Gaming, Movies and Summers in the 80s: A Nostalgic Look Back

It was undoubtedly one of the best periods to grow up. Back then, we were extremely fortunate to live through it. Born in 1978, my formative years were the 1980s, and my teenage years were the 1990s. Those were challenging yet transitional times, a period just enough technologically advanced to be exciting but not to an overwhelming extent. The world was witnessing the rise of computer games, which improved dramatically each year. This era was marked by vivid memories of spending endless hours at amusement arcades, checking out the latest beat 'em up games, and devouring the latest movies on the big screen.

The Evolution of Technology and Entertainment

Computer games were one of the most exciting new developments of that decade. Year after year, they advanced by leaps and bounds. As a child, I would often visit our local seaside town with my parents, and we would spend hours engrossed in the arcades. The movies of the 1980s were equally fascinating, with incredible special effects that predated CGI. Many of my favorites, such as Return of the Jedi, The Goonies, Never Ending Story, Labyrinth, and Flight of the Navigator, were regular fixtures in the movie theaters.

The Magic of Outdoor Play and Summer Days

When I wasn’t in school, much of my time was spent outdoors, cycling for miles and playing without a care in the world. My parents never questioned where I was, nor did they worry about keeping track of me. It was common practice for kids to roam freely, and authentic adventures rose through simple exploration. The summers were usually hot and sunny, with snow every year in regions like Falkirk, Scotland. These vibrant and sunny days fostered a unique sense of exploration and freedom.

The Contrast with Today

Nowadays, things are quite different. Where once there was a vibrant town center, now it is mostly deserted. Gone are the days when kids ran to each other's houses just for the pleasure of hanging out and playing. With the rise of social media, our social interactions have transformed in ways we never anticipated. Our connection with each other has shifted, but the memories of the past remain.

The Importance of Neighbors and Community

In the 1980s, we knew our neighbors and the local community intimately. It was the norm to ask for sugar or milk when needed. However, modern times have seen a decline in this sense of community. We are divided, and the elites have, to some extent, seized control. People coming from outside are often met with resentment. Governments are now distributing resources without addressing the root issues faced by struggling communities.

The Impact of Technology on Entertainment

While many 80s cartoons and TV shows had an unparalleled magical quality, today's CGI animation, despite its technical wizardry, lacks that same level of emotional depth. Analog recording and playback used to capture the warmth and soul of music, an experience that digital recordings struggle to emulate. The rich and inventive nature of the era, influenced by the cultural zeitgeist of the 1960s and 1970s, is something that cannot be recreated.

A Look at the Future

While the 1980s and 1990s were filled with excitement and promise, the future didn't materialize as hoped. Today, there are fewer jobs, and those that exist often offer little movement in one's career. Additionally, social benefits that were once readily available to those in need are now more limited, with housing and other factors tied to eligibility. This stark contrast brings a poignant nostalgia to those formative years.