There's a similar thread for favorite Year of Pop Culture. So I decided to make my own unique twist (sort of...). What are your favorite eras for pop culture? By eras it could be any set period of years of how you see fit (lets try not to get into a debate on the cutoff of certain years for different eras ;D). Pick 3 eras that you like be it for nostalgia purposes, or genuine interest. My favorite eras are as follows:

1. 1999-2004 Era:

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AKA The Late 90's/Early 00's Era, or the Millennium Era. Basically my early/core childhood years. Nothing but pure childhood nostalgia. Playing outside, riding my bike, watching classic Cartoon Network/Nickelodeon, eating Gushers, trading Pokemon/YuGiOh cards at the playing grounds during recess, etc. This was also surprisingly a very transformative era in recent American history. Between the Columbine Shooting, The Y2K bug, The end of the dot.com boom, the controversial 2000 Election (maybe not as controversial as the recent 2016 election, but I digress), the September 11th Attacks, The Enron Scandal, & the Invasion into Iraq, this was hands down a very dark period in American history that people tend to forget.





2. 1969-1975 Era:

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Basically the first half of the 1970's, or the Nixonian 70's, when the 60's countercultural movement was still in full swing, mixed in with the subsequent pessimistic attitudes of the 70's. Despite being massively turbulent, this was a very intriguing and diverse era for pop culture. Between psychedelic rock, punk rock, early disco influences, & the last major wave for folk music. Not to mention Iconic TV shows like M*A*S*H, The Brady Bunch, All In The Family, and The Mary Tyler Moore Show. Films like The Godfather, The Exorcist, Jaws, Deliverance, China Town, and classic Bruce Lee Movies (take your pick) Fist of Fury, Enter The Dragon, Marlowe, etc. I could just go on and on, but this period in pop culture (let alone history, between the Waning years of Vietnam, Nixon's Turbulent presidency with Watergate, the beginning of the end of Mao Zedong's Reign in China, The Oil Shocks of 73', etc.), and you got a very powerful and strong era of pop culture. This was also the peak in Baby Boomer Youth Culture (Circa 1962-1980), with most early Boomers (born 46'-51') being college aged/20 somethings, core Boomers (52'-58') in high school, and late Boomers (59'-64') being in their late childhood/early teenaged years. Makes me wish I was born in the mid-late 50's or early 60's so I could of experienced this era as a kid & or teenager!





3. 1992-1996 Era:

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Basically the Early-Mid 90's, also known as the Raw 90's. It was by this point that the Soviet Union had ceased to exist, the roaring economy of the 80's were now long in the past, and there was a more pessimistic and nihilistic mood in the air. Despite the economy steadily improving the full effects of it wouldn't have been felt until the dot com boom started to take steam in Late 96'/Early 97'. This pessimistic mood could be seen through the dominant music of the day such as Grunge & Gangsta Rap. However, super bubbly BritPop & House Music was certainly popular in this period as well. Even though Gen X Youth Culture peaked earlier (more during the 1988-1991/1992 era), this was when the term 'Gen X', and the identity of Gen X was starting to enter its peak in consciousness. Between the rise in Silicon Valley with mant key inventions between AOL & Windows 95, or the more bohemian movements in Seattle with the rise in Grunge & Starbucks, or even the more raw and in your face Rap/Hip Hop battles between the East & West Coasts in the Mid 90's, Gen X pop culture (while not at its absolute peak) was hands down in cultural golden age. This cultural emergence helped renewed interest in race relations with the verdict on Rodney King in 92' leading to the LA Riots, The Million Men's March in October of 95', and the controversial verdict for the O.J Simpson Trial in the same month. One could argue that this era was a golden age for African-American culture with popular tv shows like The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, In Living Color, and Martin (to name a few) being massively popular (and also being able to cross racial lines), let alone to the fact that America (arguably) elected its first 'black' president being William Jefferson Clinton. Lets not forget that this period was great in television in general be it Seinfeld, F*R*I*E*N*D*S, The Golden Age of The Simpsons, Home Improvement, Full House, Baywatch, The X-Files, etc. How could anyone forget TGIF on ABC every Saturday Night? This was the final hurrah in Saturday Morning Cartoons golden ages with FOX Kids powerhouses like Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Bobby's World, The Tick, X-MEN TAS, & Batman TAS. To sum it all up, the period during Clinton's first term in office, while very melancholic and gritty in comparison to the more optimistic and cheery later 90's (Late 1996/1997-2000), the period was hands down the most diverse pertaining to music, TV, movies, video games, etc. in recent years. I wouldn't mind to have been a kid during this period (so being born about 10 years earlier), but I would of definitely wanted to have been a teen during this period ;D (so being born roughly 20 years earlier)!



