The 60s had the summer of love, the 70s had punks trying to change the world, the 80s had house music. The 80s marked big progress in changing attitudes on social rights and the  birth of a creative counter culture. House music brought together people leading them to realize they are not really all that different.

The exclusivity of club culture in late 80s  reflected economic exclusivity of the UK.  High unemployment, huge wage gaps between rich and poor lead to a depressed youth looking for something more.

The unmistakable sound of the Roland 303, Chicago, the British youth, and chemically enhanced states gave way to the birth of rave culture.

English acid house and rave fans often used smiley faces or other innocent pop culture symbols as an emblem of the music and scene that portrayed the non-aggressive, except in terms of decibels at the high-volume club or house party.