Post by : Rameen Ariff

The pirate flag of Luffy, the hero from the popular manga One Piece, has recently become a symbol of youth protests around the world. With his yellow straw hat and mischievous grin, Luffy’s skull-and-crossbones emblem has appeared in demonstrations across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Europe, representing a challenge to governments and authority.

Originating from the best-selling manga series One Piece, first published in 1997, the flag represents freedom, resistance to oppression, and fighting against injustice. Gen Z, the generation of young adults who grew up reading One Piece, has adopted the symbol as a unifying banner during anti-establishment rallies.

"I grew up with One Piece like most of Gen Z, so it naturally became a symbol for us," said Kai, 26, a protester in Madagascar. The series’ themes of struggle against corrupt governments and the fight for equality resonate strongly with young demonstrators.

The Luffy flag first gained attention in Indonesia, where authorities threatened to ban it, and has since been spotted in protests in Nepal, the Philippines, France, and Peru. In Madagascar, the flag was widely promoted online through the Instagram account “Gen Z Madagascar” during protests against power and water shortages.

Created by Japanese artist Eiichiro Oda, the One Piece saga follows Monkey D. Luffy’s quest to become the Pirate King, exploring universal themes of dreams, freedom, and fighting oppression. The story also addresses political and social issues such as slavery, discrimination, and environmental awareness, making it relatable across cultures.

Experts note that Luffy’s flag serves as a “depoliticised” yet powerful emblem, adaptable to different protest movements. In France, protesters carried the flag alongside traditional union banners, appealing especially to young people who mobilize through social media rather than formal leadership.

Anthropologist Elisabeth Soulie described the flag as an “emotional unifier” for Gen Z, who connect online and rally collectively. Manga specialists suggest that the Luffy pirate flag could continue to gain popularity worldwide, spreading the ideals of freedom, resistance, and unity among youth globally.

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