Media and culture
Why the 80s?
- Media and pop-culture of the 80s helped reinforce spreading conservative views.
- From 1981 to 1989, conservative icon, Ronald Reagan, was President of the United States.
- Music focused on wealth and personal gain, T.V. shows centered around conservative characters and their success.
- It is known as the period of "Reaganism". Conservative values such as self empowerment and free market systems were popular with Americans.
- During this time, spending by Americans rose dramatically and nationalistic views were on the rise.
- The focus of Americans shifted to personal gain.
- Schor,Juilet. "The Overspent American." www.NYtimes.com. New York Times, 1998. Web. 2/4/14.
- N/A. "The Reagan Era." www.Shmoop.com. Shmoop University, 2014. Web. 2/4/14.
What is materialism?
Relation to Tuesdays with Morrie
Reaction
- Materialism is when human values are centered around wealth and material possession.
- The effects of materialism can be seen in Mitch's life during the 80s.
- As a result of the growing conservative views in the 80s, Americans sought law and business degrees in record numbers.
- After his uncle's death, he explains his changed perception of life focusing on his job and his success rather than living meaningful life like Morrie had taught him
- Middle class Americans spent more than any previous generation, buying cars, computers and other luxury goods.
- Your paycheck comes first, the rest comes later.
Reaction
Opposition
- Americans failed to see the true meaning of these artists work and instead saw them as patriotic examples materialism success.
- Some media icons like Bruce Springsteen tried to focus on the darker effects of materialism at the time.
- The term "Greed is good" from Wall Street, became a motto instead of a wake up call for America.
- Others, like director Oliver Stone tried to point out the evils of capitalism in movies like Wall Street.
Materialism in the 1980s