Less Than Zero and the youth of the 1980's

In this blog post I will attempt to convey the representation of youth  in 1980's America portrayed in the novel: 'Less Than Zero'.

Less Than Zero novel cover.

Less Than Zero, published in 1985 is littered with references to the youth 1980's in America. These references come in many forms, some which will be explained in this post.

First of all, the fact that the book was published by Ellis in 1985 meant he was only 21 when it came out (his debut novel) which gives the impression that as a member of the younger generation he was more honest and trustworthy when it came to giving an accurate description of American youth during the 1980's, as it had come from a 'reliable' and 'first hand source'. The youth of the day are portrayed by describing the moral and psychological aspects of a generation lost in drugs and sex. The youth (all main characters) are portrayed as lethargic, narcissistic and spoiled, growing up in the Reagan administration.

Drugs are a consistent topic during the novel, taken by Clay, Trent, Julian and almost everybody else that is described in the book. Drugs associated with the 'Yuppie' era, ensuring concentration levels are at their peak (cocaine) and parties are as enjoyable (and out of control) as they can be (marijuana, alcohol, heroin, qualudes, benzodiazapenes. These drugs are readily sniffed, smoked, imbibed, injected, and swallowed by the characters in the novel, showing the ease in which these narcotics could be obtained and how popular they were during this period. The use of heroin and blood tainted needles also dramatically increased the spread of HIV during the 1980's, with the novel showcasing just how easy this disease could have been spread between the younger generation. The spread of HIV can also be seen with the frequency of homosexual sex performed by several of the characters in the book, as a way to either earn money, or as a currency for drugs and/or excitement. This 'hedonistic' (as expressed through excessive drug taking and promiscuity) way of living, takes it's toll on the body, which in turn leads to higher chances of catching this deadly disease.

The descriptions of Clay's psychiatrist show the the fact that Clay is attempting to develop his mind into that of an adult, but is obviously not working, it shows an immaturity, that although noticeable, cannot be rectified.

Throughout the novel, 'generation X' (youths) continue to experience thrills in darker and darker ways, often more dangerous. This is shown through excessive drug use and sexual encounters, both heterosexual and homosexual, with references to rape, and underage sex too. An interesting element described about the 1980's in reference to youth was the introduction of the characters watching music videos on MTV and playing early video games, which begins to show the gradual immersion in technology that would develop into the main stereotype for youths for the next 20+ years.

Bruce Springsteen v Eminem

The two artists/videos/songs that I believe represent each era the most adequately, while both being similar in their lyrical meaning are Bruce Springsteen (1980') and Eminem (2000's-present). These artists are polar opposites in most aspects, although these two particular videos carry a similar meaning; Bruce Springsteen's song protesting the Vietnam war and Eminem protesting the Iraqi war.

Bruce Springsteen's video 'Born in the USA' written in 1984 represented his opposition towards the Vietnam war; what it had cost him personally, as well as both countries as a whole. It also tells of his own personal experiences with the war (i.e. friends experiences) and the hardships that Vietnam war veterans had faced as they returned to the US, on the back of the defeat in Vietnam. The fact that Springsteen was revered by many in the US, gave his opinion extra emphasis, allowing others to hear and relate to him  and the Vietnam war as a whole much easier. It was an example of the opposition against the US government (against the Vietnam war) that had been practiced almost 20 years previously via protests and marches during the 1960's and 70's. The song deals with the negative effects of the Vietnam War on Americans, but is often misunderstood to be a patriotic or nationalistic anthem. The misunderstanding of the lyrical content might have increased Springsteen's number of fans.

The song represents the 1980's in America due to it's reflection upon the Vietnam War. As the war had been over for nearly 10 years when this song was released, the memorials had been built, and the stigma attached to veterans that had served was beginning to lessen, this song was a perfect representation of that time. A time of 'anti-establishment' agains the government, summarised with lyrics regarding the countries' mistakes and poor care for their population/veterans. 

