Trust me...Pirates are the Good Guys

  

One Piece main character Monkey D. Luffy gripping his straw hat

Since 1997, One Piece has reigned supreme in the world of anime with its colorful characters, sprawling settings, and adventure-laden storyline. Boasting over 1,100 episodes (and still going), Eiichiro Oda's masterpiece uniquely explores lighthearted pirate escapades intertwined with cultural and political themes, often addressing the issues of class inequality, systems of control and oppression, and governmental corruption. At the heart of this series is the struggle between those in power and those who dare to resist it, a topic that feels more relevant each and every day. Considering the ever-expanding fan base, its impact as a long-running manga/anime, and its live-action adaptation now streaming on Netflix… One Piece has solidified itself as one of the most influential (and successful) series of its time. With its unflinching commentary on the world's power structures and human suffering, it is easy to understand why and how this story continues to resonate with folks in our modern era. 

Eiichiro Oda wrote and illustrated One Piece in 1997 with a serialized release in Weekly Shōnen Jump, a Shōnen ("boy" and/or referencing stories aimed at young boys ages 12-18) Manga anthology magazine. The story focuses on an aspiring pirate named Monkey D. Luffy as he builds up his "Straw Hat Pirates" crew and searches for the "One Piece" treasure left behind by Gol D. Roger, the King of the pirates. While this may seem like a fun, swashbuckling time, it is a profoundly political narrative that delves into the concepts of power, justice, and equality. 

        Through this tale, we come across an array of characters, locales, and events that showcase the varying ideological beliefs, moral standards, and societal structures at play in this world. This can be seen through entities such as the World Government, the governing body that oversees the systems and functions of inhabited lands, and the Marines and Cipher Pol divisions, which act as law enforcement, carrying out the will of World government institutions. While these may seem like well-meaning organizations, these establishments quickly show the extent they are willing to go to silence others, control the flow and access to information, enact oppressive practices, rule through fear, and protect the interests of society's elite. This presents a parallel to real-world governmental bodies and practices as many in power have attempted to suppress the truth, utilize propaganda, and manipulate history and the meaning of "justice" to control their constituents and maintain/assert their authority. 

Along with the World Government are the Celestial Dragons, the "god-like" elites of this world who overflow with entitlement, seeing themselves as saviors and worthy of praise. Through their presentation, we see the reality of class disparities and the levels of privilege afforded to these characters simply because of their lineage. This further mirrors the current state of the country (and other parts of the world) as we must contend with economic inequality, generational wealth/inherited entitlement, and the realization of just how detached the upper classes can be. 

Through the World Government, Celestial Dragons, Marines, and other authoritative figures, we see how far people are willing to go to gain and maintain power. Through historical erasure, exploitation, genocidal acts, and suppression…those in control write the narrative. As Luffy and his crew navigate multiple islands/countries, they often find themselves in the middle of these struggles and typically stand with the victims of such injustices, at odds with the authoritative entities perpetrating such abuses of power. With little to no pleading, we find Luffy is more than willing to stand against and resist. 

Along with Luffy and his defiant crew, we are also introduced to the Revolutionary Army led by Monkey D. Dragon and his crew of rebels. Together, they cross the seas, seeking out the common folk directly affected by the government. Through their efforts, they stand as the #1 enemy of the World Government as they aim to dismantle their systems of oppression. This presents an additional parallel to real-world revolutions as we consider the rebellious acts of many throughout history to upend unjust authorities. 

With goofy-looking characters, names, and locations, it's easy to dismiss One Piece as a show merely produced for the entertainment of pirate-loving youngsters…but this couldn't be further from the truth. In reality, this series provides critical commentary on the world powers and the political tensions of the past and today. Considering government overreach, class struggles, and systemic oppression, this show shines a light on social movements and the ability of the masses to bring down tyrannical rulers and fight for justice. Seems relevant at a time when we've got self-proclaimed "kings" running about. Perhaps it's time to grab a straw hat and join the cause.