The 80’s

Reagan

• Elected at 69, the oldest man to serve as president

• Was distrustful of the federal government

“The Great Communicator”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpwdcmjBgNA - Bear in the Woods

Reaganomics

• Tax cuts will stimulate the economy Expanding economy = more tax revenue

• Reduce government spending Cut food stamps, welfare and unemployment

• Supposed to redistribute wealth Wealthiest average income grew 75% Poorest grew only 7%

Reaganomics

• Federal regulations impeded economic growth Abolish or reduce federal regulation of the

workplace, healthcare, environment• So long, New Deal and Great Society!!

One result:

Deinstitutionalizing

the mentally ill

Where did the money go?

$1.2 trillion

defense buildup

1986 - Scandal

• “Arms for Hostages” deal with Iran to release hostages held in Lebanon by pro-Iranian forces

• Profits were used to fund the Contras

Reagan Legacy

• Conservative judicial appointments O’Connor, Scalia and Kennedy

• National Debt TRIPLED in his two terms

Decade of Indulgence

• Yuppies Young Urban

Professionals Moneymakers

concerned with material things

• Cable television! Specialized in one type of broadcasting or a

specific audience• CNN• BET• MTV

• Rap!• Video Games!!

Technology and the Media

Society Under Stress

• Crime and Drugs DARE

• Alcohol MADD Nationwide

drinking age

• AIDS

Social Activism

• Gay Activism Stonewall riots

• Environmental Activism

• Artists as Activists “Band Aid”

• Older Americans too! AARP

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2H6mpUnsLI