What are some of your favorite pop cultural eras?

Favorite: Late 2008-2012 (Recession/Electropop/Obama era)
Second Favorite: 1998-2001
Third Favorite: 2002-2004

Least Favorite: 2017-

2001-2006. The "Classic 2000s".

#1: Late 1982-Mid 1988 (Classic 80's)
#2: Late 1991-1996 (Pure 90's)
#3: 1965-1970 (Core 60's)

Favorite: Late 2008-2012 (Recession/Electropop/Obama era)
Second Favorite: 1998-2001
Third Favorite: 2002-2004

Least Favorite: 2017-


I did like the Electropop Era too! I guess if I had to pick my 4th favorite, 2008-2012 would definitely be that spot! 1998-2001 & 2002-2002 were also good too! Although 98'-01' was a tad bit too bubbly for my taste. I definitely liked it when I was a kid, but if I were teen/young adult back then I'd probably hate it :(.

I agree that 2016 to now has been pretty sh!tty 8-P.



2001-2006. The "Classic 2000s".


I had a feeling you'd say that ;D. I do like that eras as well.



#1: Late 1982-Mid 1988 (Classic 80's)
#2: Late 1991-1996 (Pure 90's)
#3: 1965-1970 (Core 60's)


I do love the 80's as well, its probably one of my favorite decades for pop culture (next to the 60's). Do you prefer the earlier 'Commodore 64 80's' of 1981-1984/1985 or more of the latter 'Nintendo 80's' of 1985-1989/1990?

I do love the 80's as well, its probably one of my favorite decades for pop culture (next to the 60's). Do you prefer the earlier 'Commodore 64 80's' of 1981-1984/1985 or more of the latter 'Nintendo 80's' of 1985-1989/1990?


Latter.

Best:

1. 1997-2001 - Y2K Era: Oh, how I adore this era so much. It was just a perfect balance of everything, all while being recent enough that it wouldn't have been unlivable for me as a queer person.

2. Late 1993-1996 - Mid-90s: A great period for music, cinema, technology, and overall laid-back attitudes. There were obviously some mass movements at the time, like grunge, but overall, individuality seemed to be much more rewarded here than most other times.

3. Late 1982-1985 - Early Classic 80s: A truly majestic time for movies and especially music. The fashion was quirky, but also soft enough to be overall pleasant. This loses to the above two eras, however, because it was long before most people had a respectful understanding of LGBT people, and the AIDS epidemic just starting certainly didn't help. Regardless, I would've loved to have been a kid around this time, and the media it produced is still always fun to return to.

Worst:

1. 1940s: War, social backwardness, forgettable cinema from 1943 to 1949, bland music, pretty much the only good aspect about this period is that much of its fashion was pretty charming. Otherwise, I would never, ever want to live in this decade.

