Growing Up Poor In The 1980s: The Most Materialistic Decade

Canva source

I’ve been nostalgic for the 1980s for the past year. It was just a simpler time. Though for me, it wasn’t always the greatest time.

During the materialistic 1980s, it was hard being working class. Here are some of my memories of how I knew I was poor compared to the kids in my class.

• Kids who were able to buy books at Waldenbooks instead of getting going to the library all the time were rich (to me).
• Being able to fix your car when it breaks. My dad was good at fixing cars, so we were able to get by with that, taking the bus and walking.
• Seeing movies in the theatre. It was a big deal back then.

• Collecting those charm necklaces, hoping for a View-Master, Cabbage Patch doll, etc. for Christmas.
• Coveting all the Lisa Frank stuff but only could afford some stickers and a pencil.

• Hamburger and hot dogs buns were made from generic Wonderbread. We never got the special hot dog and hamburger buns.
• Generic food everything. Name brands were a big luxury. I remember wanting name-brand cereal but we couldn’t afford it.

• Losing electricity. My mom would set up the old oil lamp from her mother and tell her we were on an adventure camping. I overheard my parents talking and knew the power was out because they couldn’t pay the bill.
• McDonald’s was a luxury for us. So was Pizza Hut. It was a big deal if we got Pizza Hut for dinner.

• Having 4 channels on the tv, courtesy of rabbit ears. All the kids at school talking about…