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And many colorful characteristics people born in the 80s seemed to have forgotten.
Within the Synthwave community, the vibrant palette of the 1980s is often painted with bold strokes of neon hues, casting a glow that is synonymous with the era. And there is a good reason for that. The colorful influences we grew up with greatly influenced our neon pallet.
Today, the synthwave community serves as a living testament to the vibrant spirit of the 1980s and the allure of its neon-drenched aesthetic. Drawing inspiration from the era's iconic sounds, synthesized beats, and cinematic nostalgia, synthwave artists encapsulate the essence of 1980s music.
Neon colors, synonymous with the visual landscape of that era, become more than a mere stylistic choice; they embody the pulsating energy, futuristic optimism, and unmistakable glow that defined the 1980s.
In their sonic creations and visually striking album art, the synthwave community not only pays homage to the music of the past but also elevates it into a contemporary space, immersing enthusiasts in a nostalgic journey where neon hues illuminate the sonic corridors of time.
However, some may argue that neon isn't a true or typical characteristic of the 80s experience. I've seen memes like this floating around. It goes like this:
And I say that bottom half represents a 1970s creation or idea that pre-existed before the 80s were ever thought of. And although that might have been true about my great-grandmother's house in the 80s, I'll have to say that the top one more accurately describes my childhood experience in the 80s.
((the top one is definitely better! But not reflective of the typical 80s experience, because as you said, it didn't just hit 1980 and suddenly everyone got rid of wood paneling))
-The poster
Yeah, I get her point. We saw these things in the 80s, too. However, it is important to note that people may have differing experiences. The idea of neon definitely existed. We had it presented to us in many different ways. As children who were born in the 80s, we were presented with colorful storytelling, movies, toys, books, and aesthetics that greatly helped shape our generation.
Here we'll explore 19 different mediums that helped define the significance of neon in the cultural tapestry of the 1980s.
The neon experience of an 80s childhood!
Neon lights became an integral part of the 1980s aesthetic, illuminating cityscapes and storefronts with a dazzling array of colors. The vibrant glow of neon was more than just a lighting choice; it symbolized the boldness and exuberance of the decade. From neon signs to clothing accessories, the unmistakable radiance of neon permeated every facet of 80s culture.
Let's illustrate how neon became an integral and visually captivating element of the 1980s experience, influencing everything from fashion to entertainment and beyond.
Neon Colored Toys:
Action figures, dolls, and playsets often featured vibrant neon colors, capturing the attention of 80s children and contributing to the visual excitement of playtime.
We had Popples, My Little Pony, Care Bears, Rainbow Brite dolls, Moon Dreamers, Sweet Secrets, Fashion Star Fillies, Hugga Bunch, and much more!
You can't tell me, as someone who grew up in the 80s; that neon didn't have any influence here. Come on, now!
Need I say more? I could list endless examples here that show the influence of neon. Our play was colorful and full of neon magic!
Animated TV Shows:
Let's start with Jem and Rainbow Brite!
Saturday morning cartoons, such as "Jem and the Holograms" and "Rainbow Brite," embraced neon colors in their animation, creating visually engaging and memorable worlds for young viewers.
Jem is the perfect example of neon! I absolutely dig this!
Also, have you 80s babies forgotten about Moon Dreamers? I loved the dolls but also, the dolls had a colorful cartoon.
Children's and Adults' 80s Fashion and accessories:
Neon-colored clothing items, from windbreakers to sneakers and accessories like scrunchies and jelly shoes, allowed kids to express their vibrant personalities through fashion.
Let's take Leah Remini (1988), for example. Her early television roles was on Who's the Boss? as Charlie Briscoe, which led to a spin-off series entitled Living Dolls, in which Remini starred with Halle Berry. The show premiered in late 1989 and ran for twelve episodes. Keep rocking that neon, Leah!
Bedroom Decor:
Neon-themed bedroom decor, including posters, bedspreads, and wall decals, added a touch of fluorescent flair to kids' personal spaces, creating an environment reflective of the era's aesthetics.
Check out this New Kids on the Block bedroom set, straight from the 80s (and neon).
Lunchboxes and School Supplies:
Below was my childhood favorite!
Lunchboxes, backpacks, and school supplies often featured neon designs and characters from popular cartoons, turning everyday items into neon-infused statements.
Backpacks were all the more colorful!
Candy and Snack Packaging:
Bonkers was one of the greatest candies of the '80s. It looked like Bubble Yum, and tasted like Starburst, and had a consistency somewhat similar to Hi-Chew. Tack on a series of TV commercials were giant pieces of fruit fell on everyone, and you had a winner!
Neon colors adorned the packaging of candies and snacks, making treats like Gushers, Fruit Roll-Ups, and Nerds visually appealing and enticing to young taste buds.
