What is it with Pirates?

[PBzeer]

I continue to be amazed at the affection that sailors seem to have for pirates. Unless I'm mistaken, pirates are basically people who plunder, pillage and rape (and not to mention, sell captives into slavery). Have no sense of compassion or mercy. No sense of loyalty to any one or thing but their own self-interest, and have no respect for the rights of others.

Yet, they continue to be romanticized and celebrated. Now, I've been told, I have a romantic streak a mile wide and a lifetime long, yet, I just don't get this fascination with pirates. What am I missing?

[Giulietta]

PB...look here what I think of Pirates....

[TrueBlue]

Could it be that the public is fascinated by pirates because of their opposition to order? The recent failures of American political leaders have given Americans little encouragement in it's adopted economic and political policies.

So perhaps their enduring charm remains strong since they represented a radical (and in some ways positive) alternative way of life?

[camaraderie]

I think it has something to do with the raping and pillaging...

[Zanshin]

It is the typical romanticization of or identification with the underdog. A small group vs. the big-bad-establishment.

I don't like it when people fly pirate flags. Then again, I get bugged by people wearing Che Guevera or Lenin T-Shirts; so that might not mean much.

[copacabana]

or perhaps the American hero worship of criminals. Just think of Billy the Kid, the 'Wild West' etc. I'm not sure I'd put Ché or Lenin in the same bunch ...

[blt2ski]

Then again, somewhere back in the 1700's, one of my relatives supposedly served on a pirate boat (rumour has it blackbeards)........still trying to look that one up to verify! Then again, do I really care? not really, but still fun to see whom is a relative, and whom is not!

marty

[PBzeer]

Maybe as a singlehander, who has to take responsibility for everything he does, and hold myself accountable for when I screw up, I just can't get in touch with my inner anarchist. I find nothing positive, in a way of life that practices destruction over creation, desecration instead of betterment.

[cjmcfall]

Is it illegal to fly the skull and cross bones flag on your boat?? Does anyone know for sure, I have heard many variations of the law?!

[Boasun]

Originally Posted by TrueBlue

Could it be that the public is fascinated by pirates because of their opposition to order? The recent failures of American political leaders have given Americans little encouragement in it's adopted economic and political policies.

So perhaps their enduring charm remains strong since they represented a radical (and in some ways positive) alternative way of life?

Bite your tongue.... hard!!!

I'm Retired U.S. Navy and am proud of the American system. At least we can vote in our choice of crooks and not like other countries where you have no choice of the crooks in power.