From Screen to Street: An Analysis of the Transformation of Pop Culture Symbols into Weapons of Political Resistance

In the contemporary socio-political landscape, a compelling global phenomenon has emerged: artifacts from popular culture—an industry often associated with entertainment and escapism—are being unexpectedly seized and repurposed into potent symbols of real-world political resistance. This report will dissect the core paradox of this phenomenon: how products of mass consumerism can become tools to critique the very power structures that capitalism itself often sustains. From the hoisting of the Jolly Roger flag from the anime series

One Piece in Indonesia as a form of social protest , to the three-finger salute from

The Hunger Games becoming a pro-democracy emblem in Thailand and Myanmar , and the Guy Fawkes mask from

V for Vendetta becoming the face of the Occupy movement worldwide , this pattern reveals a significant shift in how societies articulate dissent.

This report argues that the effectiveness of these pop culture symbols in modern protest is not coincidental but lies in their unique ability to provide three crucial elements for social movements in the digital age: (1) a pre-packaged narrative of resistance, (2) an instant collective identity that transcends demographic boundaries, and (3) a highly viral and censorship-resistant visual language.

An interesting dynamic underpinning this phenomenon is the relationship between escapism and activism. Popular culture is often seen as a form of escape from a harsh and complex reality. However, it is precisely within the “safe” space of fiction that audiences build their moral and emotional frameworks—their understanding of justice, oppression, freedom, and solidarity. Individuals consume works like One Piece or The Hunger Games as entertainment, where they are exposed to clear narratives of the struggle between good and evil. This repeated exposure subconsciously shapes a moral frame of reference. When real-world socio-political conditions, such as perceived corruption or oppressive policies, begin to mirror elements of these fictional narratives, society no longer views them as abstract problems. Instead, they map their political frustrations onto a narrative framework they already understand and are emotionally invested in. Thus, the act of “escaping” into fiction paradoxically equips them with the symbolic and emotional tools to confront and challenge reality. Escapism, in this context, becomes an incubation chamber for activism.

Chapter 1: Anatomy of a Protest Symbol—Why is Pop Culture So Effective?

1.1. A Universal Language in a Fragmented Era

In a world increasingly polarized by politics and ideology, popular culture offers a lingua franca—a common language understood across various divides. Symbols like Luffy’s Jolly Roger or the V mask from V for Vendetta are instantly recognizable to millions of people worldwide, transcending national borders, languages, and even political affiliations. This capability is crucial in an era where formal political communication channels often fail to bridge differences or even deepen divisions. Pop culture observer Hikmat Darmawan notes that “popular symbols are used so that the message reaches a wider audience,” highlighting the strategic function of using these icons. For a generation raised in the digital age, popular culture has become an integral part of how they think, communicate, and understand the world around them. Therefore, using symbols from this realm is not merely an aesthetic choice but a pragmatic step to ensure the message of resistance is received and understood by the broadest possible audience.

1.2. Pre-packaged Narratives and Emotional Resonance

These symbols do not exist in a vacuum; they come with rich and powerful “pre-packaged narratives” of struggle, sacrifice, and ultimate victory against injustice. Protesters do not need to build a narrative of resistance from scratch, a task that requires significant time and resources. Instead, they can “borrow” the moral legitimacy and emotional appeal already attached to characters like Katniss Everdeen from

The Hunger Games or Monkey D. Luffy from One Piece. For example, the story of

One Piece, which centers on resistance against the “World Government”—a global entity depicted as corrupt, manipulative, and fond of distorting history—provides a powerful mirror for the socio-political realities perceived by many of its fans worldwide. Similarly, the narrative of rebellion against the tyrannical Capitol in

The Hunger Games resonates deeply with pro-democracy activists in Thailand who feel oppressed by a military regime. By adopting these symbols, protesters effectively import the entire emotional and moral framework of the original story into their movement.

