Pop Culture Pie

Essay by Mandalynn0425University, Bachelor'sA+, April 2004

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Somewhere in my attic, there is a population of trolls consorting with an entire menagerie of My Little Ponies. They stand amidst the rubble of Lincoln Logs and Lego's, while an old Lite Brite keeps watch from a distant corner. These are remnants of a childhood gone past; one filled with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Barbie's; a place where Inspector Gadget rules the world and New Kids on the Block forever plays in the background. This is the setting for the early days of my generation.

This was a pivotal time in America's history. The stock market was rising, Clinton took over as president, and our knowledge of science was expanding. Grunge came on to the music scene, and bands like Nirvana and Smashing Pumpkins reigned over the charts. Growing up, I didn't realize the significance of the events surrounding me. My world was a quieter one, filled more with toys and laughter than world news and politics.

However, even as a little kid during the late 80's and early 90's, I still got my own little piece of the pop culture pie.

Along with every other material girl, I had in my possession several Cabbage Patch Kids, a few Care Bears, and a Teddy Ruxpin. I probably owned my weight in Barbie dolls. We truly were "living in a material world." Being a girl in the 80's was all about side pony-tails and the latest episode of Full House. We bonded over Popples and Candy Land while watching Beauty and the Beast for the hundredth time.

Life was simpler then. Never again will a "productive day" consist of a nap and an episode of Sesame Street. The hardest decision I ever had to make was whether to watch Smurfs or Fraggle Rock, popularity was determined by who...