2. 2013-present - Mid-Late 2010s: An age so wretched that it brought me here. It's easily the most dismal time for music since the early 1960s, with seemingly everybody except for me instead preferring to watch television during their spare time, with Orange Is the New Black in particular creating a culture of suck. Technology has gone off the deep end, no longer promoting creativity or intellect like in my favorite era but instead just promoting shallowness. The only distinguishing fashion trends are either bland or repulsive, both on guys and girls. This is supposed to be the most accepting period for LGBT rights ever, yet as a woman with a romantic disposition towards other women (I'm too ashamed to call myself a lesbian anymore), I don't feel accepted for my individuality whatsoever. Trying to find love is ridiculously hard because everybody is so irresponsible, distractible, close-minded, narcissistic, and more interested in posting photos of their dogs rather than committing to meaningful romances, which only land in the laps of the biggest trendies. It's an age in which everything is dominated by groupthink, when people of all political backgrounds are simply fighting each other over selfish causes rather than acting as a cohesive society. It's one of the most unhappy times in modern history, and with good reason.

1964-1975 is really the gold standard for pop culture.
1980-1987 is also very good.
1995-2004 is the personal favorite out of what I remember.
2008-2012 was ok especially compared to right now.

2015/2016-present is the worst era.

Latter.


I agree. The latter 80's always seemed to be the most quintessential for 80's culture be it fashion (neon clothing, perms, shoulder pads, leontards), movies (Back To The Future Parts 1 & 2, The Goonies, Dirty Dancing), TV (The Cosby Show, Alf, Cheers), Video Games (NES Golden Age, Super Mario Bros, The Legend of Zelda, Mega Man), etc.

Best:

1. 1993-1996 - Mid 90s: I pretty much like all aspects of popular culture from this period. The Mid '90s were arguably one of the greatest eras for rock music, with many strong releases across the board. There was a great variety of music on the charts, which while I may not be fond of some of the genres that were popular at the time (such as gangsta rap), I appreciate it for what it was. I really like the "dark" aesthetic of the time, as well as the emphasis on individuality.

2. 1997-2001- Late 90s/Y2k Era: Even though i'm not particularly fond of the cheesy nature of many of the releases (i.e "Barbie Girl"), I appreciate the optimistic vibe of the era. I think the Late 90s/Y2K era would have been a great time to experience as a "tween" (10-12 year old) or a teenager.

Worst:

2012-now - Early/Mid 2010s: I absolutely loathe this era, to be honest. If there was ever a time period which best represents the decline of popular culture and society, it would be this one. The music is absolutely horrendous. There is no variety on the charts whatsoever and creativity seems to be suppressed in favour of consumerism. I'm not a fan of electronic or rap music as it is, but EDM and trap wouldn't be so bad if it didn't over-saturate all aspects of mainstream music.

With the exception of the Marvel Universe movies and the odd release (Hacksaw Ridge), movies have generally been quite underwhelming. I feel as though Hollywood has run out of ideas completely, which is why so many sequels have been released. Television hasn't been too bad, however there is generally a lack of variety in terms of the most popular series'. I hate how smartphones have taken over people's lives as well. There's so much that I hate about this era.

Hmm. Tough decision

1) 1998-2003 - Millenial Era

2)2014/5-2017 - Core 2010s (Although this year has been pretty bad music wise)

3) 1980-1987 - Early/mid 80s tie with 2010-2012(early 10s)

Favorites that I was alive for:
1. 2008-2012
2. 1998 - 2003

Favorites that I was not alive for
1.1963-1971
2 1980- 1989

I seem to like every year in the 50's-mid 90's in terms of music.

1997-98 seemed like a grey zone for me, and 1999 was not good for music in my opinion. I typically do not listen to music made after 1998 unless it is a soundtrack from a video game or something similar to that.

Favorite years that I was alive for:
2003-2007

Favorite years that I like overall:

#1. 1987-1993
#2. 1994-1996
#3. 1958-1964

1. 1983 to 1995

2. 1996 to 2003

3. 1963 to 1972

I also liked the 1930's.

