The Culture of Excess in the 1980s and 1990’s: Deep Impact in 2023

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In the 1980s, a culture of excess created a long-reaching impact on modern society. The rise of corporate mergers and acquisitions led to a focus on expansion and dominance while growing consumerism encouraged people to buy more and more products to keep up with the latest trends. In relationships, material possessions, and status symbols were an important way of demonstrating wealth and success. This culture of excess continued into the 1990s when the "bigger is better" mindset permeated all aspects of society. The word "extreme" launched popular marketing strategies across industries, from food, drink, sports, and fashion to TV. The idea was to create a sense of excitement and edginess around a product or service, by emphasizing its extreme or unconventional nature. While this culture of excess brought about many positive changes and advancements, a growing sense of inequality and a loss of focus on the things that truly matter in life were on the rise.

How Extreme Marketing Influenced 90s Teens: Music, Fashion, and Popular Culture

There’s an interesting connection to kids in marketing. While children might not have the funds, they have incredible buying power due to their influence on adults in their lives more importantly, children are highly impressionable making them an easier pitch for sales. No more was this change evident than in the late 80’s and early 90’s as cable TV increased.

The 90s teens were heavily influenced by the extreme marketing of the time. With MTV as our beacon of light, the music embraced a sense of rebellious edginess. Genres like grunge and alternative rock rose to stardom, with bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden leading the way. These bands rejected the polished, mainstream sound of the 80s in favor of a raw, authentic sound that spoke to a generation disillusioned with the excesses of the past decade. In addition to music, the extreme marketing culture also impacted fashion and other aspects of popular culture, with brands like Nike, Coca-Cola, X-Games, and Pepsi all using extreme marketing strategies to appeal to younger audiences. The culture of excess gave birth to a vibrant and creative subculture that continues today.

The Resurgence of 1990s Fashion and Culture in the Pandemic Era

The pandemic’s profound global impact on society has caused widespread trauma and upheaval. As people have struggled to cope with the uncertainty and stress, many have found solace in nostalgia, clinging to happier memories to cope with the present.

This has led to a huge resurgence in 1990s fashion and culture, as people seek to recapture the sense of rebellion against excess that defined the era. The cultural upheaval of the 90s was marked by a desire for authenticity and individuality so was 2023. This spirit of rebellion and anger against excess has resonated with people during the pandemic, as they seek to find meaning and purpose in a world that feels increasingly chaotic.

From Nostalgia to Stability: Moving Beyond the Extremes of the 90s

While I would like to keep my style of plaid flannels, holy jeans, and band t-shirts I am ready to move on from this nostalgic melancholy. I have had enough of the extremes and am ready for stable consistency. More than ever, I define true luxury as a well-maintained little house, with a garden, and a fully stocked pantry. A true 90s kid, I am only interested in the authentic and sincere. I believe we can create a culture of global compassion by loving the people in our lives, valuing human connection, community, and our environment.

Mother Teresa's Wisdom: Finding Happiness in Loving Your Family

True happiness can be found in simple acts of love and kindness towards those closest to us as our relationships are the foundation of our happiness and well-being. Mother Teresa once said, "If you want to bring happiness to the whole world, go home and love your family." I define family by connection. This 90s kid can’t think of a better way to celebrate the lessons of the 90s than to delight in simple acts of kindness; if there’s ever going to be peace it’s going to come from our ability to connect and act with compassion.