90's Pop Culture Was More Cultured Than Today | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

90's Pop Culture Was More Cultured Than Today

You thought all these issues were so "as if."

90
90's Pop Culture Was More Cultured Than Today
Flickr

The Rugrats

How did we blatantly forget how well social issues were addressed on one of our favorite cartoons? We could blame it on youthful ignorance or maybe, we just weren’t as ready to address them like the Pickles family. The biggest surprise I found about the Rugrats was the Jewish religious background. The religious dynamic that rarely ever gets shown on American television, this social issue of religious freedom is dealt with perfectly in Rugrat episodes like “A Rugrats Passover.” Besides the Judaism role in Rugrats, they also tackled issues like homosexuality and interracial relationships. Way to go Rugrats! You are truly a 90’s cartoon inspiration!

The Spice Girls

Like I have said in my previous article, the Spice Girls are social justice goals. Even over a decade later, they are still the definition of “girl power.” In the 90’s, women all over the world felt empowered by the Spice Girls, through more ways than their music. They were fierce, strong, independent, and loyal women who were true inspirations to the 90’s culture and can still be recognized today.

Fresh Prince of Bel Air

One of the most hilarious and iconic shows of the 90’s, The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, tackled social issues almost as much as Will Smith cracked jokes. Some of the common social themes they talked about were the stereotype of “dead-beat” dads, black wealth, and police brutality. It really shocked me when I started thinking about these issues being addressed on the Fresh Prince. Obviously being a white child watching this show, I never noticed all the issues of black lives and the problems that were occurring during that time. Now, a college student educated on social issues, I see the parallels from the 90’s to present day, as sad as it may be.

The Simpsons

Believe it or not, but The Simpsons actually have dealt with almost every social issue during their nearly 30 years on air. This animated comedy sketch has addressed issues ranging from immigration ban, drug and alcohol abuse, environmental issues, political elections and corruption, and homophobia. For a comedy cartoon, they have always handled these social issues with grace and, of course, a lot of humor.

Clueless

During this whole immigration ban the one thing that continues to play in my head, and fueled the inspiration for this article, was this scene in Clueless. Yeah, maybe a teen, bubble-gum 90’s movie shouldn’t be my reaction to a huge government issue, but it is actually pretty reliable. When discussing how the Haitians need to come to America, the main character, Cher, begins her speech with an analogy of planning a garden party for her father’s birthday. She explains that it was an R.S.V.P. party because it was a sit down dinner, but many people came that had not R.S.V.P. Even though she was “totally bugging” she redistributed the food and squished everyone together. As her famous quote goes, “and in conclusion may I please remind you it does not say R.S.V.P. on the Statue of Liberty.” And may I just agree, still to this day the Statue of Liberty has no trace of an R.S.V.P. on it!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
10 things that happen the second Thanksgiving is over
reference.com

To those who celebrate, you just spent an entire day cooking an elaborate meal with all of your favorite foods. You probably ate your body weight in pumpkin pie and mashed potatoes. What happens now? Oh yea, Christmas. It’s time to take out all of the decorations and Christmas themed things that have been sitting in the attic since last year; it’s time to make a reappearance. So, here are 10 things that happen the second Thanksgiving is over.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

2995
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

1802
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

201071
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

21452
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments