“Arrgh, Matey” Using Textual Analysis to evaluate the evolution of the Pirate from their original form, to their transformation into the modern day characters

Abstract

Everything that exists today is the continuing evolution of what came before it. Before written language was developed, history was oral. Passed down from generation to generation, there would be a group or a person entrusted with the history of the people. They had to remember everything so others may never forget. As time goes on, these stories become myths. Once real people turn into revered figures or simply forgotten by time. People become mytholicized, deified. They are no longer what they were, just an idea of what they were. Piracy has been turned into a multibillion dollar industry. Pirates have been far removed from what they once were. They are no longer criminals, but are safe characters for children to dress up as. In future research, it can be explored how the image of white piracy affects people of color who enjoy pirates. If Disney can open up the representation of piracy, perhaps we can see a more diverse and representative Google image search?