By Aidan Eller

In recent months, multiple youth-led protests have begun in different countries against their governments. In Nepal, Indonesia and France these protests have received large amounts of media coverage, but not for the reason you might think. These countries have adopted a straw-hat flag as their symbol: the Jolly Roger of the Straw Hat Pirates from the popular anime One Piece. This fictional flag symbolizes freedom against corrupt governments, economic inequality and lack of future opportunities for youth.

In France people have gone to the streets to protest their governments as they try to fight rising living costs, job insecurity and pension law. Many of the French feel as though their futures are being shaped without their say by leaders that do not understand them. In Nepal they fight against corrupt government officials, delayed elections and bad infrastructure. In Indonesia the youth protest has begun over policies that are seen to favor corporations and environmental degradation and lack of transparency. Across these countries, one thing is clear, the youth are not afraid to stand up, and this flag unites all their ideas.

One Piece was created by Eiichiro Oda in 1997 and has sold over 578 million copies worldwide, making it the best-selling manga of all time. It has over 1,100 chapters and is still going to this day. It is the story of Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew as they sail through a dystopian world opposing a tyrannical world government. They sail around freeing oppressed islands and chasing ideals of freedom. The main character Luffy desires to be the king of the pirates but not for the reason most think. He desires to be the king not to rule over anyone but to be the freest man in the world. This difference in intent is what makes him such a loved character and a symbol of freedom.

“Luffy is the perfect symbol for this revolution because he will free anyone at any cost while being free himself, even his foes find freedom and peace in the midst of battle against him,” said longtime fan Dean Ricciuti.

This Straw Hat flag has transcended traditional pop culture. It is now a real-life symbol of what it represents in fiction: resistance, unity and a dream of a freer world. For many of these protesters this message is the perfect way to signal their ideals — ideals of freedom, challenging outdated ideas and building futures that they have a say in. The making of the Straw Hat Pirates crew also hits home for these protesters. The crew is made up of outcasts, dreamers and rebels that can connect with the youth and how they feel abandoned by their governments. This flag has become the symbol of hope that can connect all these countries who may not speak the same language.

In CNN’s report a quote from Nuurrianti Jalli, a professor of media and communications at Oklahoma State University, helps show how the flag unites: “They are not speaking the same language, but they understand what the story is about.”

As students here in Greensboro, it may be hard to feel a connection to these protests in France, Nepal or Indonesia. However, the message the Straw Hat flag represents has no borders. Like Luffy and his crew, youth everywhere are pushing back against outdated systems and beliefs that don’t serve them anymore. They want a say in their futures and One Piece, and the Straw Hat Flag inspires that.

One thing is clear; this is not just a story about pirates. This is a story about chasing your dreams, standing up to oppression, freedom and fighting for justice no matter who you are.

If you have not yet, check out the show One Piece. If not for the incredible adventure and beloved story, but to try and understand and connect with the symbol that is inspiring a generation to stand up and fight back.