williamjohnson

A thick fog wafts amidst a dark stage. Colored strobe lights gently flicker as an

outline of four grown men adorning revealing leather clothes and long blonde locks of

hair appear. Their presence is greeted by scantily clad super model, Tawny Kitaen, as

she performs gymnastics atop a 1987 Jaguar. Just then a blistering guitar solo sears

through more than 20 stacks of amplification and melts off your face. This may sound

like a Whitesnake music video, but it is my vision of Utopia. Through the popular

media of the 1980’s I have been influenced in countless ways to become a more well-

rounded individual.

The music of the 1980s, sounding most excellent of course, has also inspired me

by tackling pressing life issues such as oppression, loss, love, and hate, while at the same

time conveying feelings of remorse, joy, and unity. Poison’s Nothin’ but a Good Time

addresses the average American’s stressful work day and tells us that its ok to relax and

have a good time when we need it. Twisted Sister’s Were not Gonna Take it acts as a

modern reinforcement of Locke’s social contract and advises us to take action against

oppressive authorities that infringe on our right to rock. REO Speedwagon’s Ridin’ the

Storm Out, parallels modern weather catastrophes like hurricane Katrina and invokes a

feeling of hope and determination to make it through.

I have also been inspired by the wholesome family television of the 1980’s. Who

can forget the handsome face of a young Scott Baio playing Charles in Charles in

Charge? In the show, Charles juggles college with being a nanny for a family in need.

He is not only successful in his schoolwork, but he positively shapes the lives of himself

and those around him. There was also the enlightening sit-com, Full House, which

demonstrated the average family’s everyday problems and the best solutions for them

(with the added benefit of Bob Saget’s hilarious comedy). The popular

program, Saved by the Bell, gave us a look at everyday high school problems and

provided insight in to solving these issues through forgiveness, cooperation, and a good

attitude.

Although it often seems cheesy and washed up, we can all learn a valuable lesson

from the media of the 80’s. Whether it be how to manage a house full of kids, or how to

survive in college, 1980’s media can be our guide to success. We just have to remember:

Every Rose has its Thorn.



- lol this essay got me into pepperdine