1.3. The Symbolic Economy in the Digital Age

The effectiveness of pop culture symbols is also deeply tied to their suitability for the modern social media ecosystem. These symbols are inherently visual, easily reproducible, and highly shareable, making them invaluable assets in the digital attention economy. An image of a Guy Fawkes mask, a watermelon emoji, or a Jolly Roger flag can spread across the globe in hours via platforms like X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram. This allows for rapid mass mobilization and message dissemination at a very low cost, a highly efficient form of digital activism. The phenomenon of flying the

One Piece flag in Indonesia, for instance, spread organically and massively thanks to social media uploads without being driven by any organized political group. The use of the watermelon emoji by supporters of Palestine is the clearest example of this symbolic economy; it was widely adopted to circumvent algorithmic censorship and

shadowbanning targeting pro-Palestinian content, demonstrating how symbols can function as technological as well as political tools of resistance.

1.4. Counter-Power and Symbolic Resistance

From the perspective of French philosopher Michel Foucault, this phenomenon can be analyzed as a form of “counter-power”. The state and other dominant institutions exercise power through “discourse”—narratives, knowledge, and symbols that shape how we think and understand reality. Narratives of national unity, stability, or public order are examples of this dominant discourse. However, Foucault argued that where there is power, there is resistance. When Gen Z in Indonesia hoists the

One Piece flag, they are effectively interrupting the dominant discourse with a “counter-discourse” drawn from popular culture. This is a form of resistance that is not always physical or confrontational, but symbolic. They transform the meaning of an entertainment object into a tool of social critique, a powerful form of cultural resistance.

Furthermore, pop culture symbols function like an ideological “Trojan Horse.” Initially, a symbol like a costume from The Handmaid’s Tale or a mask from V for Vendetta is consumed as part of a seemingly harmless and apolitical entertainment product. This “entertainment” status allows the symbol to spread widely and infiltrate the collective consciousness without arousing suspicion from authorities. However, when a relevant political crisis emerges—for example, the passage of laws restricting reproductive rights—activists can “activate” the resistive meaning embedded within the symbol. To the public and the media, the message “we are heading towards Gilead” or “the government is becoming fascist” is conveyed visually and powerfully without needing lengthy explanations. Any attempt by authorities to suppress or ban the symbol backfires, as such actions make them look exactly like the tyrannical regimes in the original stories, thereby further legitimizing the protest.

Chapter 2: In-Depth Case Study—The ‘One Piece’ Jolly Roger Flag in Indonesia

2.1. Context: The Cry of a Generation That Feels Unfree

The phenomenon of hoisting the Jolly Roger flag from the anime One Piece in various regions of Indonesia ahead of the 80th anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia is not just a fleeting trend or a youthful whim. This movement is rooted in a deep and widespread collective disappointment with the country’s socio-political conditions. It is the culmination of accumulated frustration over various issues, from severe distrust in state institutions like the Parliament (DPR) and political parties, to a suffocating sense of economic injustice. Survey data from Indikator Politik Indonesia (2024) shows that public trust in the DPR and political parties is below 50%, while over 68% of the public feels the state is not sufficiently present in ensuring economic justice.

A statement from a resident of Depok, “Have we ever really been free, though?” , captures the core sentiment behind this movement. For many, especially the younger generation, independence celebrations feel hollow when they still feel “colonized” by injustice, rampant corruption, and policies perceived to benefit a select few elites rather than the general populace. The movement emerged organically, without a central command, and spread rapidly through social media, indicating it is an authentic expression of public unrest. It is the “silent scream of a society that feels its life is being ignored by a state that should be present as a protector and servant of the people”.

2.2. Deconstructing the Symbol: Freedom, Solidarity, and Resistance against the ‘World Government’

The choice of the Straw Hat crew’s flag as a medium of protest is no coincidence. For millions of its fans, this symbol is laden with layered meanings highly relevant to their situation. A deconstruction of the symbol’s meaning within the One Piece narrative reveals three main pillars that resonate strongly with protesters in Indonesia:

