American Star Wars,” was a significant program that captured public attention in the 1980s. Proposed by President Ronald Reagan in 1983, SDI aimed to develop a missile defense system capable of protecting the United States from nuclear attacks. This article provides a neutral and informative overview of SDI, […]

Donkey Kong as a bronze statute
Things That Did NOT Exist in the 80s

The 1980s were a decade of big hair, neon colors, and the birth of personal computing. It was when cassette tapes ruled the airwaves and video games became a household phenomenon. However, as we ventured into the decade after, a wave of technological advancements swept the world, introducing us to a new realm of possibilities. […]

Photograph of crack cocaine
The CIA and the Crack Epidemic – Really?

Introduction: Unveiling a Troubling Allegation For decades, the American government has faced accusations of intentionally saturating the streets with hard drugs, particularly in African-American communities, as a covert means of destabilizing them and thwarting their social and political progress. These allegations gained significant traction during the emergence of the crack epidemic in the 1980s. As […]

Inspector Gadget original print
Inspector Gadget: The Bumbling Cyborg Detective

Unveiling Inspector Gadget’s World of Gizmos In a fusion of MacGyver’s resourcefulness and Robocop’s technological prowess, the iconic television series Inspector Gadget burst onto the scene in the 1980s. This cyborg police investigator delighted audiences with random gadgets that seemed to emerge from thin air. However, despite his impressive gadgetry and the title of “inspector,” […]

Garage door opener Crusader 200SS
Garage Openers: From Rarity to Necessity

Introduction The advent of garage door openers revolutionized how Americans interacted with their homes and vehicles. In the early 20th century, garages were a luxury reserved for the wealthy, but as the automobile became more accessible, the need for convenient and efficient access to garages grew. This essay explores how garage openers became a significant […]

Close-up of Japanese ninja
Japan in the 1980s: A Unique Perspective

Introduction The 1980s in Japan marked a period of unprecedented economic growth and cultural transformation. While the Western world often takes center stage in discussions of this era, it is crucial to explore Japan’s experience and perspective during this time. By leveraging insights from first-hand witnesses, this article aims to provide a comprehensive account of […]

The Great Giana Sisters original box
The Great Giana Sisters: From Imitation to Innovation

In the vast realm of video games, few titles have left as indelible a mark as Super Mario Bros. This iconic game, released in 1985 by Nintendo, revolutionized the 2D action genre and set a benchmark for style, gameplay, and branding. It became a cultural phenomenon, propelling Nintendo to new heights and solidifying Mario as […]