New Books in American Studies Jim Cullen, "1980: America's Pivotal Year" (Rutgers UP, 2022)
Nov 23, 2025
Cultural historian Jim Cullen discusses his book, highlighting 1980 as a pivotal year in American history. He explores the dramatic political shift from Carter to Reagan and how this affected culture. Cullen delves into the popular music of the time, featuring legends like John Lennon and Bruce Springsteen, and examines films like *Heaven's Gate* that marked Hollywood's transition. He also reflects on the influence of the TV show *Dallas* and the rise of chain bookstores, framing 1980 as a year that truly set the stage for modern America.
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Cullen's Academic And Teaching Path
- Jim Cullen describes his academic and teaching background across Tufts, Brown, Harvard, and high school.
- He frames himself as a cultural historian focused on late 20th‑century media.
Stop‑Motion Year Between Eras
- 1980 functioned like stop-motion between the 1970s and an emergent 1980s conservatism.
- Jim Cullen argues culture and politics aligned that year to reveal this doubleness.
1980 As Political Realignment
- The 1980 election marked a political realignment toward neoliberal policies after decades of New Deal liberalism.
- Cullen stresses Carter's weaknesses and Reagan's unexpected rise as catalysts for the shift.
