Friday, May 14, 2010

Which Decade Defines You?



We all have a decade that defines us. Usually it's the one in which we 'came to age' whether that be in high school or college or later. But it can just be our favorite decade. Maybe we'd like to return to that time in our life when we were happiest, or when the future still lie ahead, shiny and bright. I often think my the eighties were my favorite decade, simply because I was in my thirties. Still young...not forty yet, with all the kids still home. (Distance provides a rosier glow over the chaos that reigned juggling five young kids, teaching, and a husband!)

Of course, the eighties didn't have a lot to offer in fashion. Remember the long shirts with the colored leggings to be worn beneath? Some fashionistas have decreed that the style should make a comeback, but that wasn't a good look the first time around! It was the decade of big bangs, perms, The Police, Ronald Reagan, The Brat Pack, The Culture Club, The Chill, Hill Street Blues, The Wonder Years, Chernobyl, the explosion of the Challenger, U2, Lethal Weapon, and Die Hard.

What do you think, were things better in the sixties? Rock n' roll was changing the music scene. Mini-skirts, go-go boots, bell bottoms and tie-dye were the fashion tragedies of the day. Beehive hairstyles or long straight ironed hair presented a wide choice. Big bright flowers dominated the prints on fabrics. Doo-wap music, Brenda Lee, Bobby Vee, Del Shannon Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young and the Beatles formed a wide range of musical talent. The decade also brought us the bikini, muscle cars, peace and love, hippies, flower power, Woodstock, Nehru jackets, long sideburns, the Civil Rights movement and the Vietnam War.

The 70s were my high school days and I gotta say, I thought the styles were a bust. So when they started bringing them back when my daughter was in high school, I winced. I did rise in her estimation, however, when she learned that I had once been the proud owner of a suede jacket with fringe hanging from it. She was crushed to learn that it wasn't still in my attic. We had Simon and Garfunkle, Bread, Chicago (still one of my favorites), Phil Collins, Jim Croce, Elton John, Gordon Lightfoot, Don McLean and Olivia Newton John. We watched My Three Sons, Happy Days, The Mod Squad, Mannix, Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In, Mary Tyler Moore, All in the Family, Mash and Charlie's Angels. Bell bottoms were still in, as were plaid pants for men (snort) with heeled shoes. The pant legs were still wide and hip huggers with wide belts were standard wear. It was the decade of the platform shoes for women, and I'm surprised I didn't sprain an ankle, because I've never been known for my grace and agility :) In the 70s Nixon was done in by Watergate, the Vietnam War ended, the man from Georgia became our president, there was a meltdown at Three Mile Island and sadly, the Kent State Massacre.

As for the nineties...geez, weren't they just last week? I think I'll stop there. If the 90s were your defining decade, all I can say is you are still a fetus :) But know that you'll look back in twenty years and wonder, "what was I thinking???" when you see pictures of yourself!

What's your defining decade? Do you have a decade that is your favorite, one that you'd like to go back to?

15 comments:

Helen Brenna said...

The eighties all the way for me, too, Kylie. Major life changing decisions happening during that decade for me. Definitely life-defining.

First car, job, apartment, house, husband and child. All in that order. Wow.

Cindy Gerard said...

Oh wow ... I guess I'd have to say the 90's because that's when I sold my first book. Since then, I've made so many amazing friends all over the states, traveled to places I never dreamed I'd travel and became mother-in-law :o) The 60's hold a special place in my heart thought. Fastback Mustang anyone ????

Terry Odell said...

I think I have fond memories of the 60's. (You know what they say--if you remember it, you weren't there).

But honestly, I think the best decade is probably the one I'm living in at the moment. Hubster retired, and we've moved to a totally new place. It's like a fresh start.

Playground Monitor said...

The 70's were when I finished college and got married, and at the very end #1 son was born. The 80's brought #2 son and a new house. The 90's brought near bankruptcy so let's forget that one. 2000 was the beginning of the end of my marriage though I didn't know it until the end of 2008. 20/20 hindsight is a-damn-mazing! So many signs I should have seen.

So maybe 2010 is going to start my best decade. I'm a survivor blessed with a supportive family and wonderful friends, and if my stress levels ever drop to near normal and the muse returns from Fiji, maybe I'll be able to write again.

Just as your daughter was impressed by the fringed jacket, #1 son was impressed I'd heard Iron Butterfly in person. He wanted to know if I went to Woodstock. LOL!

Marilyn

Christie Ridgway said...

I'm going with Marilyn and say that this is my decade! (Love that, Marilyn.)

And BTW, I bought a suede fringed jacked on sale just a couple of years back. However, have not worn it...but it was such a good deal! So now I'm thinking I'm waiting for a What Decade Are You? costume party.

Leanne said...

Yikes, do I have to choose just one?:) Late 60s because that was when I was in elementary school and that was a very impressionable age. Late 70s because I graduated from high school and went away to college. Big changes there. 80s brought marriage and children. 90s brought writing. This decade has brought more opportunities for growth and learning to be okay with me.:)

chey said...

Late 80's, early 90's. The end of high school, university, travelling, first job that wasn't just a summer job.

KylieBrant said...

Chey, that first job is a big step, isn't it? And traveling...that's always memorable!

Debra Dixon said...

So, what do you call that decade after the 90's?

The "Aughts?"

The Zip years?

Not teens?

And what do we do when 2020 rolls around? 'Cause the 20's are 1920.

I'm just saying, these important thoughts occurred to me.

Kathleen Eagle said...

Graduated from college, started teaching, got married in 1970. But, oh, that '69...

KylieBrant said...

Leeane, it sounds like this might be your decade!

Deb, I wondered the same thing! Am sorta shocked the media hasn't come up with something clever. Of if they have, I"ve missed it.

Now, Kathy, I'd had you figured for a sixties girl, LOL. But the early 70s still had a flavor of the sixties to them.

Karin said...

Back to the 50s for me! I still prefer that music - families still stuck together. On the other hand, having to wear dresses, heels, gloves, hats, etc. is a little too formal for the Today Me!

Kathryn Magendie said...

I was a teenager in the 70's too -- not sure what defined me, but I know I'd just like to forget the 80s *laughing*

KylieBrant said...

Karin, there's a certain nostalgic charm about that area, isn't there? And the music rocked!

Kathryn, I'd sure like to forget the music of the 80s. When you look at the music that lives on decade to decade, there's not a whole lot worth remembering from that one!

carolfioreabshire54@yahoo.com said...

I liked the eighties, I really liked the music but I was 30, and I felt so good about myslef, even though so many family members who were younger than me were getting married, and so were my friends, i was happy on what I was doing. i did alot of traveling and the job I had I met alot of people. Not sure if i want to go back but it was a good time for me.