If you search anything about the ‘90s on Google, you are likely to stumble upon rants and arguments about what it means to be a “true ‘90s kid”. Many believe you had to be born in the late 80’s in order to be fully aware of the iconic era, but seeing as many of us were born in the early ‘90s, I think that gives us just as much right to being a ‘90s kid. Whatever the case, let me take you on a journey into the past.
10. Not having a cellphone
Is it just me or did life seem easier without a cellphone? You didn’t have to be in contact with everyone 24/7 and you took life as it came to you. If you had to meet someone, you called them on your regular phone (as long as no one was using the cable for the internet) and you made plans. Of course, if there was a last minute cancellation you’d be waiting at the park or the mall for half an hour, but it was all good—there was no way for you to have known. Unlike today, you’d probably be upset at the person for not taking a minute to send you a quick, apologetic text.
9. Going braless
R.I.P to the days of wearing a shirt sans-brassiere – the first thing you’d notice on a braless woman nowadays is how visible her nipples are through her shirt. I’ve been watching a lot of ‘90s TV lately, and let me tell you, it’s difficult to look away once you’ve noticed them. But just imagine – FREEDOM! All. The. Time.
8. Disney movies
Though I’m amazed with the great advances the movie world has made in animation, I still personally prefer the old, animated Disney movies. They’re classic; whereas the animation today is too realistic… and that really creeps me out. And, who has eyes that big anyway, eh Rapunzel?
7. Sweet Valley High and The Babysitter’s Club
Unfortunately, these weren’t quite my thing growing up—I was a tomboy and preferred to catch frogs in the murky lake water than to read “girl” books. However, these were two of the most popular book series growing up and everyone who was anyone carried one around in their backpack at all times.
6. TV
The quality of television is on a steady decline—or at least in my mind. Who cares about those crazy people on the Jersey Shore when you could watch Cory and Topanga on Boy Meets World, the Olsen twins on Full House, the beautiful braless trio on Charmed and the “Scooby Gang” on Buffy the Vampire Slayer?
5. Boy bands
Need I say more? Gone are the days of dancing with your friends in your living room and acting like a fool. What am I saying? I regularly listen to the Backstreet Boys and N’Sync on repeat – it keeps me sane.
4. Girl Power
Oh, Spice Girls. You are my spirit animal. Your lyrics spoke to me on such a deep level and I had always dreamed of touring the world with you in your beautiful, Union Jack-decaled double decker bus. My favourite game to play as a kid was to dress up as Baby Spice and perform in front of my parents.
3. ‘90s Fashion
Scrunchies, jelly bracelets and jean jackets, OH MY! Being a teen in the ‘90s must have truly been the best because the clothes were just amazing – the Fresh Prince knew what was up. And no matter who dressed you, whether it was yourself or your parents, you still looked pretty darn stylin’.
2. Reading the Harry Potter series for the first time
The most magical moment of any ‘90s child, or any child, is reading the Harry Potter novels for the first time. Being a kid when the series was launched was both wonderful and terrible, as we actually had to wait for the books to come out but we also had the chance to grow up with Harry and his friends.
1. My innocence
I think that’s pretty self-explanatory.
All in all, the ‘90s were the best years of my life and I am SO ready for a comeback!
Photo sources:
1. http://www.awesomelyluvvie.com/2010/08/disney-music-everything.html
2. http://www.90s411.com/90s-technology.html
5. http://www.businessinsider.com/jk-rowling-business-methods-2011-7?op=1
6. http://www.your90s.com/in-west-philadelphia-born-and-raised/