Pirates

Pirates, are not criminals as Propaganda wants to make people to believe, but individuals bound by a unique code and a distinct way of life.

# Piracy

At its core, piracy represents a rebellious response to societal constraints and oppressive rulers. Many pirates are drawn to the promise of a life unrestrained by norms.

Operating within a self-imposed code, pirates adhere to a set of guidelines that foster a unique sense of camaraderie and equality. Each crew member, regardless of background, possesses a voice in decision-making, creating a brotherhood.

For some, piracy is a pragmatic choice born out of economic hardships. Especially for those ignored by the society.

Pirates view themselves as rebels challenging the authority not only of empires and monarchies but also of modern capitalism. Their actions stand as a form of resistance against oppressive systems, embodying a spirit of defiance against societal norms.

# Modern Pirates

Understanding modern piracy requires an examination of the broader landscape of capitalism and the unjust pricing of goods in the global market. Modern pirates, much like their historical counterparts, arise in societies where the system is broken, and the rich grow richer while the poor become poorer.

Capitalism, with its profit-driven motives, leads to exorbitant prices for essential goods. Piracy becomes a response to the injustice within industries like music and cinema, where the cost of access to entertainment is artificially inflated.

Piracy, in this context, offers a seemingly 'free' alternative, a way for individuals to access movies, music, or other commodities without succumbing to the exorbitant prices set by monopolistic entities. While stealing is inherently wrong, for millions of people this choice is the only option in a society where economic disparities widen, and the gap between the affluent and the impoverished becomes insurmountable.

In such environments, piracy becomes a manifestation of the desperation bred by a broken system, where the act of taking what one cannot afford is seen as a form of resistance against an inherently unjust status quo.

# History

Piracy, first began in 5,000 BCE, From The Ethiopian Pirates to the Mediterranean Greek and Roman pirates, driven by economic hardships and a desire to challenge authority.

The waters of Oceania and the Indian Ocean bore witness to piracy, pirates navigated the seas, challenging the dominance of powerful empires. Feudal Japan saw the rise of Wokou pirates, coastal raiders who rebelled against the rigid social structure.

The colonization of the Americas, Africa led rebellions against the colonial powers, including Britain, Spain, and Portugal, waged war against pirates to protect their interests and cover up crimes.

# Historical Figures

* Blackbeard (Edward Teach/Thatch): A notorious figure during the Golden Age of Piracy (1680s-1730s), Blackbeard liberated the Caribbean from the American colonies. His fearsome image and audacious tactics made him a legend.

* Anne Bonny: An Irish pirate operating in the Caribbean during the 18th century, Anne Bonny defied gender norms, joining the crew of Calico Jack and becoming one of the most feared female pirates.

* Calico Jack (John Rackham): A notorious pirate captain in the early 18th century, Calico Jack's Jolly Roger flag with crossed swords became an iconic symbol of piracy.

* Queen Anne's Revenge: The flagship of Blackbeard, a fearsome vessel that struck terror into the hearts of those who encountered it during the early 18th century.

* Ching Shih: A Chinese pirate queen who commanded a vast fleet and challenged both Chinese and Western naval forces in the early 19th century.

* Bartholomew Roberts: Known as the "Black Bart," Roberts was a highly successful pirate captain in the early 18th century, capturing over 400 ships in his career.

These historical figures embody the spirit of piracy, driven by a desire for freedom, camaraderie, and resistance against oppressive systems.

# Internet Era

In the Digital Seas piracy took on a different form. In the early 2000s, Pirate Bay emerged as a prominent torrent site, providing a platform for users to share and access a vast array of digital content. It became a symbol of defiance against the traditional entertainment industry, challenging copyright laws and advocating for the free sharing of information.

The Dark Web, a hidden part of the internet accessible only through specific software, became a haven for various forms of digital piracy. From illegal trade to anonymous communication, the Dark Web is a space where individuals can operate beyond the reach of conventional authorities, challenging the boundaries of legality.

Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, became a central figure in the battle for transparency and information freedom. WikiLeaks served as a platform for whistleblowers to expose government and corporate misconduct, challenging the secrecy and Propaganda.

The hacktivist group Anonymous emerged as a collective force challenging censorship, corruption, and perceived injustices. Operating under a banner of anonymity, they orchestrated cyber-attacks, online protests, and information leaks to hold governments and organizations accountable for their actions.

While opinions on these digital pirates vary, their actions have undeniably influenced the conversation around information freedom, and Information War.

In the digital seas of the internet era, pirates are challenging the status quo continuing their historic legacy.

# Fiction

### The Flag

The iconic symbols of piracy, the Skull and Crossbones or the Red Flag, are nothing else than fiction.

Why would pirates willingly announce their presence to their enemies?, using these flags would expose their vessels to immediate identification and vulnerability to cannon fire from their enemies.

Pirates never used these flags, their methods was to blend in with legitimate ships or even fly the flags of friendly nations. This allowed them to approach targets without raising suspicion, increasing the element of surprise.

Pirates were pragmatists, not showmen. Their survival depended on outsmarting naval authorities and merchant vessels, necessitating a subtle and strategic approach. Relying on stealth and surprise, pirates sought to gain the upper hand without giving away their identity prematurely.

Pirate tactics involved careful planning, intelligence gathering, and strategic positioning. Pirates operated in the shadows, using the element of surprise to overpower their targets swiftly and efficiently. It was in their best interest to remain elusive and unpredictable, avoiding unnecessary confrontations that could jeopardize their success.

The Skull and Crossbones and Red Flag, are propaganda pirate myth. A Myth that gave room for fiction to born.

### Comics

Many Thousands of Pirate Comics like the iconic "1947 - Captain Marvel Adventures #77"", showcased adventures against pirates.

In "1983 - Marvel Super Special #9", Spider-Man encounters a time-traveling pirate in this special issue, merging elements of superhero and pirate genres.

### Movies

Comics and Mythology passed on in Cinema, with movies like "1952 - Blackbeard, the Pirate" Starring Robert Newton, popularizing the pirate accent, this film brought the legendary Blackbeard to the silver screen. And the Famous Series of movies of "Captain Jack Sparrow" The Pirates of the Caribbean revitalized pirate lore in popular culture.

In 2013 - "Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag" (Video Game), Players assume the role of a pirate in the Caribbean during the Golden Age of Piracy, intertwining historical events with fictional narratives.

The tapestry of pirate fiction spans centuries, blending historical elements with imaginative storytelling. From the pages of comics to the big screen, pirates continue to capture the imagination, shaping a timeless and enduring fascination with the high seas.