Absolute Failures: 18 ’80s Trends That Would Be Publicly Shamed in Today’s World

Ah, the ’80s. It was a time when hair was big, the music was loud, and the fashion was, well, questionable. While it’s fun to look back with nostalgia, let’s be real: some things just wouldn’t fly today. The ‘cancel culture’ train would have left the station a long time ago for these items on our list. So sit back, relax, and get ready to say, “Oh yeah, I remember that!”  

Fur Coats, Animal Lovers’ Worst Nightmare

 

  In the ’80s, the fur coat was a status symbol. Picture Joan Collins from “Dynasty” elegantly draped in mink. Back then, if you were rocking a fur coat, you were the epitome of glamor. Now? Not so much. Animal rights have become a big deal, and faux fur is the way to go. Wearing real fur today is seen as cruel, unsustainable, and entirely out-of-step with modern ethics.  

Layers and Layers of Makeup, or How to Hide Your Face

 

  Heavy makeup was all the rage in the ’80s. The more, the better. Think bright blue or green eyeshadow up to the eyebrows, plenty of blush, and let’s not forget the red lipstick. But today, that look would be seen as over-the-top and just not real. Natural beauty is the new trend. Besides, makeup isn’t just for show; it’s about feeling good in your skin.  

A Tan Worth a Thousand Wrinkles

 

  Remember the golden, crispy tans that everyone wanted? Tanning oils instead of sunscreen were the standard poolside accessories. But today, we’re all about that SPF. Melanoma is no joke, and the health risks associated with excessive sunbathing are well-documented. People now prize healthy, natural skin over the roasted look of yesteryears.  

Inhaling Secondhand Smoke as a Side Dish

 

  Smoking indoors was totally acceptable back in the day. Restaurants, airports, and even hospitals allowed it. Fast forward to now, and you can’t light up within 20 feet of most public buildings. Secondhand smoke is recognized as a health hazard, making indoor smoking socially and often legally unacceptable.  

Leg Warmers, the Accessory No One Asked For

 

  Leg warmers were not just for dancers; they became a mainstream fashion statement. Wrapped around your legs over leggings, they were the perfect example of ’80s workout style. Today, sportswear is all about functionality and technology. Leg warmers are considered impractical and obsolete, a relic of aerobic days gone by.  

Laughing at Off-Color Humor

 

  Once upon a time, jokes about someone’s race or ethnicity were sadly common. Stand-up comedy shows and sitcoms often used them for cheap laughs. Fast forward to today, and you’ll find that such jokes are unacceptable. We’ve evolved to understand that humor shouldn’t marginalize or demean entire groups of people.  

The Pinnacle of Power Dressing – Shoulder Pads

 

  Shoulder pads were a big deal, literally. They made your shoulders look broader, creating a silhouette that people associated with power and authority. But let’s face it, they also made you look like a linebacker. These days, empowerment doesn’t come from bulky attire but from confidence and competence. Shoulder pads are now just for costume parties or Halloween.  

The Casual Sexism That Wasn’t So Casual

 

  Whether it was in advertising or daily conversation, casual sexism was rampant in the ’80s. Women were often belittled and objectified. Today, such behavior would get you canceled faster than you can say “gender equality.” Social movements have helped change the conversation around sexism, making it a big no-no.  

The Art of Not Caring About Trash

 

  Throwing everything in one trash bin was the norm. Recycling was a word, not an action. Fast-forward to today, and not recycling is a social sin. The climate crisis has made us all more conscious of waste management, and failing to recycle is now considered irresponsible and harmful to the planet.  

Everyone’s an Unofficial Babysitter

 

  Back in the ’80s, if a kid misbehaved, it was almost expected for a nearby adult, neighbor, or even a stranger to step in. But today, parenting styles have evolved, and it’s generally considered inappropriate to discipline someone else’s child. Parents are more protective, and boundaries are more clearly defined.  

