Seventies America, exhausted by the intensity of the 60s and burnt out from the impact of the Boomers, just wasn't ready for yet another generation. By decade's end, with the 1-2 punch (in late '80) of Ronald Reagan's election and John Lennon's assasination, authentic youth culture was driven deep underground. In fact, with the exception of hip-hop, there were no significant youth movements in 80s America.
John Lennon was the embodiment of youth culture and Reagan killed it???
"there were no significant youth movements in 80s America."
That's just not true. But I guess it depends on your definition of "significant"