The Narratives – Mohamed Miah

Share what you know about the year you were born.

I wasn’t exactly keeping a diary in 1983—being a newborn, but there’s something fascinating about diving into the year you were born. It’s like exploring the backdrop of a story you didn’t know you were part of. So, here’s my take on 1983—a year that shaped the world I entered, and a world that, in many ways, is still shaping me.

A World Caught in Conflict

In 1983, the United States and the Soviet Union were deep in the midst of the Cold War. It wasn’t just political posturing—it was a time of paranoia, and global uncertainty. I never bought into the idea that the USA was always the “good guy.” If anything, they were just as complicit in the world’s messes as the Soviet Union, if not more. Reagan’s chest-thumping “evil empire” speech may have made headlines, but to me, it feels like just another moment of empty rhetoric, fuelling division rather than understanding.

Amidst all this, something far more revolutionary was quietly happening: the Internet was being born. Imagine that—a world without Google, social media, or even email, suddenly taking its first digital breath. It’s strange to think how little fanfare it received back then, given how much it has shaped the way we live today.

Cultural Icons My Favourites

Now, this is where 1983 really stands out for me. Culturally, it was an absolute goldmine. Michael Jackson’s Thriller was everywhere, redefining what it meant to be a global icon. I’ve always loved MJ—his music, his performances, his creativity. Whatever you think about him, his talent was unparalleled.

Then there’s Star Wars Return of the Jedi. I’m a Star Wars fan through and through, and this was the film that wrapped up the original trilogy in all its glory. I can’t tell you how much I love the world Lucas created—it’s timeless, and every rewatch brings back that same magic.

And, of course, Al Pacino in Scarface. What a performance! “Say hello to my little friend!” is one of those lines that’s become iconic for a reason. Pacino’s portrayal of Tony Montana—flawed, ambitious, and utterly tragic—was unforgettable.

That said, not everything from 1983 resonates with me. Take James Bond, for instance. Sorry, but until Daniel Craig took the reins, I could never really get into the franchise. The older films felt campy and disconnected from reality—Craig brought grit and depth that finally made me a fan.

Life in Britain A Divisive Era

On this side of the pond, 1983 was Thatcher’s Britain. And let me be clear, I hate what she stood for. Her policies gutted working-class communities, dismantled industries, and left a legacy of division that we’re still grappling with today. People love to throw around terms like “Iron Lady,” but I see her as someone who lacked compassion for ordinary people. She didn’t just reshape the economy; she tore apart the social fabric that bound communities together.

Meanwhile, in Bangladesh—where my roots are—the struggles were of a different kind. The country was finding its footing after independence, navigating hope and hardship in equal measure. My parents, like so many others, were carving out a life in the UK amidst challenges of Racism and hardship.

Why 1983 Still Matters

Looking back, 1983 feels like a year of contrasts—a time of tension and transformation. The seeds of the digital age were quietly taking root, even as old power struggles dominated headlines. It was a year that shaped not just the world I was born into, but the one I’m living in today.

For me, reflecting on the year I was born isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s about understanding where I come from and how the world around me has evolved. It’s a reminder that every moment—every year—leaves its mark, shaping us in ways we might not even realise.

So, that’s my take on 1983.