1. Unbounded Freedom: The main character, Monkey D. Luffy, is the embodiment of the spirit of absolute freedom. He refuses to bow to any form of oppressive authority and lives by the principles of courage and self-determination. For a public feeling constrained by unfair rules and corrupt bureaucracy, Luffy’s spirit becomes an aspiration.
2. Resistance Against Systemic Injustice: The primary antagonist in the One Piece story is not just another evil pirate, but the “World Government.” This entity is depicted as a global regime that on the surface appears to maintain order, but behind the scenes is deeply corrupt, manipulative, fond of hiding a dark history (the Void Century), and oppressive to anyone who opposes its power. This analogy is powerful and easily mapped by fans onto the political reality they perceive, where the government and its apparatus are sometimes seen as acting arbitrarily.
3. Solidarity and Friendship: The Straw Hat crew is a family formed from individuals with very diverse backgrounds—a swordsman, a navigator, a cook, a doctor, an archaeologist, and more. They are united not by ethnicity or race, but by shared dreams and values. This becomes a powerful metaphor for the hope of a grassroots unity, a solidarity that transcends differences to achieve a common goal: a better and more just life.

Thus, hoisting this flag is an act of resistance via culture, where values from a fictional world are used to critique and challenge the real world.

2.3. The War of Narratives: Sedition vs. Constructive Criticism

The appearance of the One Piece flag in the public sphere triggered a sharp war of narratives between the state and civil society. These two conflicting interpretations reveal a deep chasm of understanding regarding the phenomenon.

• The State Narrative (Repressive): From the side of the government and some political elites, the phenomenon was framed as a serious threat. Using Law No. 24 of 2009 concerning the Flag, Language, and State Symbol as a legal basis, some officials considered flying any flag other than the national Red and White to be a violation. This narrative was quickly escalated into more severe accusations. The Speaker of the House called it an attempt to divide the nation , while a member of parliament from the Golkar Faction, Firman Soebagyo, explicitly labeled it a “form of sedition” that must be dealt with firmly. This response was repressive, focusing on law enforcement and the threat of criminal sanctions, and viewing the symbol as a provocation that harms the dignity of the state.
• The Civil Society Narrative (Interpretive): On the other hand, sociologists, communication experts, activists, and a large portion of the public saw it differently. Airlangga University sociologist Bagong Suyanto asserted that the government should not be reactive and should respond to this protest empathetically, as it is a form of criticism that needs to be heard. Communication experts called it a legitimate symbol of resistance and political critique. The Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) even asked the government “not to be dramatic” and questioned why the state was so panicked over an anime flag. For them, it was a creative symbolic expression of public disappointment, feedback that should be answered with introspection and dialogue, not with criminal threats. International media attention also tended to align with this view, seeing it as a reflection of pop culture’s power in shaping modern political narratives.

This crisis is fundamentally not just about protest, but signifies a deeper crisis of representation. When national symbols, like the Red and White flag, are no longer felt to fully represent the aspirations and suffering of the people due to the actions of the elite, the public performs a “transfer of trust.” They shift their symbolic loyalty to fictional icons they deem more authentic and consistent in upholding the values of justice and freedom. Real political figures come and go with promises often unkept, but a character like Luffy is consistently portrayed as someone who cannot be bought by power. The hoisting of the

One Piece flag is a visual manifestation of this transfer of trust. It is a symbolic statement that reads: “The values represented by this fictional flag feel more real and relevant to us right now than the values that our national flag is supposed to represent.” This marks a shift in loyalty from the absolute state symbol to the values it contains, regardless of where that symbol originates.

Chapter 3: Global Echoes—International Case Studies

The use of pop culture symbols for protest is not unique to Indonesia. It is part of a larger global trend where people in different parts of the world use the same visual language to voice different struggles.

3.1. The Guy Fawkes Mask: The Anonymous Face of 21st-Century Rebellion

The Guy Fawkes mask is one of the most iconic examples of this transformation. Its origins trace back to Guy Fawkes, a conspirator in the 1605 Gunpowder Plot in England. However, its now widely recognized form was designed by illustrator David Lloyd for the graphic novel V for Vendetta in the 1980s. In the story, the mask is worn by V, an anarchist fighting against a fascist regime in a dystopian UK.

