Why Do 70s and 80s Kids Look More Beautiful Than 90s Ones?
As a teenager from the 70s, I can confidently say that teenagers from that era were just as awkward, gawky, greasy, and spotty as contemporary kids. I remember being a veritable 'spotty sack of hormones,' just like my peers today. However, the standards of grooming and the availability of grooming products in the 1970s left a lot to be desired, making it harder for us to present ourselves in an appealing manner.
One significant factor in the perception of beauty in different generations is the standard of grooming and the use of grooming products. In the 1960s and 70s, haircare products were basic and often expensive. Shampoos, conditioners, hair oils, and other hair products were not as readily available or affordable as they are today. As a result, teenagers had to rely on natural or homemade alternatives, which often fell short in terms of providing a polished appearance.
In comparison, 90s kids enjoyed a more favorable environment for grooming standards. Soap, deodorants, and hair products were more readily available, and the market experienced a boom in beauty and grooming products. This made it easier for 90s kids to look and feel their best, contributing to their generally more polished appearance.
The accessibility and use of photography also played a significant role in the differing perceptions of beauty between the 70s and 90s. During the 1960s and 70s, the technology for taking and preserving photographs was still relatively primitive. Most teenagers had around 20 pictures taken from the 1960s to the 1980s, and these were often the only records of their youth. Conversely, by the 1990s, photography had advanced considerably, particularly with the advent of digital cameras. My own kids, who are still at primary school, have thousands of photographs taken of them. This abundance of documented moments has certainly influenced their self-image and awareness.
Self-image and consciousness were undoubtedly a larger part of our lives in the 1970s, but it didn't have the cult status it does today. In the 70s, the importance of one's appearance was more about practicality and necessity rather than a cultural obsession. Society placed a higher value on functionality and authenticity, and the pressure to look perfect was not as widespread as it is now.
By the 1990s, things had come a long way. The era of photography and media had grown exponentially, leading to significant changes in beauty standards. Photo editing became a simple task as smartphones and photo editing apps made image manipulation accessible to anyone with a mobile device. In just a few seconds, one can create a flawless image that can be shared instantly on social media. This accessibility has made it difficult for many to distinguish between the perfect images shared online and the reality of their own appearance.
Ultimately, the differences in the appearance of 70s and 90s kids are not just about the quality of grooming products or the availability of photography. It's also about the cultural and social changes in how beauty is perceived and valued over time. Understanding these differences can help generate empathy and appreciation for the unique challenges faced by each generation.