Leotards and Headbands, the Aerobics Uniform

 

  It was the era of Jane Fonda workout videos, and aerobics outfits were essentially your second skin. Brightly colored leotards and stretchy headbands made you a part of the club. Today, people are into performance fabrics and less flashy workout gear, making the ’80s aerobics look like a total relic.  

Gas Guzzlers for the Win

 

  Owning a flashy sports car was a status symbol. The bigger and faster, the better. Today, gas-guzzling cars are not as impressive as they used to be. With the emphasis on sustainability and the rise of electric cars, the sports car as a status symbol is losing its luster with people.  

Using ‘Gay’ as a Casual Put-Down

 

  Sadly, calling something or someone ‘gay’ as an insult was all too common in the ’80s. Today, it’s unacceptable and considered a form of hate speech. We’ve come a long way in promoting LGBTQ+ rights and awareness, and derogatory language is rightly criticized. This is one trend we’re glad won’t make a comeback.  

Borrowing Cultures Like Library Books

 

  The ’80s had a way of taking pieces from different cultures and turning them into fashion statements. But today, that’s considered cultural appropriation. The idea now is to appreciate, not be appropriate. People are more educated about the significance of cultural symbols and practices, making them less likely to be exploited for style.  

Hair That Reaches for the Stars

 

  If there’s one thing that summed up the 80s, it was that big hair was in, and the sky was the limit. Cans of hairspray were your best friend, but today, it’s not just unfashionable; it’s also environmentally unfriendly. Aerosol sprays are bad for the ozone layer, and the emphasis now is on natural hair and sustainable products.  

The Mullet, a Hairdo with an Identity Crisis

 

  The mullet was a unique hairstyle that provided a mix of business and casual. But let’s be honest, it was more like a walking contradiction on your head. Today’s hairstyles are about symmetry and style, making the mullet a punchline rather than a trend. And thank goodness for that – they looked terrible!  

Neon Everywhere, My Eyes Hurt Even More Now

 

  In the ’80s, neon was splashed across clothing, accessories, and even home decor. The idea was simple: stand out and make a bold statement. Today, however, our color palettes have mellowed significantly. The understated is often more appreciated, with many people preserving neon hues for construction vests and glow-stick parties.  

Keep That Cassette Tape as a Relic

 

  Before the age of streaming, people listened to music on cassette tapes. Yeah, those little rectangular things with spools of tape inside. Not only did you have to physically rewind and fast-forward to find your favorite song, but the sound quality? Mediocre at best. Today, it’s all about high-definition sound and instant access to millions of tracks at your fingertips.   

Lost in Southern Translation: 18 Baffling Phrases from the South That’ll Leave Y’all Reaching for a Dictionary

  The Southern United States has a rich linguistic tradition that can often be a puzzle to those unfamiliar with the region’s unique vernacular. It’s not just the charming accent, but also the colorful phrases and expressions that add a dash of spice to the language. Let’s decode 18 such Southern phrases.

Lost in Southern Translation: 18 Baffling Phrases from the South That’ll Leave Y’all Reaching for a Dictionary

 

The Unpopular Yet Lucrative: 13 High-Paying Jobs Few Choose to Pursue

Despite their attractive salaries, there are specific high-paying jobs that need help to attract candidates due to various reasons. These unique professions offer financial rewards but often require more individuals to undertake the associated challenges. Let’s explore 14 such occupations that require specialized skills or involve demanding conditions but come with significant monetary compensation. The Unpopular Yet Lucrative: 13 High-Paying Jobs Few Choose to Pursue

Unmasking the Unpleasant: 12 Telltale Signs You Might Just Be a ‘Terrible Person’

You can tell if someone is a good person based on their words and actions. You can also use the same standard to determine if someone isn’t a good person. But what should you be looking for? An online community asked its members to describe the characteristics of someone who isn’t a good person, and the results were eye-opening Unmasking the Unpleasant: 12 Telltale Signs You Might Just Be a ‘Terrible Person’