Introduction to the Straw Hat Pirates
A Grinning Skull Wearing a Straw Hat is the banner of the Straw Hat Crew, an infamous group of pirates led by a young captain named Monkey D. Luffy from the Japanese manga and anime "One Piece". The flag was raised in front of Nepal’s parliament when protesters stormed the building and set it on fire in early September, and it is now being used in global youth-led movements known as Gen Z protests.
A Japanese Record Series
"One Piece" is by most measures the most successful and popular manga series of all time. Created in 1997 by Japanese manga artist Eiichiro Oda, there are already more than 110 volumes in the ongoing series of comics. The manga has sold more than 500 million copies and received various Guinness Publishing Records. It has also spawned various films as well as a long-running TV anime series of more than 1,000 episodes. At the core of the manga’s complex universe, "One Piece" follows young Captain Luffy and his crew, the Straw Hat Pirates, as they challenge corrupt powers, including the autocratic World Government.
The Meaning of the Symbol
Luffy and his crew represent freedom, individual choice, and following your own heart. Along the way in their adventures, they helped oppressed groups and stood up to corrupt authority figures. The flag has become a rallying symbol of resistance, representing the fight against corruption and oppression. The "One-Piece" symbol serves as a unifying element for the Gen Z protests, which are primarily led by young people who have grown up in the Internet age and are familiar with the media franchise.
A Symbol Goes Viral
The banner initially became a widespread symbol of discontent ahead of the 80th anniversary of Indonesia’s Independence Day on August 17. People displayed the "One-Piece" flag next to the national flag to express their dissatisfaction with government policies and corruption. The silent protest went viral and led to a counter-campaign by the Indonesian government, which called on citizens to make the national flag even more visible. Some officials suggested that displaying the "One-Piece" emblem amounted to treason.
Global Adoption
From Indonesia, the flag was then adopted during large-scale anti-corruption demonstrations in Nepal, sparked by a nationwide ban on numerous social media platforms. Nepal’s Gen Z protests managed to overturn the social media ban, and their demonstrations led to the resignation of the country’s prime minister. The "One-Piece" symbol has also been adopted by protesters in countries such as the Philippines, Serbia, Kenya, Morocco, Paraguay, Peru, and Madagascar.
Pop Culture in Protests
The "One-Piece" banner is one of the elements that unites the Gen Z protests. Gen Z, made up of approximately those born between 1996 and 2010, is the first generation to fully grow up in the Internet age. For people who have been immersed in popular culture and memes their entire lives, references to such images have a unifying effect. Other examples of pop culture symbols being used in protests include the Guy Fawkes mask from the comic and film "V for Vendetta", the three-finger salute from the "Hunger Games" series, and the comparison of China’s leader Xi Jinping to Winnie-the-Pooh.
The Power of the Symbol
The "One-Piece" Jolly Roger is gaining traction worldwide, conveying hope and representing the fight against corruption and oppression. Activists believe that this logo represents a young generation that stands up for what is right and hopes to make the world a better place. The symbol has become a powerful tool for protesters to express their ideals and unite with others who share their values.
