The 80s

The 1980s was a time of self-discovery, risk taking, and perseverance for many people.
They were transitioning from a child to an adult with possible ambitions. A motivation to go
beyond their limitations was ingrained into each individual. People believed that they were able
to make the best of their lives if they persevered through hardships.
During the 1980s in America, the ideology that all dreams would come true was popular.
Many people around the world viewed America as the Land of Opportunity where they could
be rewarded for their hard work and dedication. Success was sought through the amount of
money a person made. In contrast to other decades, the 80s heavily revolved around the
advancement of technology that shaped the mindsets of many Americans who believed that
education was the way to achieve their dream.
Though many Americans were working towards achieving this dream, there was
disadvantages based on race, gender and religion. The Immigration Reformation Act law
included a section that gave amnesty to immigrants who were living in the U.S in 1982. Amnesty
is an official pardon for people who have been convicted for political offenses. Businesses
knowingly employed illegal immigrants just to save income. That was not the only Historical
event in the era.
Ronald Reagan was elected president at the beginning of the 1980s. He was the first ever
conservative president and his economic plan had enormous effects on both financial growth and
the consumer culture of Americans. His strategy of using large tax breaks for the wealthy was to
encourage spending, which was caused Americans to make reckless decisions.
It wasnt just events, but there were also common mindsets that shaped America such as
the yuppie uprise. A yuppie is a baby boomer with a college education, a well-paying job and
expensive taste. Many people derided yuppies for self-centered and materialistic, and surveys of
young urban professionals across the country proved that they were, indeed, more concerned
with making money and buying consumer goods than their parents and grandparents had been.
(A&E Television Networks). The yuppies are one of the most historical mindsets in the 80s. and
the people in this decade have lived through these events.
For example, Mariana Gonzalezs story about how education was the key to life. MariaVictoria wished to immigrate to America because she believed that it would fulfill her dreams if
she worked hard enough. Mary Wigginss story is about persevering until your goals are
achieved, and making a positive impact on the world. Nomi Albano wanted to take advantage of
Americas opportunities but money was the deciding factor. Jenneck Beltrans story is about
surviving struggles of America. Javier Gonzalez came to the U.S. to complete his last year of
high school. He chose this because of the freedom that is given in America. Ed Seriva works for
his kids and he served his country. Susan Kimes story is about hard work, staying positive, and
independence. Lori Hollands story was about having control of your own life. Jose Enriquezs
life was about hard work and advantages that life gave you. Cynthia Garcias story is about her
mother following her love to America and finding her dream there. Victoria Ross story is about
making a positive impact on the world. All of these people all had something very similar in
common with their pursuits. They all believed that America had everything they needed to
achieve their dreams.
The 1980s allowed for many opportunities to be acted upon by individuals who were
finally seeing the world through the eyes of an adult. All of these people had different motives,
some wanting better for themselves, their children, and to take a step further into the American

Dream. Risks were taken and choices were made. The circumstances they contributed to are the
leading cause of where they are today. Some situations worked to their advantage, whilst others
had to fight twice as hard to make it through, which made them stronger.