I agree. The latter 80's always seemed to be the most quintessential for 80's culture be it fashion (neon clothing, perms, shoulder pads, leontards), movies (Back To The Future Parts 1 & 2, The Goonies, Dirty Dancing), TV (The Cosby Show, Alf, Cheers), Video Games (NES Golden Age, Super Mario Bros, The Legend of Zelda, Mega Man), etc.

But the early 80s had post-punk and new wave at their peaks, both of which were pretty defining to the 80s. 1983/84 onward saw many of these post-punk/New Wave bands become watered down and make generic, flat poppier songs with stiff, bland rhythms.

Nearly everything from 2006 to 2013 minus the gender policing and more socially conservative attitudes compared to the years from 2010 to 2016.

My favorite era is around 1991-1995. Other eras I would include would be:
2. 1988-1991
3. 1985-1987
4. 1998-2002
5. 1979-1982

1997-2004

I'm biased because these were my elementary school years, but this era was also the golden age of Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, and Disney Channel, and overall a great time to be a kid. I risk sounding like a typical nostalgia-obsessed Millennial, but I can't deny the glory of this era.  :D

1967-1974

The Hippie Age, the Age of Social Unrest, the Psychedelic Age; I just find this era fascinating from a historical and pop cultural viewpoint.

1937-1945

This was probably a very scary and miserable time to live through, but I just love the Big Band/Swing music and the fashion -- so romantic and fun.

1. 1990-1992 (The Early '90s)
2. 1987-1989 (Late '80s)
3. 1984-1986 (Mid '80s)

I agree that 2016 to now has been pretty sh!tty 8-P.

More like 2013-present. I agree with Infinity; everything since 2013 has been a hateful, divisive, narcissistic, depressing, inconsiderate, obnoxious, "post-ironic" era where people are acting more like caricatures than people. I wonder if we really did die in the December 2012 doomsday and since then have been trapped in a bizarre parody universe.

More like 2013-present. I agree with Infinity; everything since 2013 has been a hateful, divisive, narcissistic, depressing, inconsiderate, obnoxious, "post-ironic" era where people are acting more like caricatures than people. I wonder if we really did die in the December 2012 doomsday and since then have been trapped in a bizarre parody universe.
I would actually say 2014 -present. 2013 was still decent, and all of the hateful BS wasn't truly there yet.

I would actually say 2014 -present. 2013 was still decent, and all of the hateful BS wasn't truly there yet.

Yeah true. I was just saying 2013-present to fit better with a December 2012 Mayan prophecy joke, lol

Yeah true. I was just saying 2013-present to fit better with a December 2012 Mayan prophecy joke, lol
Well, you got me there ;)

I actually believe that the U.S. took a nose dive when the Sandy Hook Elementary school shooting in Newtown, CT happened on December 14, 2012. 20 kids were slaughtered by a mad man and what did we do as a country? NOTHING. Just sickening. This country can be so messed up in some areas.

I actually believe that the U.S. took a nose dive when the Sandy Hook Elementary school shooting in Newtown, CT happened on December 14, 2012. 20 kids were slaughtered by a mad man and what did we do as a country? NOTHING. Just sickening. This country can be so messed up in some areas.


Completely agree. Honestly, I knew Sandy Hook was a hoax right from Day 1.

Completely agree. Honestly, I knew Sandy Hook was a hoax right from Day 1.

Woah...hoax? I didn't say that.

Woah...hoax? I didn't say that.


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I watched a lot of those videos at the time after the attack happened and I still don't believe that it was a hoax and I can't believe that you would question the slaughter of 20 children. C'mon dude ???.

So you believe that a 20-year old autistic loner barely able to tie his own shoelace somehow had the ability to kill 26 children in less than 10 minutes sounds like a completely believable story to you?

It was 20 children and 6 staff members. Just because he was autistic doesn't make him completely incompetent. Some members on this thread are autistic and I didn't even know until they told me and that totally changed my view of autistim and the autistic. Also, you believe that 20 children and their families would go along and fake their deaths for literally no purpose and they remain silent for so long? ??? I don't want to think that you actually believe that :-\\.

