1981 and 1996 vs. 1997 and 2012

Attribute	1981 and 1996	1997 and 2012
Technology	Basic personal computers, VHS tapes	Internet, smartphones
Popular Music	Pop, rock, hip hop emerging	Pop, hip hop, electronic dance music
Politics	Cold War tensions, Reagan era	Post-Cold War era, globalization
Entertainment	MTV, blockbuster movies	Reality TV, streaming services

Introduction

When looking at different years in history, it's fascinating to compare the attributes of each year and see how they differ. In this article, we will be comparing the years 1981, 1996, 1997, and 2012 to see how they stack up against each other in terms of various attributes such as technology, culture, and politics.

Technology

In 1981, technology was rapidly advancing with the introduction of the first IBM personal computer. This marked the beginning of the personal computing revolution, which would go on to shape the way we live and work today. In 1996, the internet was starting to become more mainstream with the launch of popular search engines like Yahoo! and AltaVista. By 1997, the internet was becoming a household staple with the rise of online shopping and email. Fast forward to 2012, and smartphones were dominating the tech scene with the release of the iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy S3, revolutionizing the way we communicate and access information.

Culture

1981 was a year of cultural milestones with the release of iconic movies like Raiders of the Lost Ark and the debut of MTV, forever changing the music industry. In 1996, pop culture was dominated by boy bands like Backstreet Boys and Spice Girls, as well as the rise of grunge music with bands like Nirvana. By 1997, the world was mourning the loss of Princess Diana, a cultural icon whose death had a profound impact on society. In 2012, social media was at its peak with platforms like Facebook and Twitter shaping how we interact and share information with one another.

Politics

1981 was a year of political change with the inauguration of Ronald Reagan as the 40th President of the United States. His conservative policies would go on to shape the political landscape for years to come. In 1996, Bill Clinton was re-elected for a second term as President, overseeing a period of economic prosperity and peace. By 1997, Tony Blair became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, ushering in a new era of progressive politics. In 2012, Barack Obama was re-elected for a second term as President, making history as the first African American to hold the office.

Economy

In 1981, the global economy was facing a recession with high inflation and unemployment rates. However, the Reagan administration's economic policies would eventually lead to a period of sustained growth. By 1996, the economy was booming with the rise of the dot-com bubble, creating wealth and prosperity for many. In 1997, the Asian financial crisis sent shockwaves through the global economy, leading to widespread economic turmoil. In 2012, the world was still recovering from the 2008 financial crisis, with many countries facing high levels of debt and slow economic growth.

Conclusion

Each of these years - 1981, 1996, 1997, and 2012 - had their own unique attributes that shaped the world we live in today. From technological advancements to cultural milestones and political changes, these years have left a lasting impact on society. By comparing these attributes, we can gain a better understanding of how far we've come and where we might be headed in the future.