An anime flag has become a symbol of resistance

  Across the globe, a seemingly odd flag of a cartoonish skull in bones in a straw hat from a lighthearted anime about pirates has become an internationally recognized symbol of protest. 

  Thousands gathered in protest at the second No Kings Rally at Mill Creek Park on Oct. 18, and a common sight at the protest was that very same “Straw Hat Jolly Roger” from the anime One Piece. 

  Lexi Okoye, junior communications major and avid One Piece fan, believes the anime’s main character, Luffy, represents resistance and freedom. 

  “He constantly challenges corrupt systems throughout the series and advocates for people living how they want, living freely,” Okoye said. “I think the straw hat flag represents that same message. It represents the courage to resist control and the right to live freely as yourself.” 

  While first spotted during the Indonesian Gen Z protests in February, the Straw Hat Flag has since become a prominent feature of protests across the globe, making appearances in Peru, the United States, Nepal, Madagascar, the Philippines, Italy,  France and many more. 

  While some fans would disagree, One Piece is a heavily political series as the Straw Hat Crew challenges the corrupt World Government and helps those in need, sometimes for nothing more than a bowl of rice. 

  With heavy themes of freedom, justice, dreams, and anti-authoritarianism, it’s hard to deny the series’ political context. 

  While not all UMKC students may watch One Piece or even recognize the flag, they still understand its significance as a protest symbol.

  “I think Gen Z gravitated towards this because it aligns with their same values. This generation is all about making change and questioning authority,” Okoye said. 

  Blake Harmon, a double major in chemistry and biology, compared the impact of the Straw Hat flag and One Piece to the impact of George Orwell’s 1984. 

  “It’s the same kind of generational thing where, like, the previous generations that read [1984] and that was a whole big thing. Now the new generations have watched a lot of anime,” Harmon said, “Good writing often incites good action in people.”

   Anime has experienced a surge in popularity worldwide since the COVID-19 lockdown. According to Crunchyroll, the top anime streaming service, 54% of Gen Z enjoy anime. 

  With its rise in popularity and global recognition, it’s no wonder that Gen Z is rallying behind the Straw Hat flag. 

  Students agree that the flag makes for a strong symbol and something easily recognizable.

  “If a person who doesn’t usually protest saw someone waving a straw hat flag online or something, they’d probably be like ‘oh that’s cool, maybe I should do that too.’ Pop culture symbols make protesting feel more approachable and fun,” said Okoye.