Custom Jolly Rogers

[Greenman]

As an amatur photoshop user, I have created a couple unique Jolly Rogers. Any other ideas out there?

[David M]

I have two opposing thoughts about flying the Jolly Roger. One is that piracy is a serious problem. People are killed by them every year. The other thought is that sure, if you think of pirates as these harmless and drunken Disney like characters then its no problem to fly that flag...its all in fun. The reality is that real pirates were never like Disney characters and real pirates really did fly that flag.

Because of my background, I am in tune with the merchant marine who are the subject of most pirate attacks and not nearly as much yachties. For me, flying that flag mocks the deaths of merchant mariners who each year die as a result of piracy. To many mariners, raising the Jolly Roger is not be a whole lot different than hoisting the Nazi flag while visiting Israel. I mean, please have a little respect for dead merchant mariners and other dead yachtsmen by not hoisting that flag. Many flags really do mean something to people.

Personally I would never fly that flag but understand if others choose to do so as an attempt at humor. I certainly respect their right to overtly display just how naive they are.

I know you were just asking about your design. Both are very creative designs and I applaud your talent. Perhaps I rambled on a bit too much?

[David_Old_Jersey]

Damian Hurst's skull (and Tracey Emin ).

[dacust]

Originally Posted by David M

I have two opposing thoughts about flying the Jolly Roger. One is that piracy is a serious problem. People are killed by them every year. The other thought is that sure, if you think of pirates as these jolly Disney like characters then its no problem to fly that flag...its all in fun.

I'm more in tune with the merchant marine who are the subject of most pirate attacks...not yachties. I think flying that flag sort of mocks the deaths of merchant mariners who have died as a result of piracy.

Personally I would never fly that flag but understand if others choose to do so as a joke of some sort.

Well phrased. Part of me thinks the symbol doesn't really stand for what it used to, so no harm. And I can definitely look at the above and see interesting art. But I won't ever fly one myself. Just doesn't feel right.

-dan

[Greenman]

Na I agree, Actual Pirates should all be strapped to an achor IMO. But, walk into any WalMart/Disney Shop etc (especially in Port Towns) and it's main stream. I think flying a Jolly Rogers now is similar to middle aged Dentists buying a Harley and Leathers.

And as you can see, my two versions arn't real scary if you know what I mean.

[Shu]

I like the designs for your "New" Jolly Roger and I'm sure there are many more to be done. I also believe in this day and age it's a matter of opinion about current use of such a flag. However to make it interesting. Here in the marina where I am there is a boat which constantly flies a Jolly Roger and they are seriously drunk often as well as being known here as the "one's to watch" because they have been caught on docks where they don't belong and are known thieves according to the local police, as well as the Harbor Patrol.
So I guess it all up to the individual user as well as the viewer.

On the other hand...
A few years back we were in a club race, we chose a better line than everyone else, and picked up about a quarter mile right off. We flew a Jolly Roger that whole race, and it was quite the site with us way in the lead, and about 5 boats chasing us along. It was all in fun.
We dress as pirates at costume parties, and have pirate movies, romantisizing pirates, in our collection. We know the difference, I am sure most people do.
I suspect most modern day pirates will not be flying the Jolly Roger.
As for respect for the past, it was a different time. My grandfather was also a merchant marine, and crewed on whaling ships as well. I do not feel that I am disrespecting him by adding a costume to my boat for play.

[Dave the Canuck]

Originally Posted by David M

I have two opposing thoughts about flying the Jolly Roger. One is that piracy is a serious problem. People are killed by them every year. The other thought is that sure, if you think of pirates as these harmless and drunken Disney like characters then its no problem to fly that flag...its all in fun. The reality is that real pirates were never like Disney characters and real pirates really did fly that flag.

Because of my background, I am in tune with the merchant marine who are the subject of most pirate attacks and not nearly as much yachties. For me, flying that flag mocks the deaths of merchant mariners who each year die as a result of piracy. To many mariners, raising the Jolly Roger is not be a whole lot different than hoisting the Nazi flag while visiting Israel. I mean, please have a little respect for dead merchant mariners and other dead yachtsmen by not hoisting that flag. Many flags really do mean something to people.

Personally I would never fly that flag but understand if others choose to do so as an attempt at humor. I certainly respect their right to overtly display just how naive they are.

I know you were just asking about your design. Both are very creative designs and I applaud your talent. Perhaps I rambled on a bit too much?

After I stopped being angry at your post, (never post angry), re political correctness gone wild, I thought further. The US Confederate flag ( as apparently does the Skull and CrossBones) brings many, deserved, unpleasant thoughts to many people so I'll slink back to my snow bank, thinking my Civil Libertarian thoughts. However, perhaps we should, following your logic, reconsider several National flags which also bring unpleasant thoughts to many people. I humbly suggest that several nations are responsible for far more deaths than pirates. I leave the naming to you. Should we also eliminate their flags?

Yes, I'm ranting. Tough.

[orion1]

We are flying one right now. Just for Holloween.

[David M]

Originally Posted by Dave the Canuck

After I stopped being angry at your post, (never post angry), re political correctness gone wild, I thought further. The US Confederate flag ( as apparently does the Skull and CrossBones) brings many, deserved, unpleasant thoughts to many people so I'll slink back to my snow bank, thinking my Civil Libertarian thoughts. However, perhaps we should, following your logic, reconsider several National flags which also bring unpleasant thoughts to many people. I humbly suggest that several nations are responsible for far more deaths than pirates. I leave the naming to you. Should we also eliminate their flags?

Yes, I'm ranting. Tough.

I also said that I respect peoples right to fly the Jolly Roger. People can fly whatever flag they wish. If someone wants to fly the Israeli flag in an Arab port or fly the Nazi flag in Israel then be my guest...it won't be me throwing rocks at their boat. I will certainly understand why it happened if someone else throws rocks...not that I agree with it.

Sometimes you need to use some common sense on which flag you choose to fly. That there might be a worse flag to fly does not justify flying a less worse flag. Two wrongs never make it right.

I think my opinion is rather libertarian. I am probably one of the least politically correct people on this planet.

Cheers!

[Dave the Canuck]

I certainly respect their right to overtly display just how naive they are.

Perhaps I'm just a little cranky tonight.

Hugs?

[David M]

Hey Dave...no problems here!

[Dave the Canuck]

Excellent! I'll be in San Fran late next year. We should hook up for a chat. I think it'd be fun.

[David M]

Yes...PM me when you get in my neck of the woods.

[Dave the Canuck]

Will do.

Sorry for the thread hi-jack, folks.