Fight the Power

Abstract

Chapter four outlines Gen X’s relationship with two additional key institutions: the political and legal systems. Vosen Callens chronicles Gen X’s relationship with both local and national law enforcement and government officials, outlining how these relationships are represented in 1980s popular culture. Throughout their lifetime, Gen Xers have been given ample reasons to be suspicious of the government and its agents. Because of these reasons, a common motif found in iconic 1980s popular culture is the bumbling or uncooperative police officer. To some extent, this motif is also seen in Stranger Things with some slight variations.