The success of Eminem during the early 2000's was unprecedented. Hip Hop/Rap music had been created and performed predominantly by black people over the previous 20 years. Being white, Eminem broke the stereotypes surrounding this genre of music, meaning any individual could perform this type of music regardless of colour. The reason I chose this particular music video/song was because of the message put across in it, namely; to encourage young people to vote to defeat George W. Bush. While the song is a generalized attack on the Bush presidency, most of the specific complaints are related to the Iraq War. Here are an example of the lyrics:

"Let us beg to differ
As we set aside our differences
And assemble our own army
To disarm this Weapon of Mass Destruction
That we call our President, for the present
And Mosh for the future of our next generation
To speak and be heard"

The comparisons between both songs between two generations is similar, both referening their unhappiness over the wars that are being fought by the US (both in the past and present). 

Eminem will be looked back on in 30 years time and seen as a pioneer in the musical industry. Breaking down 'barriers' and stereotypes associated with genres of music, allowing a different 'American Dream' for white men wanting to produce hip hop/rap music. 

Born on the Fourth of July (Film) - 1989

Born on the Fourth of July is a 1989 American film adaptation of the best selling autobiography of the same name by Vietnam War veteran Ron Kovic. The film therefore is an accurate description of the thoughts, beliefs and actions associated with both Vietnam veterans and the US population as a whole. The film depicts Kovic's life from joining the marine corps, following his actions during both his first and second tours of Vietnam during the 1960's to his return back home to the US after being wounded in action, leaving him permanently paralysed. The second half of the film portrays the reactions of individual's in the US during the Vietnam war and their actions and thoughts of US involvement in Vietnam. The film challenges the misconceptions of the war; as to why the US were fighting and who/what they were fighting.

The first half the film shows Kovic's enlistment in the marines and subsequent two tours in Vietnam. During his first tour, he mistakenly shoots one of his own men, which has a lasting affect on Kovic. During his second tour he is badly wounded, paralysed from the waist down (Jan 1968). Kovic notices that as he spends several months recovering at the Bronx Veterans Administration hospital, the hospital living conditions are deplorable: rats crawl freely on the floors, the staff is generally apathetic to their patients' needs, doctors visit the patients infrequently, drug use is rampant (among both the staff and patients), and equipment is too old and ill-maintained to be useful. He notices how little the US cares for veterans that have been wounded serving their country.

Kovic witnesses anti-war rallies and the burning of American flags in protest to the war in Vietnam by the American people, and becomes delusional with the thought process of the military (honour, devotion, patriotism and courage) and just wishes he had the use of his legs back. Kovic becomes belligerent and an alcoholic (highlighting the negative impact on Vietnam war veterans) and resentful to the fact that he cannot 'fit in' as a normal person. This is highlighted when meeting with old friends, but becoming separated when visiting a school due to the fact his wheelchair prevents him from getting very far on campus because of curbs and stairways, highlighting a lack of 'care' and empathy for disabled individuals.

Having become delusional towards the war in Vietnam (highlighted by arguments between several people regarding the war, if there was a God, due to the horrors witnessed towards civilians during the war etc), Kovic joins the Vietnam Veterans Against the War (VVAW) and travels to the 1972 Republican National Convention in Miami. He did this in an attempt to raise awareness regarding his negative experiences in Vietnam and the VA hospital conditions, that the Vietnam war is wrong, and tells him that the Vietnamese people are a proud people fighting against the US for their independence, fueling rage from the surrounding Nixon supporters. His interview is cut short when guards eject him and his fellow vets from the hall and attempt to turn them over to the police.

The film is an excellent insight into the effects of the Vietnam war on the men who fought for their country. It also shows the poor attention and care that was given to it's soldiers after they had returned from the war (hospital conditions, attitudes of others towards war veterans). The films also gives excellent examples of the 'common' mans' attitudes towards the Vietnam war, expressing their displeasure of the combat and their protests and rallies in order to get that message across in an attempt to end the US's involvement in the war. 

1980's TV series - The Cosby Show

The cast in 1989.

