It is due to the recent publication of new literature of the 1980’s that we can focus our lens on history

for that period. Previously, written facts regarding the 1980’s were sparse. Some historians believe this
to be due to the eclipse of the previous 2 decades, the 1960’s and 70’s, tragic inaccuracies dealing with
the economy in America at that time.

Due to lack of any studies of America in the 1980’s historians at current continue to struggle with the
study of what is now available. Any histography thus far in publication regarding the very active decade
of the 80’s, will find much fact checking, reading all literature available (even if it opposes one’s own
opinions), and accurate accounts to be able to form their assessments. This particular topic in history
continues the necessity of investigative review and careful dissection of what is true and false.

Much of the histography of the 80s in adequate critical resources of study, often unable to get real
evidence. Many historians have taken a shot at piecing together the happenings and changes over a
period of time with miniscule reports to rely on.

During the 1980s there were a few major cultural developments. One of which impacted the society as
a whole, individualism. No longer conforming to the old order, Americans took great liberty in exploring
the new freedom.

In my reading of this growing history of the 80’s, I find the flourishing of the liberals. Liberalism would
prove to be a powerful adversary for the Reagan administration. They appeared to gain influence during
this time, and they were not afraid to oppose specific government agencies and policies. Their agenda
was mainly one of discontinuing the use of progressive socialistic values. Instead, liberals wanted their
own identities once and for all in America, land of the “free”.

In my opinion, the 1980’s remind me of caricature type cartoons and in your face, consumer driven ads
on TV, a kind of modernity in media topics. Sadly, I remember TV being such a huge part of my
childhood during the 80’s, and I sat in front of it more than I should have. Not to say I did not enjoy the
“old school” neighborhood life. I wouldn’t trade that part for anything, no cell phones, no internet, just
playing outside and socializing with the other kids. It saddens me how youth culture has moved so far
away from feeling safe and free to staring at screens everywhere they go. I can’t imagine how miserable
many of them must feel.

Works Cited:

de Leon, Charles L. Ponce. “The New Historiography of the 1980s.” Reviews in American History, vol. 36,
no. 2, 2008, pp. 303–14. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/40210925. Accessed 11 Mar. 2023.