Mention the word "Pirate" and we are all likely to produce similar mental images. We think of the Jolly Roger, menacing ships, swords and skull caps. We are also likely to think of pirates like Blackbeard, Captain Jack Sparrow and Captain Hook.
Although their contemporary counterparts are looked upon with disdain, Americans hold our pirate history, factual and fictitious close to our hearts. We take our children to see pirate movies, buy them pirate swords and pistols and we read them bedtime stories about pirates, both good and bad.
Some of us adorn ourselves with pirate images. Pirate tattoos are common on adults at all levels socioeconomic status. Harley Davidson and other motorcycle riders frequently dress themselves in garments carrying images of the Jolly Roger. A new television show on Animal Planet follows the journey of an anti-whaling vessel that flies the Jolly Roger flag on its mast.
The images are plentiful and common.
What is it about the American psyche that attracts us to Pirates? As part of a project I am working on, I am collecting your thoughts about Pirates in the American culture. What affectionate images of pirates or piracy do you hold? What part of the pirate culture is attractive to Americans and Why?
Your comments are greatly appreciated. If you use your name (real of fictitious), you will be cited in any future writings or productions unless you request otherwise. If you prefer not to be cited, please sign the comment, "Anonymous". You can also email your comments to me directly.
(Brandon Johnston is a Life and Transition Coach assisting people balance their lives in ways they never dreamed were possible. Brandon can be reached by email at brandon@coachbrandon.net, or by phone at 612.326.4717. The first session is always free.)
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Hello Brandon,
ReplyDeleteI think that pirates peak our lust for adventure. They are a bit anti-establishment as a bunch, which a lot of us wish we could be. We rarely think of pirates as being ruthless, cut-throat murderers and plunderers, rather the Jack Sparrow sort who is lovable in his own quirky way. There is a similarity to Robin Hood when we think of pirates..... living the life they choose, answering to no one, stealing only from the rich, helping the under-privileged, drawn to wherever the spirit moves them with no time tables or deadlines.
Where do I sign up for Pirate School?
-Trish