One Piece Jolly Roger Becomes a Global Protest Symbol
The Jolly Roger of One Piece’s Straw Hat Pirates has been turning up at protests in more and more countries this past month, including the United States and Madagascar. What began as a fictional pirate flag has quietly grown into a shared symbol among demonstrators around the world.
In the United States, the flag was spotted at several No Kings protests over the October 18 and 19 weekend. Local outlets, including papers in Florida and Ohio, photographed it and noted its link to similar demonstrations happening internationally.
In Madagascar, the flag has flown since early in the month during protests over corruption and political impunity, according to NBC News. The country has seen major upheaval, with President Andry Rajoelina removed from office following an impeachment backed by the military.
The trend stretches back further still. The symbol appeared in Indonesia as early as August amid frustration over policy changes, and in September it was seen in Nepal, the Philippines, and France, often tied to movements against corruption or government spending plans.
Across these very different countries and causes, the flag seems to serve as a common shorthand for people pushing back against those in power, borrowed from a story all about freedom and defiance.
My take: It is striking to see a piece of anime travel so far beyond the screen and mean so much to so many people. Whatever one thinks of the various movements, it speaks to how deeply One Piece’s themes of freedom have resonated worldwide.
