1980s Music Videos That Should Have Been Off-Limits

Parenting

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As a child raised by a well-meaning, cautious single mother, I often found myself straddling the line between innocence and the bold new world of 1980s music videos. My mother, a devout Catholic, was protective, and yet, during the rise of MTV, I was captivated by the audacious visuals and catchy melodies that defined a generation. It all began when I accidentally stumbled upon a Heart concert video, igniting a fascination that would shape my musical tastes for years to come.

During family visits, I learned that my cousins were explicitly banned from watching MTV. Yet, inexplicably, my mother allowed it. Ironically, this was the same woman who wouldn’t let me watch the movie “Fame” with my cousins because of its R rating—unbeknownst to her, it contained a topless scene featuring Irene Cara! However, she never actually observed the music videos in real time, as my siblings and I quickly switched the channel whenever something risqué was about to air. When she entered the room, it was always a swift “click” to change the channel.

Curious about her reasoning, I once asked her why MTV was acceptable. Her response was, “Oh, I thought it was just like listening to the radio.” But, Mom, did you not see Madonna rolling around in a sheer lace wedding dress, singing “Like a Virgin”? We were adept at dodging her scrutiny with that clunky cable box.

Iconic 1980s Music Videos

Here are a few iconic 1980s music videos that my mother would have forbidden us from watching had she been aware of their content:

1. The J. Geils Band, ‘Centerfold’
   In this video, the narrator’s ex-girlfriend appears in a nude “girly” magazine. As a child, I pondered what a centerfold was. The visuals featured girls transitioning from innocent schoolgirls to sultry calendar models, all while singing and performing cartwheels. Were they cognizant of the fleeting fame that came from such roles?
2. Madonna, ‘Like a Virgin’
   This was not the demure Madonna of earlier years. Dressed in white, she sang about her sexual experiences, suggesting that it felt like her first time. How many kids queried their parents about the meaning of “virgin” after hearing this song? Quite the conundrum for unsuspecting parents!
3. Culture Club, ‘Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?’
   I vividly recall the first time I watched this video with my sister, hot chocolate in hand, as we debated whether Boy George was male or female. Explaining the concept of gender fluidity to sheltered suburban kids was a challenge for any parent at the time.
4. Van Halen, ‘Hot for Teacher’ / The Police, ‘Don’t Stand So Close to Me’
   These catchy songs featured dynamic visuals that were, let’s say, revealing. The Van Halen video had its fair share of suggestive elements, while Sting’s brooding charm in The Police’s song posed ethical questions about adult-child dynamics. I often wondered about the implications of such narratives.
5. Glenn Frey, ‘Smuggler’s Blues’
   With drug-related themes inspired by the popular show “Miami Vice,” this video told the story of a drug dealer’s risky life. Although I was oblivious to the world of narcotics, I was drawn to the narrative that glamorized the dangerous lifestyle, which clashed with the “Just Say No” campaign of my youth.
6. The Tubes, ‘She’s a Beauty’
   Featuring circus performers and women in latex, this video was a visual spectacle that I didn’t fully understand at the time. Luckily, I was more enchanted by the catchy tune than the suggestive imagery. Interestingly, The Tubes gained notoriety for their banned video “Mondo Bondage,” which left many parents speechless!

Reflecting on these scandalous music videos, I can’t help but think about the lengths we went to enjoy them when our parents weren’t watching. For more insights on home insemination and parenting, you can explore resources like this one or check out this authoritative guide. Additionally, if you’re looking for comprehensive information about pregnancy, Healthline is an excellent resource.

In summary, the 1980s music videos that I snuck peeks at were often a mix of iconic artistry and controversial content, leading to many eyebrows raised in parental households. These experiences shaped my understanding of music, culture, and the complexities of growing up.