The Cosby Show was an American television sitcom starring Bill Cosby, which aired for eight seasons on NBC from September 20, 1984 until April 30, 1992. The show focused on the Huxtable family, an upper middle-class African-American family living in Brooklyn, New York. The show experienced dramatic success, being described by 'TV Guide' as ''TV's biggest hit of the 1980's''.
Originally, the show was rejected by ABC (TV station) as they felt that America was not ready to accept the concept of an intact, black middle-class family. This thought process shows American ideology during the 1980's that black people were not thought of as 'normal' when compared to white Americans. Racism was still a very touchy and explosive issue during the 1980's, even after the civil rights movement during the 1960's and 70's.

During this time of racism/black individuals stereotyped or treated unfairly, The Cosby Show altered the perception of Blacks on television and doors were opened for other television shows that wished to concentrate on black families i.e. The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. The series shows an effort to diminish stereotypes directed toward black people in the 1980's, although the comedic effect of the show, was perhaps the wrong way in which to go about it. A show that was hard-hitting and made people question the black stereotype rather than make them laugh could have had a more significant effect.

During the Reagan administration (81-89) the concept of 'reverse racism' was one in which Reagan was heavily associated with (as described in a previous blog post). The show did nothing to aid in the racial ineqaulity that was present at the time. Having made a platform for himself, Bill Cosby was in prime position to aid the black community in ending racial stereotypes towards blacks, although racism was not mentioned as the producers felt that it would alienate white viewers, which would have impacted the success of the show. This shows the greed and power associated with the 1980's, as popularity and profits were seen as more important than helping educate viewers about equality and race. 

The show features a successful black family, something that white people at the time didn't believe existed. The show helped enable black viewers to aspire to be 'like the Cosbys' an american dream of sorts; stable family with financial stability, something which black people, at the time could not count on.
There is an argument to the show stating that although The Cosby Show attempts to break the chokehold of such traditional black stereotypes it does not reflect the typical Black family or life, rather showing how the black population could 'fit in' with 'normal Americans' if they would just live their life like they did, reaffirming the black stereotype.

 

Sources:

• http://www.shenet.org/high/hsacaddept/English/ddayton/Documents/Media/Stereotypes/Cosby%20Show%20Article.pdf
• http://www.ejumpcut.org/archive/onlinessays/JC37folder/Cosby.html

Aids - political and stereotypical identity in 1980's America

AIDS stigma and discrimination exist worldwide but especically in the US. They exist to this day but were even more apparant during the 1980's when HIV and AIDS awareness was poor, treatment non-existent and the numbers of infected individuals suddenly increased exponentially. Discrimination towards people with HIV and AIDS occurs alongside other forms of stigma and discrimination, such as racism, stigma based on physical appearance, homophobia or misogyny and can be directed towards those involved in what are considered socially unacceptable activities such as prostitution or drug use.

As the 1980s progressed, the gay and lesbian community increasingly realized the devastating impact of AIDS on gay men. AIDS was first discovered among gay men in 1981. As the gay male community became aware of AIDS, which had been first labelled GRID (gay-related immune deficiency), it responded politically.A band of gay men met and formed the Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC), the legacy of which is apparant today as it continues to pioneer HIV prevention, care and advocacy. A link to thier website detailing their mission aims, background and what they believe, can be found here.

An example of the poor interaction from the government regarding AIDS recognition, treatment and prevention programs during the late 1970's and 1980's became apparant after the assasination of Harvey Milk. Milk's murderer was convicted of manslaughter and received a light sentence and San Francisco's gay community erupted in a riot outside City Hall. The light sentence indicated that Milk almost 'deserved' his punishment of contracting AIDS.

The fact that HIV could be transmitted by tainted needles or botched blood transfusions did not enter people's thought proccesses during the 1980's. People believed gay men were wholly responsible for their disease through promiscuity and unsafe sex. After the realisation of the rapid spread of AIDS in the US, needle exchange programs and AIDS Charity Avers were started in 1986. Slowly more and more antiretroviral vaccines and therapies came up that could nip the bud of the virus at its initial stages, which are still being developed today. Thanks to these medical and technological advances, individuals diagnosed with HIV and AIDS can live a relativly normal life.

