The 90s: Golden Age?

By Kristine Kostuck
Contributing Writer

Is it possible that my generation lived through the best, of the best, pop culture? A decade that embraced diversity in style and killed butt rock, or hair metal, if you will; I am talking about the 90s. At 22, the years I remember best and, the things I picked up on from growing up, had an effect on my sense of humor, my CD collection and my indecisiveness about the Baldwins as actors.

Many can argue this column is far past its time. Maybe it should have been written at the turn of the century. But, I truly see the 90s as Americans chance to let entertainment influence us. It was an opportunity for people to look at where we came from, World Wars, oppression and segregation; kick back and enjoy ourselves for a change. With the economy steady, and the excitement in the growth of technology, everyone seemed to let diversity in pop culture come forth. So, kick up your feet one more time and take a look at some of the ways the 90s influenced mainstream culture.

Let’s start with music. MTV and VH1 were at their peak. These channels were actually about music and musical artists couldn’t become stars without a decent music video. Appreciation for different genres lit up the screen when “Blind Melon” brought the 60s back. Next, we heard music from the 50s, as couples swing danced to “Zoot Suit Riot.” Alternative stepped forward. “Gin Blossoms” and “Sister Hazel,” were there for those in the mood for something soft, upbeat but not so poppy. And and if you were looking for something even softer try “Wilco” or “Spoon.”

I don’t really need to say too much about the grunge scene. After all, who is going to forget Kurt Cobain but this style took people by storm, even if the artists of these bands weren’t instrumentally of the same caliber as Jimmy Page and Eric Clapton.

If alternative wasn’t your thing and you just wanted to dance, remember the “A Night at the Roxbury” soundtrack? Club music made its debut, in a whole new form that wasn’t disco. And hip hop finally went from the streets to the studio.

I am aware that the 90s didn’t create diversity in music. I probably favor it because I grew up during this time. However, the always-changing top 20 lists had an effect on the way we dress, just like they had in the past. But it happened so quickly that I can’t remember there being a specific trend.

I can remember butterfly clips; I had tons, many still in our vacuum I’m sure. Bell bottom jeans and tie dye shirts, during the hippie phase. Rockabilly dresses and top hats worn by swing dancers, and acid wash jeans with flannel shirts for the rockers. Then plastic: Hats, tops, backpacks, in this cheap vinyl. They were all made with bright colors too.

Most of the style changes I recognized at an early age; thanks to the coolest thing invented for children next to the book, Nickelodeon. A network that had games shows, with plenty of slime, sitcoms that were relatable to kids, and the best cartoons in the whole world.

One thing often overlooked but that kept its head above water were cartoons appealing to adults. “South Park,” “Beavis and Butthead.” and “Daria,” made people appreciate animation even more than a Disney movie.

I won’t get into movies or the world of broadcasted sports, with the slam dunk king, Michael Jordan.  I don’t think anyone really wants to read my “I love the 90s” rave forever. But, I will say this, many films of this decade became cult classics. They had original horror movies, well written dialogue and the “10 things I Hate about You.”

So, the next time you are feeling impatient with your computer when you log on to Hulu or you’re sick of another box office remake, think about where we were fifteen years ago. It is hard to compete with a decade of diversity and a recapped appreciation for prior decades. Also, we are stuck in a time when we have technology on a daily rise. The entertainment industry just needs time to catch up.

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