Its mass adoption began after the release of its film adaptation in 2005. The hacktivist group Anonymous was the first to popularize it globally during their protests against the Church of Scientology in 2008. Since then, the mask has become a global symbol of rebellion, especially during the Occupy Wall Street movement in 2011. Its function is twofold and highly strategic. First, it provides practical

anonymity, protecting protesters’ identities from state and corporate surveillance. Second, it provides a strong and uniform

collective identity for a movement that is decentralized and lacks formal leaders. When thousands of people wear the same mask, they are no longer isolated individuals but a formidable, faceless collective force, just as depicted in the film.

3.2. The Three-Finger Salute: Dystopian Solidarity in Southeast Asia

The three-finger salute is an extraordinary example of how a fictional gesture can cross national borders and become a regional pro-democracy symbol. Originating from The Hunger Games novel and film series, the gesture was initially used by characters as a sign of respect, thanks, and silent solidarity in the face of oppression by the totalitarian Capitol regime.

Its real-world use first exploded in Thailand after the military coup in May 2014. Young activists adopted it as a way to visually and peacefully oppose the military junta. The symbol’s meaning was later expanded by Thai protesters to represent the ideals of the French Revolution:

liberté, égalité, fraternité (liberty, equality, fraternity). From Thailand, the symbol spread to Myanmar, where it was widely adopted by demonstrators opposing the military coup in February 2021. The ease of replicating this gesture—requiring no cost or props—makes it a highly accessible and effective tool of resistance, turning the human body itself into a protest placard.

3.3. The Handmaid’s Tale Red Robes: The Silent Visualization of Patriarchal Oppression

The costume from Margaret Atwood’s dystopian novel, The Handmaid’s Tale, presents a unique case study of symbolic inversion. In the novel and its TV series adaptation, the red robes and white bonnets are the uniforms forced upon the handmaids, symbolizing total oppression, loss of identity, and state control over women’s bodies. However, feminist activists around the world cleverly flipped this meaning.

By wearing the costume in protests, they transformed a symbol of oppression into a powerful symbol of resistance. Its effectiveness lies in its dramatic visual impact—lines of red-robed women contrasting with the gray, monotonous backdrops of government buildings—and its ability to convey a complex message silently. These protests are often conducted in silence, making it difficult for authorities to disperse them on grounds of “disturbing public order”. From protests against abortion laws in the United States and Ireland to women’s rights demonstrations in Argentina, the handmaid costume has become a powerful way to visualize the real threat of patriarchal policies and the state’s claim over female bodily autonomy.

3.4. The Watermelon Symbol: Creative Resistance Against Censorship

Unlike the previous examples derived from fiction, the watermelon symbol for Palestinian resistance was born out of practical necessity and natural reality. Its use began after the 1967 Six-Day War, when Israel banned the flying of the Palestinian flag in the occupied territories. Palestinian activists and artists realized that a slice of watermelon naturally contains the same colors as their flag: red (the fruit’s flesh), green (the rind), white (the inner rind), and black (the seeds).

The watermelon became a clever way to display national identity without technically breaking the law. In the digital age, the symbol’s function evolved. As social media platforms began to censor or shadowban content supporting Palestine, users worldwide adopted the watermelon emoji (🍉) and images of watermelons to voice their support. This is a brilliant example of “aesthetic deflection”—using a seemingly neutral symbol to convey a powerful political message and, crucially, to bypass sophisticated algorithmic filters. The watermelon shows how symbolic resistance can adapt from the physical to the digital realm to overcome new forms of control.

Chapter 4: Synthesis and Implications—Designing the Narrative for an Infographic

4.1. The Formula for Symbol Transformation: From Fiction to Fact

The analysis of the various case studies above reveals a pattern or formula that can be summarized in a five-stage transformation. This model explains how a pop culture artifact can evolve from mere entertainment into a significant icon of political resistance. This framework can serve as the narrative backbone for an effective infographic.

