Having lived through the 80s, can confirm. The 80s generally sucked.
It's only in hindsight, with the continued slide to suck-dom, that they look good in comparison.
But.. yeah, people were terrified of HIV/AIDs, misogyny and racism abounded and it was the a decade of killing unions and crushing workers rights, leading to the right wing take over of America.
Long delay in replying, but omg yes. You have no idea.
Don’t get me wrong, some great music too. But yes, lots of forgettable junk.