The legacy of HIV and AIDS is still very much apparant in today's society. People who have contracted HIV are still stereotyped and carry a stigma from the general public who have not forgotten the beliefs and the behaviours of the population during the 1980's. The awareness of AIDS and HIV has increased tremendously since the first diagnosis and example of which is the anual 'World Aids Day' which falls on the 1st December every year, which gives an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died (around 35 million people), the first one was held in 1988.

Resources:

• http://www.gmhc.org/about-us
• http://hivsymptomsonline.com/hiv-in-the-1980s.html
• http://publishing.cdlib.org/ucpressebooks/view?docId=ft0q2n99kf&chunk.id=d0e4578&toc.id=d0e4461&brand=ucpress
• http://www.avert.org/hiv-aids-stigma-and-discrimination.htm
• http://www.worldaidsday.org/about-world-aids-day.php

1980's: The Yuppie. Thirtysomething

Thirtysomething

Cast of thirtysomething

An example of how the 'yuppie' was represented in American culture during the 1980's is exhibited in the popular TV series 'thirtysomething' which ran from 1987-1991, airing 85 episodes during that period.In 2002, Thirtysomething was ranked #19 on TV Guide′s 50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time which showed it's popularity during the last 15 years.

The TV series depicts the lives of a group of 'baby boomer' 'yuppies' during the mid-late 1980's. They are connected by their involvement with the peace movement and counterculture of the 1960's when they were younger. Which is a stark contrast to their current, middle class lives in Pennsylvania.

An article published by Michael Hill in the Baltimore Sun states that the program 'got it right' when attempting to depict life for 'baby boomer yuppies' during the 1980's, when other shows were 'well wide of the mark'. When attempting to describe why the show was so popular for members of the 1960 generation, he stated; ''it was a perfect mirror on our lives that added the depth and nuance possible with drama, added dimensions that allow for increased insight and understanding''.

The show represented a drive (from the characters) to succeed, both financially and professionally, which is a hallmark of the definition of a 'yuppie'. Living in an urban environment (Philadelphia) and being 20-30 something individuals it also encompasses the definition of 'yuppie' as a 'young, urban professional' giving an accurate representation of what a 'yuppie' actually was.

The impact of the show did not end when it was cancelled in 1991. Thirtysomething inspired the creation of other series with ideals based on feminine sensibilities and preoccupations with the transition from childhood, to maturity (Sisters) and comedies about groups of friends, working in major cities and communicating (Seinfeld, Friends). The show's popularity and 'cult following' shows the accuracy of the representation of the 'yuppie' during the 1980's, as so many American's could relate to the characters portrayed in the show. The show also allowed the role of the 'yuppie' to be defined and explained thoroughly to members of the population who did not know what the term entailed.

Sources:

• http://articles.baltimoresun.com/1991-05-28/features/1991148167_1_thirtysomething-yuppies-whining
• http://eightiesclub.tripod.com/id295.htm
• http://www.retrorebirth.com/retro-tv/thirtysomething-tv-series-debuts-on-abc-tv.php

Ronald Reagan: Worst President Ever?

Source: http://www.consortiumnews.com/2009/060309.html

Pres. R.Reagan 1981.

The article chosen as an example of hatred towards the presidency of Ronald Reagan was written in 2009. This shows that the information portrayed is given as a form of hindsight, rather than being written at the time when Reagan was actually in office. The article is written by an independent journalist (Robert Parry) so it's validity and ability to be generalised to the public (their opinion of Reagan) has to be questioned. Having been written after Reagan left office, it allows for comparisons between other (more recent) presidents and allows for a complete overview of his two terms in office (1981-1989), rather than what he has/has not accomplished (if it was written during these years).

The article describes how Reagan essentially reversed the progress made by Nixon, Carter and Ford during the 1970's of oil dependence, environmental degradation, the arms race and nuclear proliferation by ignoring these issues, which now plague the country once again, today. An example shown when attempting to deal with Detroit's manufacturing of cars, not encouraging them to build fuel efficient types, but rather declaring that Washington would not 'nag them'. This was summed up during the first inaugural address in 1981; "Government is not the solution, government is the problem".

