The concept of a so-called “care-free life” is absurd in its own right. We often think of those with fewer responsibilities as more care-free. Young children live a more care-free life than teens, and teens live a more care-free life than adults. At its core, the idea of a care-free life is simply a concept born out of comparing the responsibilities and challenges people face.
Many aims for a “care-free life,” a life without worries. After all, how can someone enjoy a life of constant struggle or responsibility?
But as this conceptual status of a care-free life is placed upon people by others, it often comes with its own challenges of envy and condescension. Those without this life status often both desire and disdain this way of living. If someone lives a “care-free” life, their problems and challenges, contrary to common thought, still exist but are perceived as lesser concerns that shouldn’t pose meaningful worry.
These thoughts came to my mind while watching Nobuhiro Yamashita’s “Linda Linda Linda.” The story of the high school girls and their band, navigating their slice-of-life adventures and challenges as they prepare to play at the school festival highlights the complexities behind the seemingly care-free lives of teenagers.