Comic Books:
Comic books of the 80s, particularly those featuring superheroes like Superman and Spider-Man, embraced neon colors in their covers and illustrations, adding an extra layer of excitement to the storytelling.
Arcade Games:
Neon lights were a hallmark of arcade games, captivating the attention of kids with their glowing cabinets and futuristic aesthetics, creating a sense of wonder and adventure.
Neon was a prevalent design element in the graphics and signage of arcade games. The glowing, futuristic look added a sense of excitement and high-tech allure to the gaming experience.
Movies and Animated Films:
Rainbow Brite and the Star Stealer was an amazing example. And one of my favorites!
Films like "The NeverEnding Story" and animated classics such as "The Care Bears Movie" and "The Little Mermaid" incorporated neon colors, contributing to the magical and fantastical atmospheres of these stories.
School Supplies and Stationery:
One name comes to mind! Lisa Frank!
Notebooks, pens, and other school supplies often featured neon designs and patterns, making the academic experience a visually stimulating one for 80s children.
Video Games:
And here goes more neon fun!
The covers and graphics of video games, from the pixelated worlds of early consoles to the arcades, often embraced neon colors, creating an immersive and visually captivating gaming experience.
Theme Parks and Attractions:
Neon lighting and signage were prevalent in theme parks, adding a sense of excitement and enchantment to attractions and entertainment venues.
If this doesn't represent neon, I don't know what would.
Neon Signs:
The 1980s saw the proliferation of neon signs, adorning the facades of businesses, theaters, and entertainment venues.
The iconic neon glow became synonymous with the bustling urban landscapes of the time.
Album Covers:
Many album covers from the 1980s featured neon designs and vibrant colors. Examples include the cover of Duran Duran's "Rio" and Prince's "Purple Rain," where neon played a pivotal role in creating visually striking and memorable artwork.
There are many more examples we could show.
Neon Art and Decor:
Neon found its way into the realm of art and home decor during the 1980s. Neon sculptures and neon-lit wall art became popular, adding a touch of avant-garde vibrancy to homes and galleries.
You saw these on store fronts, too.
Movies and TV Shows:
"Miami Vice," a popular TV show in the 1980s, prominently featured neon-lit scenes. The show's distinctive aesthetic, characterized by pastel colors and neon lights, became an iconic representation of the era.
Cars and Racing Stripes:
Neon accenting found its way onto cars and racing stripes during the 1980s.
The glow-in-the-dark aesthetic added a futuristic and dynamic flair to automotive design.
Music Videos:
Music videos from the 1980s, a visual playground for creative expression, often featured neon lighting and visuals. Artists like Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, and A-ha incorporated neon elements into their music videos, contributing to the overall 80s aesthetic.
Technological Gadgets:
The glow of neon was not limited to signage; it also appeared on technological gadgets like clock radios, landline phones, and portable electronics, adding a touch of futuristic style to everyday items.
These neon characteristics not only defined the visual landscape of childhood for those born in the 80s but also contributed to the overall sense of wonder, imagination, and joy that continues to resonate with this generation.
Navigating the Counterargument:
Why do they say "neon" isn't the "typical" 80s experience?
When confronted with the assertion that neon isn't quintessential to the 80s experience, it's crucial to approach the conversation with an appreciation for diverse perspectives. Rather than dismissing the claim outright, consider these constructive responses:
Historical Context: The 1980s was a multifaceted era with diverse cultural expressions. Neon, while prominent, may not define everyone's personal experience. It would be important to highlight its prevalence in urban landscapes, fashion, and entertainment to emphasize its cultural impact.
Individual Perspectives: Recognize that memories and experiences vary. Some individuals may associate the 80s more strongly with specific music genres, political events, or social movements. Invite them to share their own unique perspective on what encapsulates the essence of the 1980s for them.
Cultural Impact: The cultural impact of neon on fashion, art, and design during the 1980s is greatly highlighted here. From neon-colored spandex to iconic album covers, neon played a pivotal role in shaping the visual language of the decade.
Nostalgia and Pop Culture: Here I have pointed out the prevalence of neon in iconic movies, TV shows, and music videos from the 1980s. Works of pop culture, such as "Miami Vice" and music videos from artists like Madonna, vividly showcase the neon aesthetic, contributing to its enduring association with the era.
Conclusion: While the 1980s encompassed a myriad of experiences and cultural expressions, it's undeniable that neon played a significant role in shaping the visual identity of the decade.
Rather than dismissing differing viewpoints, fostering understanding and highlighting the diverse elements that contributed to the 80s experience can lead to enriching conversations about this iconic era. After all, the neon glow remains an enduring symbol of the bold and electrifying spirit that defined the 1980s.
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