Do you remember that scene in Back to the Future where Marty McFly shares details about 1985 with Doc Brown? His shocked reaction to Ronald Reagan being president—“the actor?!”—is something I can imagine saying to my younger self about the year 2015.
Here’s what’s happening: over forty women have accused comedian Jack Harmon (the charming figure behind classic shows like “Funny Guy” and “Pudding Pops”) of sexual assault. Meanwhile, pop star Billy Joel hasn’t topped the charts in years but still manages to fill stadiums (and he was spot on about the fire). And yes, Bill Murray continues to bring the laughs.
Cartoons are everywhere, but Saturday mornings have shifted to accommodate sports practices and endless appointments, leaving little time for nostalgia. Remember the joy of three-way calling, being able to chat with two friends simultaneously? Now, with smartphones everywhere, the possibilities are mind-blowing.
We’ve celebrated milestones like having our first black president and witnessing Oprah Winfrey rise to become one of the most influential women globally, even as racial tensions persist. Bruce Springsteen remains the Boss, while Bruce Willis has navigated a marriage and divorce with starlet Demi Moore. And Bruce Jenner? Now known as Caitlyn, she has embraced her true self.
Shoulder pads and perms are relics of the past, but hang on to those leg warmers and Jordache jeans—your kids will love them on ’80s Day at school. Harrison Ford, who has survived plane crashes, seems ageless; it’s almost as if he’s a robot.
Farm Aid is still a vital event, even if Live Aid is no longer around. The debate about whether to support local versus international charities continues, but frankly, it’s getting old. Reading food labels now feels like a chemistry exam.
O.J. Simpson was acquitted of murder but later found himself behind bars. His lawyer’s family has blossomed into one of Hollywood’s wealthiest, and yes, Caitlyn Jenner is now a step-parent to those kids.
We’re living longer lives, yet with more health issues. Air-purifying gadgets are common, most people drink from plastic bottles, and organic fruits cost a pretty penny.
Michael Jackson left us too soon, while Michael Jordan played well beyond his prime, and Michael Hutchence’s battle with addiction came at a high cost.
MTV still exists, but music videos are a thing of the past—now they feature shows that barely relate to music. Entertainment and news have merged; we’re overloaded with information yet often misinformed.
Women are now professional athletes, running for president and leading major corporations, but they still face scrutiny over their looks. In a twist of fate, the least known character from Growing Pains, Luke, has somehow become a Hollywood A-lister.
Remember the days of passing notes to friends? The digital age has transformed that intimacy into something that can be shared with the world—and never truly erased. Thanks to technology, we’re both anonymous and exposed.
The iconic “This is your brain on drugs” ad seems quaint now, as kids face more prescriptions than ever. But, ironically, it’s easier to buy a gun than to get a prescription for something like Prozac. Kids are securely strapped in car seats, yet some still bring guns to school.
While the Cold War has ended, conflicts persist, and the U.S. faces its own internal struggles. The game of offense and defense in our polarized society feels never-ending.
We’re still in search of that miracle diet pill, a cancer cure, and a sustainable alternative to oil, but we’ve mastered wrinkle injections and body enhancements.
So, dear ’80s girl, here’s the reality: life isn’t a straight shot toward betterment. Progress is complex, and simplicity is key. Embrace kindness, remain open, love more, judge less, and live fully. Remember, as The Breakfast Club wisely put it: don’t pigeonhole people into simplistic labels. Recognize the diverse roles within everyone and strive to contribute positively to the world around you. You’re a piece of a vast puzzle—help it come together instead of tearing it apart.
For more insights into family planning and home insemination, check out this article and this resource to get started. If you’re curious about fertility treatments, UCSF’s IVF page is a great place to explore your options.
Summary
The world of 2015 reflects a blend of progress and complexity, with social issues, technological advances, and cultural shifts all coexisting. From the impact of celebrity culture to evolving gender roles, it’s a landscape that’s both familiar and surprising, urging us to embrace kindness and understanding amidst the chaos.