Sure, the series is filled with epic battles, epic friendships, and epic mustaches, but one aspect that truly shines is the fantastic depiction of propaganda.
Let’s start by discussing the peculiar dynamic between fear and hatred in the One Piece universe.
You see, everyone trembles at the mere mention of the World Nobles, those privileged and powerful individuals who can make your life a living hell with a snap of their fingers. Yet, despite the fear they instill, they don’t bear the same level of hate that pirates do. It’s as if they have an aura of untouchability that defies logic.
Take White Beard, for example. He might look like a jolly old fellow who bakes cookies on the weekends, but he’s widely hated and feared, all thanks to a bit of creative editing in the news ( i see you Morgans ). It’s like they took his heroic deeds and replaced them with “villainy,” turning him into a larger-than-life monster. Poor White Beard can’t catch a break, can he?
Now, let’s talk about the most wanted pirate of them all, Gol D. Roger.
He was probably more like Luffy than we’d think. Still, the world despised him so much that when it was revealed Ace was his son, random citizens cried for Ace’s head. Imagine being hated just for sharing blood with someone!
The real kicker here is that the common folk probably see Luffy in the same light as Roger. It’s a case of history repeating itself, but Luffy is too busy chasing his dreams to notice.
And then there are the World Nobles – the ultimate oppressors of the One Piece world. They casually commit genocide, enslave people, and are tyrants through and through, yet they’re feared, not hated. It’s like they have a charm spell that protects them from the universal “boos” they rightfully deserve.
Why, you ask? Well, it all comes down to the magic of media.
99.9999% of the world’s population has never met the individuals they loathe with a passion. The power of the media’s manipulation is astounding, and Eiichiro Oda, the brilliant creator of One Piece, beautifully portrays this in his pirate comic. Bravo, Oda!
One of the shining examples of this propaganda control is none other than Fujitora, a character who deserves a round of applause.
When Doflamingo bit the dust, Fujitora instantly called for a broadcast to the nearest islands. His quick thinking left no room for the marines or the World Government to sweep things under the rug. Fujitora laid out the unfiltered truth for all to see.
What makes Fujitora even more outstanding is his inner struggle.
He originally blinded himself due to the overwhelming evil he witnessed. Imagine witnessing so much darkness in the world that you’d rather go blind! And what’s he yearning for now? Just to catch a glimpse of Luffy’s face. That’s some top-tier character depth right there!
Fujitora is on a mission to dismantle the oppressive system from within, and you can’t help but cheer him on. He’s a character who’s so dedicated to justice that he had to be stopped from raining meteors down on the World Nobles. Now that’s commitment!
So, there you have it, the power of propaganda in the world of One Piece.
It’s a testament to Eiichiro Oda’s storytelling genius that he can weave these intricate layers of manipulation and truth into his hilarious pirate adventure. It’s a world where pirates, propaganda, and a pinch of justice blend into one grand tale of epic proportions.