Global Youth Protest Symbolism - The Straw Hat Pirates Jolly Roger from the Japanese manga "One Piece" has emerged as a global symbol of anti-authoritarian protest among young people [1][2][3][5][6] - The symbol gained traction in 2023, first appearing at pro-Palestinian protests in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, and subsequently spreading globally via platforms like Discord and TikTok [3][5] - The flag's appearance at protests in Nepal, particularly against the backdrop of a burning government building, significantly amplified its visibility [4] - The adoption of the Straw Hat Pirates Jolly Roger is part of a broader trend of young people appropriating pop culture references for political expression, similar to the use of the three-finger salute from "The Hunger Games" in Thailand and Myanmar [5][6] Cultural and Political Context - "One Piece," a long-running and successful Japanese manga series, resonates with young people due to its anti-authoritarian storyline featuring Monkey D Luffy and his crew fighting against warlords, tyrants, and a powerful world government [2][3] - The manga's themes of fighting against oppression and challenging authority align with the concerns and sentiments of young protesters globally [2] - Anime and manga are particularly popular in Indonesia, contributing to the early adoption of the Straw Hat Pirates Jolly Roger as a protest symbol in the country [4] Geographic Spread - The Straw Hat Pirates Jolly Roger has been observed at protests in various locations worldwide, including Indonesia, Nepal, London, France, Slovakia, and Madagascar [1][3][4][5] - In Madagascar, anti-government protesters customized the pirate flag by adding a colorful local hat [5]