Calvin’s Hub

I grew up in the 80’s and even if I may sound biased, I think it’s the most fun decade to grow up. Technology is not that advance to ruin childhood and times were still pretty safe for kids to go out and play as compared to right now.

I feel sorry for kids of this generation living in the big city with all their PSP’s and Internet that they couldn’t experience the fun that we had growing up during the 80’s.

1. No Cable TV

Having no cable TV before makes it easy for kids to stay out and play. There were only 5 channels and you know what time the kids’ shows starts. Thanks to Disney Channel, Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon, kids can now stay indoors the whole day watching TV making them lethargic than kids those days.

2. No computers

Yeah, computers weren’t that a big deal for kids before. If kids today aren’t watching TV, they’re on the PC playing some network games of some sort. I really enjoyed the afternoons before when we play outside till dinner time. Kickball, Cops and Robbers, Hide and Seek, tumbang preso, patintero… I wonder how many kids today has ever played those games.

3. No PSP, DS, GBA

All we had before was the Game and Watch with the Octopus (or Firemen) and it was a one-trick gaming device. Kids get bored easily with it so there’s more time to play tag with friends. Now if kids go outside, they bring their PSPs and DS with them so they can play network games with their friends. Bah. We were happy with our GI Joes.

4. Family computer was all that we need

We have our gaming console before and games were simple but fun despite having  just two buttons and a D-pad to play with. Now gaming consoles have bazillion of buttons making Street Fighter really complicated to play. Give me my Spartan X and Contra. Even playing Mario in today’s consoles can make you dizzy.

5. We were somehow healthier

I don’t know but despite the advancement in medicine, kids before were much healthier compared to kids today. We don’t need mineral water nor flu shots and we don’t get sick even if we play in the rain or in the mud. I wonder how many kids today got the chance to play in the rain. Maybe it’s because of too much time spent outside playing.

All in all, life was much simpler back then and that what makes it fun to grow up. If ever for some magical reason I’m going to be a kid again, I would still prefer growing up in the 80’s. The only advantage kids these days have is access to Wikipedia.

Cheers to the 80’s kids! Now that’s my idea of fun!

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Filed under: Category what?, Think About It