1. Narrative Resonance: The initial stage begins when a fictional story contains universal themes such as the struggle for justice, resistance against tyranny, or the quest for freedom. These themes resonate deeply with existing dissatisfaction and frustration in the real world.
2. Pioneer Adoption: A small group or pioneering individuals first use the symbol from the fictional work in a protest action. This act is often spontaneous and serves as the initial trigger.
3. Viral Amplification: The media, both traditional and social, captures the visual uniqueness and narrative appeal of the symbol. Widespread media coverage amplifies its use, spreading it to a much larger audience and inspiring others to join in.
4. Meaning Codification: Through repeated use in various protest actions, the symbol is collectively given a specific and codified political meaning within the context of the movement. Its meaning shifts from its original fictional context to a representation of concrete political demands.
5. Authority Reaction: The state or authorities respond to the use of the symbol. Often, this response is repressive, such as bans, legal threats, or negative labeling (e.g., “sedition”). Ironically, this harsh reaction often serves to further strengthen and legitimize the symbol’s status as an authentic emblem of resistance in the public eye.

4.2. Comparative Table of Pop Culture Protest Symbols

To present this analysis in a dense and visually digestible format, a comparative table can be used. This table allows for a direct comparison between the various case studies, highlighting common patterns as well as the unique differences in the evolution and use of each symbol.

Analysis Category	Jolly Roger Flag (One Piece)	Guy Fawkes Mask (V for Vendetta)	Three-Finger Salute (The Hunger Games)	Handmaid’s Robe (The Handmaid’s Tale)
Pop Culture Origin	Japanese Anime/Manga	British-American Graphic Novel/Film	American Dystopian Novel/Film	Canadian-American Novel/TV Series
Original Meaning	Freedom, adventure, anti-corrupt authority	Anarchist rebellion against fascism	Solidarity, respect, silent rebellion	Oppression of women, state control of bodies
Adoption Trigger	Socio-political disappointment, crisis of trust	Need for anonymity, anti-system protest	Rejection of military coups	Threats to women’s reproductive rights
Meaning in Protest	Resistance to injustice & corruption, “failed state”	Anonymity, resistance to capitalism & government	Pro-democracy: Liberty, Equality, Fraternity	Resistance to patriarchy & state control of bodies
Authority Reaction	Repressive: accusations of sedition, legal threats	Repressive: bans in some countries, surveillance	Repressive: illegal, threat of arrest	Generally ignored, seen as a visual disturbance
Key Strength	Narrative resonance with youth, transfer of trust	Provides anonymity & visual collective identity	Simple gesture, easily replicated, crosses borders	Strong visual impact, silent protest, hard to disperse

4.3. Recommendations for Infographic and Conclusion

Based on the analysis presented, here are some concrete recommendations for translating this report into an engaging and informative infographic format:

• Flow Visualization: Use a flowchart or timeline to illustrate the “Formula for Symbol Transformation” in five stages. This will provide a clear narrative framework for the audience.
• Interactive Global Map: Create a world map that highlights the key locations where these symbols (One Piece Flag, Guy Fawkes Mask, Three-Finger Salute, Handmaid’s Robe, Watermelon) have been used in protests. This will visually emphasize the global reach of this phenomenon.
• Prominent Key Quotes: Display the most powerful quotes from activists, experts, or even government officials in large, visually appealing pull-quote formats. This will give a human voice to the data and analysis.
• “Word Cloud” Visual Analysis: For each symbol, create a “word cloud” that visualizes the keywords most frequently associated with it. For example, for One Piece: “justice,” “disappointed,” “free,” “corruption.” For The Handmaid’s Tale: “my body,” “rights,” “control,” “women.”

In conclusion, the shift in the use of popular culture symbols in the political arena signifies a fundamental change in the landscape of modern activism. In a world where trust in traditional institutions such as governments, parliaments, and formal media continues to decline, the battlefield for winning public hearts and minds is increasingly shifting to the cultural arena. The most resonant narratives and the most powerful symbols are no longer monopolized by the state or political parties. They can now emerge from the most unexpected sources, including the pages of a comic book or a television screen. Therefore, understanding the symbolic language of popular culture is no longer a trivial academic exercise but a strategic necessity for anyone who wants to understand—or influence—political discourse in the 21st century.