The Unexpected Presence of One Piece Flag at a Palestine Rally amazes the Internet
One Piece flag waves proudly at Palestine rally, triggering a viral storm on social media
A video of a rally for Palestine that took place on October 14, 2023, was shared on X (formerly known as Twitter), depicting the presence of a Straw Hats pirate flag from the renowned anime, One Piece. Those who saw the video on the platform had varying reactions, with some expressing support for the flag while others found it disrespectful. Interestingly, certain individuals pointed out that One Piece is actually quite popular in Palestine.
During times of distress, such as the ongoing events in Palestine and Israel, there are occasions when humor can serve as a necessary respite. However, it appears that holding up a One Piece flag at a Palestine rally was not deemed appropriate by some users on Twitter, as they too voiced their agreement.
The inclusion of offensive takes, fanart, and edits by some individuals was notable, as they capitalized on the opportunity.
Please note: This article discusses the responses to ongoing events in the Middle East and may contain references to antisemitism and Islamophobia. Viewer discretion is advised. The opinions expressed solely reflect those of the Twitter users who have posted them.
One Piece Straw Hat flag appears at Palestine Rally, sparks chaos on Twitter
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The One Piece flag, belonging to the Straw Hat crew, represents the protagonists' fight for freedom from the World Government and oppressive pirate emperors like Kaidou and Big Mom. In Palestine, One Piece is prevalent, appearing in food trucks, a dedicated restaurant, and murals on walls. This unexpected presence aligns with the story's themes and resonates with some individuals.
A series of tweets highlighting the importance of One Piece's storyline (Image via Twitter)
We won't be sharing more extreme versions of this sentiment, such as the second tweet that draws parallels between Israel and the World Government, as they contain offensive antisemitic stereotypes. However, there are a few more tweets that humorously acknowledge the flag bearer in question.
Some argue that Luffy's stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict goes beyond mere support for Palestine; they believe he would even resort to destroying an Israeli flag. On the other hand, there are those who firmly believe that Luffy would never condone terrorism and label those making such claims as hypocrites. It is essential to acknowledge differing viewpoints without promoting them.
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Screenshot of Luffy with Free Palestine flag (Image via Twitter/JustSomeStuff14)
Nuance is often overlooked on social media, and this situation is no different. Among the numerous tweets that suggest Luffy would support the Palestinian people and condemn the violence committed by groups such as Hamas, the Israeli government, and its military, there are also tweets that simplify the conflict between Israel and Palestine by comparing them to the villains and heroes from the anime series One Piece.
Two specific tweets go as far as comparing oppressive characters like Kaidou and Orochi to the United States and Israel. Meanwhile, others portray Hamas as Orochi or the World Government as the United Nations. This kind of comparison is entirely inappropriate, and it has been called out by other users on Twitter.
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Amusingly, a Twitter user hilariously commented on Zoro's frequent mishaps of getting lost by suggesting that he must have unintentionally stumbled upon the aforementioned situation. It is no secret that Roronoa Zoro, a character from the popular series One Piece, is notorious for his comically terrible sense of direction.
The main idea is that while it may be well-intentioned, there are appropriate and inappropriate times to bring humor or distractions after a traumatic event. Making people laugh or smile can be beneficial at times, even with something as simple as a pirate flag from a popular anime. However, there are instances where it is not appropriate and does not contribute to the situation. Discovering anime-related items in unexpected contexts can be amusing, like seeing Gojo in a science exam, but serious political issues should be treated with the seriousness they deserve. The fact that social media amplifies these matters only exacerbates the situation.
Unfolding tragedies should not be treated as spectator sports. It is important for Twitter and the wider fandom community to approach these events with the utmost consideration and seriousness they deserve, rather than as an opportunity for fan conflicts.
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One PieceManga - Anime One Piece is an incredible adventure-filled series that has captivated its fans for over two decades. It follows the journey of Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew, the Straw Hat Pirates, as they search for the ultimate treasure, the One Piece, in order to become the King of the Pirates. With its compelling storyline, diverse and lovable characters, epic battles, and themes of friendship and determination, One Piece has created a vast and immersive world that keeps fans eagerly anticipating each new chapter or episode. It is a timeless masterpiece that continues to redefine the boundaries of the shonen genre, making it a must-watch or read for any anime or manga enthusiast. |
