Government (or lack thereof) in Wind Breaker

Zaphodb2002 said:
So I've seen this be something people complain about, saying the lack of seemingly any kind of government structure in this show is a problem. I suppose I can understand the argument: "This is so unrealistic, the cops would show up. My suspension of disbelief is broken." And that's fair. To which I would maybe cynically reply that you're probably not very fun at parties, but that's okay and allowed as well I suppose.

In my view, this show is primarily about empathy, and specifically its role at a societal level. Bofurin uses their strength to protect, not for their own gain. Their strength comes from their unity, which is fostered and taught by respected leaders. Unlike their rivals, they understand that survival is a group effort, not a competition. The top dog is a gardener, for fuck's sake. It's not a metaphor, it's a sledgehammer. The message is "if you foster empathy and cooperation, you will be the heroes".

Now I've not read the manga and for all I know it's revealed that there was an apocalypse or something; but putting a bunch of violent boys into a position of power through violence, and then them using that power to kick toxic masculinity in the balls, is a neat fantasy concept. This thing is like Gay Anarchist Star Trek. Oh, hey, I think I figured out why it's so divisive.

Anyway, my argument is that the lack of government is not a flaw, it's a necessary part of the underlying metaphor of the show. While I agree teenage boys resolving political disputes with fistfights is a poor base for a government, it is an easy-to-understand allegory for how the underlying values of individual leaders and how they propagate those values can shape a society.

Jollyne7 said:
Fuck cops, where are teachers and why their school looks like it's been abandoned for a few years and is ruled by nice hooligans XD

annamanawana said:

fr thats the actual mystery. at the beginning of the anime they spoke about furin like it was an actual school that he was moving to yet there is seemingly no teachers or even lessons taking place.