The article also describes that Reagan received too much credit for the ending of the cold war. Members of the CIA (not named) maintain that the progress made by both Nixon and Ford essentially ended the cold war for Reagan. I think this has a degree of accuracy, as anyone that knows anything about the cold war naturally assumes that Reagan was responsible for the end of the cold war as it fell during his tenure as president, something which may not be wholly accurate.

Reagan was also responsible for placing the United States into an even more precarious situation economically which is represented in the following finding: The federal debt was $994 billion when Reagan took office in 1981, and grew to $2.9 trillion when his second term ended in 1989.

Lastly, the article explains how the concept of the 'American Dream' was negated during Reagan's administration, citing how CEOs now earned double what they had earned during previous administrations when compared to the salaries of their workers. Drug use among the poor soared, although this cannot be placed directly on Reagan's presidency as availability and production of drugs had increased dramatically compared to previous years. During his tenure it's described that 'white men were encouraged to see themselves as victims of ''reverse discrimination'' and ''political correctness'' which would explain his resounding victory over Carter and Mondale, winning with 489 and 525 electoral votes respectively in each of the elections (1980 & 1984).

Having looked at examples of more positive articles relating to Reagan's presidency, my opinion is not completely one sided when believing if Reagan's presidency was negative or positive, an opinion obviously supported by the American public during Reagan's terms when his approval rating fluctuated significantly (35%-70%) during his first and second terms as shown in the graph below:

The Miracle on Ice.

The 'Miracle on Ice' refers to one of the ice hockey games played during the medal round of the 1980 winter olympics at Lake Placid, New York between the USA and the Soviet Union. The US team was made up of amateur and collegiate players who ended up defeating the professional Soviet Union team, who had won nearly every world championship tournament since 1954.

The picture is iconic for a number of reasons. The fact that the 'underdog' prevailed during this important sporting event (hence, the 'miracle') gives the population that witnessed it or remember it hope and pride, as all success stories do. The implications of the picture and what the US population was experiencing at the time was much deeper than purely sporting prowess. After WW2, relation with the Soviet Union had not been wholly positive. During the 1980's the Cold War was in full effect, with both the US and the Soviet Union attempting to out-do one another and become the most powerful nation in the world. Although neither nation participated in out-right hostile physical war, other tactics had been used, such as psychological warfare, espionage, propaganda and the space race in order to get the upper hand on the other.
This game represented the US defeating the Soviet Union (albeit in a ice hockey match) and because of this, the result and match was a much publicised event, which was celebrated outlandishly after the USA had won.
The picture is iconic as it shows the defeat of the Soviet Union, which at the time was the US's number one goal (in terms of dominance). It signifies a crushing blow to the communist regime that was the USSR and a victory for the American's over their 'enemy'. The picture shows a united, elated team of players revelling in the fact that they have triumphed over the Soviets. It also captures the American peoples' fantasy of seeing a dejected, defeated Soviet Union, as metaphorically shown by the Soviets' goalie.

The event was one that was so empowering and heartening for the American people that it was made into a film (2004). It tells the story of the victory, accentuating the US's dominance over the Soviets, even though the cold war had ended around 15 years previously.
Also in the media, the US team received Sports Illustrated's 'Sportsmen of the year' award. In 2004 ESPN declared the event as the top sports headline moment, and game between 1979-2004. This may have been down to the incredible comeback orchestrated by the US in an important sporting event, but is more likely the result of an 'underdog' (US) defeating the seemingly undefeatable 'Soviet Union empire', during a period where relations between the two nations were far from positive.






References:

• http://www.awfulannouncing.com/2013/july/the-miracle-on-ice-is-the-greatest-call-in-the-history-of-sports.html
• http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/joe_posnanski/02/22/miracle.on.ice/
• http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/02/22/feb-22-1980-u-s-a-beats-soviet-union-in-miracle-on-ice/?_r=0