A vibrant wave of youth activism, dubbed "Gen Z protests," is currently sweeping across the globe. Just last month, countries like Nepal, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Madagascar witnessed significant demonstrations, with young people passionately rising against government corruption and deep-seated inequality. A striking commonality emerged in these protests: a shared flag depicting a grinning skull and crossbones wearing a straw hat.
This distinctive flag originates from "One Piece," a hugely popular Japanese manga and anime series. The story revolves around a determined pirate crew battling a corrupt and oppressive world government. The franchise’s global appeal is immense, with a recent live-action adaptation on Netflix, dubbed versions in over a dozen languages, and more than 500 million copies of the print edition sold worldwide.
The flag’s journey into activism began in 2023, appearing at pro-Palestinian marches in Indonesia and Britain. Since then, it has swiftly evolved into a powerful and recognizable symbol for youth-led movements across various continents.
Its presence has been notably impactful: it adorned the gates of Nepal’s government complex, which was set ablaze during protests that ultimately led to the government’s downfall. It has been spray-painted on city walls in Jakarta, proudly waved by large crowds in Manila, and this very week, it materialized in Madagascar, where demonstrations culminated in the government’s dissolution.
As Rakshya Bam, a 26-year-old Nepali Gen Z protest organizer, explained, "We wanted to use symbols that made sense to our generation. The pirate flag, Jolly Roger, it’s like a common language now." The central narrative of "One Piece," depicting its protagonist, Luffy, as a figure who could be seen as either a freedom fighter or a terrorist, depending on one’s viewpoint, gives the symbol added depth. His iconic straw hat, a cherished gift from a childhood hero, embodies the belief that his generation would eventually triumph.
The rich storyline makes the symbol particularly potent, according to another Nepali protester, Irfan Khan. He articulated, "The pirate, it’s like a way to say we are not going to put up with injustice and corruption anymore."
This phenomenon of cultural references becoming protest emblems is not entirely new. In the 2010s, for instance, Thai protesters opposing a military coup famously adopted the three-fingered salute from the dystopian film "The Hunger Games," a symbol that continues to be used in nations such as Myanmar.
Raqib Naik, director of the U.S.-based Center for the Study of Organized Hate, notes, "I think we are entering a new era of organizing that draws heavily from digital, pop and gaming culture, creating a common vocabulary." His organization monitors online activity and misinformation, highlighting the digital roots of these new movements.
Despite geographical distances, these global protesters are united by a shared cultural identity. By merging popular fictional narratives with real-world anti-establishment politics, they are creating a formidable force that has already contributed to the downfall of at least two governments—and shows no signs of slowing down.
— Additional reporting by Parin Behrooz and Hannah Beech
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