1. Social Issues of the 1980s
How does Reagan address many of the new social issues unique to the 1980s?

2. Gun Control
March 1981: Attempted assassination on Pres. Reagan, no one killed but Press Secy James Brady suffers brain damage
Assassin John Hinckley suffered from mental illness, question becomes how did Hinckley get a handgun so easily??
Solution: Major push for gun control laws, background checks

3. War on Drugs
Drug use begins to rise in the mid 1980s esp in inner city with introduction of crack cocaine, which results in crime increase
Reagan Admin launches a war on drugs with aggressive prosecution and long jail terms, esp for crack
Nancy Reagan becomes spokesperson for “Just Say No”!

4. Reagan: Divider or Uniter?
1. Women: still make less money than men, upset at attacks on aff. action, but a woman appointed to Sup Court & cabinet
2. Af-Americans: disproportionate amount sent to prison on drug charges, attacks on aff. action, increased poverty
3. Latinos: 1986 amnesty plan allows undocumented to become citizens, Reagan appoints two Hispanics to cabinet
1986: Sp Shuttle Challenger explodes after liftoff, Reagan’s speech rallies Americans together (known as Great Communicator)

5. AIDS Epidemic
New disease called AIDS initially began to affect many homosexuals and drug users
Moral Majority leader Jerry Falwell says “AIDS is God’s way of punishing Homosexuals”, Reagan silent on issue
By mid 80s, many heterosexuals and non-drug users began contracting AIDS (disease is transferred through body fluids)
1987: Geoffrey Bowers is fired by his law firm for having AIDS