It was 20 children and 6 staff members. Just because he was autistic doesn't make him completely incompetent. Some members on this thread are autistic and I didn't even know until they told me and that totally changed my view of autistim and the autistic. Also, you believe that 20 children and their families would go along and fake their deaths for literally no purpose and they remain silent for so long? ??? I don't want to think that you actually believe that :-\\.


Well I think it might have been done to make people realise the seriousness of gun violence.

Well I think it might have been done to make people realise the seriousness of gun violence.

OK...but hoax is a stretch. Make no mistake...things like the Gulf of Tonkin incident in 1964 was a hoax devised by the U.S. government BUT not Sandy Hook.

But the early 80s had post-punk and new wave at their peaks, both of which were pretty defining to the 80s. 1983/84 onward saw many of these post-punk/New Wave bands become watered down and make generic, flat poppier songs with stiff, bland rhythms.


The mid-late 80's were a great time for the second wave of new wave, though. A little bit poppier but New Order, Depeche Mode, Fine Young Cannibals, Electronic, Simple Minds, Tears for Fears, A-ha all had excellent releases during this time. And.... I mean... Violator... That's one of the best albums of all time and it came out in '90!

Favorite: Late 2008-2012 (Recession/Electropop/Obama era)
Second Favorite: 1998-2001
Third Favorite: 2002-2004

Least Favorite: 2017-
I agree with this one. 2008 to 2012 were the greatest time of my life! :)

Nearly everything from 2006 to 2013 minus the gender policing and more socially conservative attitudes compared to the years from 2010 to 2016.

I'd personally prefer 2001-2006, though to each his own. In 2007, iPhones were released, the global financial crisis began in December, and Facebook and Twitter started to get popular in that year and due to all of these, the world really changed and though it took a while for the changes to fully take effect, the sheer narcissism and misery of 2013-present seems to indicate the changes may've not been for the better.

I'd personally prefer 2001-2006, though to each his own. In 2007, iPhones were released, the global financial crisis began in December, and Facebook and Twitter started to get popular in that year and due to all of these, the world really changed and though it took a while for the changes to fully take effect, the sheer narcissism and misery of 2013-present seems to indicate the changes may've not been for the better.

I can take the rest of the 2000s, it's because I left the Philippines in 2004, which was one of the worst days of my life.

I can take the rest of the 2000s, it's because I left the Philippines in 2004, which was one of the worst days of my life.
As someone who stayed behind, my problem is the opposite: like, I'm disillusioned that the Westernized bubble I used to live in turned out not to be real.

As someone who stayed behind, my problem is the opposite: like, I'm disillusioned that the Westernized bubble I used to live in turned out not to be real.
Like, seriously, it's like I moved into a different country despite living in the same town my entire life.

1997-2009 was an overkill of greatness to me

1. 1998-2003
2. 2013-2017
3. 1981-1985
4. 2009-2011

1. 1971-1977
2. 1994-1999
3. 2001-2006
4. 1981-1986

Personally i only experienced 2 & 3

Not in any order:

1. The 80's in its entirety (new wave, synthpop, glam metal, thrash metal, etc)
2. 1963-1971 (the cultural 60's in its entirety)
3. 1991-1996 (the age of grunge and alternative metal)

I was not alive during any of these periods; I wasn't born until 1999.

1985-1989: Fond early childhood memories.

1990-1994 was the peak of my childhood. Ninja Turtles mania. All those early '90s kids movies. NES, SNES and Sega. The beginning of my interest in sports.

1996-2000: The peak of my music and pro wrestling fandom. WebTV. PlayStation. I was also in my movie theater obsession phase. 

I really liked the cartoons from 1999 to 2002. I was obssessed with Pokemon for awhile.