Pirates

It’s interesting to see how pirates have become thought of like cowboys and knights — “good guys.” There are lots of pirate toys nowadays for kids; there are books, cartoons, and kids’ TV shows showcasing pirates as happy, fun, and lovable characters. When, exactly, did pirates become this acceptable image and model for kids?

Although most modern toy and media images of pirates play on the 18th Century models, pirates still exist today. And they are today just like they were 300+ years ago: murderers and thieves. Pirates then and now, overtake ships on the ocean, steal everything of value, and often brutalize, enslave, or kill civilian crews and passengers. The name “pirate” has never meant anything but criminal, thief, and murderer on the sea.

Pirates are no different than hijackers of airplanes, carjackers of automobiles, lawless raiders, thieves, and killers. Yet, pirate images today are kid friendly? You don’t see drug dealer games, slaver dolls, and machete killer videos in children’s stores.

How and when did pirates loose their bad image? This truly amazes me. What PR firm is responsible for their image turn around?

Bullgrit
bullgrit@totalbullgrit.com