This is in response to Mike Townshend's opinion column "Pop culture icons from 1980s prove it was disposable decade," (SN 11/29). Although Mr. T has some good points, I suggest he not draw all his conclusions about that dark time in history from "American Psycho" and VH1.

First of all, in the realm of pop cinema, the '80s gave us really innovative science fiction, fantasy and children's films.

Also, it gave the prototype for today's blockbuster. Only unlike now, a lot of these films were produced using imagination and elbow grease instead of crappy CGIs.

And, remember that melodramatic teen movies were about feelings and friendship and things other than getting laid.

And the music. I like how Townshend goes out of his way to list the crappiest stuff he can think of. What about The Police, U2, the Go-Gos, Talking Heads, The Cure, The Specials, Operation Ivy, Van Halen, Total Devo, Elvis Costello, Paul Simon, The Pretenders, Run-D.M.C. and yes, Peter Gabriel. I sure hope the '90s are not remembered for Kriss Kross. So shut off the TV and go to a record store.

Oh yeah, and STYX? They suck. A lot.

Aaron Dean
theater senior