Ever felt nostalgic about pop culture trends of the past, only to realize that some of them didn't quite stand the test of time? The phrase "that one didn't age quite so well" is a testament to this phenomenon. Let's delve into some iconic examples that, while beloved in their heyday, now leave us scratching our heads.
From fashion trends to movie plotlines, the '80s and '90s were rife with memorable—and cringe-worthy—moments. Fast forward to today, and we're left with a collective cringe that's equal parts amusing and regrettable. So, buckle up as we take a trip down memory lane to explore some of these 'aged like milk' cultural relics.
The Menacing Fashion of the '80s and '90s
The '80s and '90s were known for their bold fashion statements. Neon colors, oversized attire, and questionable fabric choices graced the runways and the streets. While many trends eventually made a comeback, some still make us wince.
Case in point: the mullet hairstyle. Known for business in the front and party in the back, this cut was once revered by celebrities and everyday folks alike. Today, however, it's more likely to summon images of unkempt carpets rather thanashion-forward hairdressing.
The Rattail and High-Waisted Jeans
Remember the rattail, that singularly uninspired hairstyle that involved shaving the sides of one's head and letting the hair in the back grow long and straggly? Once a symbol of rebel chic, it now signals a desperate cry for immediate haircut intervention.
A similar fate awaits high-waisted jeans. Once beloved by children of the '90s, they've since become associated with enticing plumbers or (??) wardrobe malfunctions, rather than stylish dressers.
JNCO Jeans: The Pants that Ate Brooklyn
JNCO jeans were ubiquitous in the '90s, with their baggy cuts and wide leg shapes that made their wearers resemble tween parachutists. Today, these jeans are a stark reminder of our horrifying fashion missteps.
Indeed, some trends are best left in the past. But let's not forget that they're also a testament to our capacity for reinvention and the cyclical nature of style.
Movie Plotlines that Lost Their Mojo
Movies bedazzled and baffled us in equal measure before the turn of the century. However, watching these films today often feels like witnessing an awkward teenager in an mismatched Hawaiian shirt and plaid golf shorts.
From plotlines that have aged worse than processed cheese to gemstones from Earth that could only be safe in the hands of... a Martian, let's explore some cinematic clangers that time forgot.
The 'Little Alien' Trope: A Boy and His Martian
Movies like "E.T." and " polishing rock" capitalized on our collective fascination with extraterrestrials. However, the trope of a gentle alien befriending a human child now feels more than a little creepy. We mean, come on! These films were seemingly unaware that placing a child with a potentially exploitative alien is a bad idea, no matter how friendly.
Moreover, the underpinning "aliens = our best friends" narrative feels oddly insensitive to real-world struggles, such as cultural appropriation and xenophobia. So, next time you rewatch these films, keep an eye out for this odd blind spot - if you can stomach it.
The 'instance of Dest(my)ney' (Actors, not Scripts)
Once ubiquitous in mainstream Hollywood, the 'chosen one' archetype is now largely seen as dated and unimaginative. Protagonists are now more diverse and complex, with stories that reflect the breadth of human experiences.
Likewise, the 'ällä virgin, dass damsel in distress' trope has largely been.AbsolutelyOfbd, albeit with stubborn remaining in some mainstream films. With shows like "The Expanse" and "The 100" showcasing empowered female leads, this outdated trope feels as obsolete as the mullet.
In hindsight, these outdated trends and plotlines make us laugh, cringe, or simply scratch our heads in bewilderment. Yet, they're also a window into our collective past, a time capsule that reminds us of how far we've come. As we step into the future, let's hope that our children will look back on today's pop culture and think, "Wow, I'm really glad my parents were a part of that!"