Updated October 5, 2025 at 3:00 AM MST

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — Gen Z-led protests are making waves from Africa to Asia, and while the issues spurring them are different, the symbol they're using is the same: a grinning skull and crossbones wearing a straw hat.

It was there when young people angry with the lavish lifestyles of the elite brought down Nepal's government last month . It was visible in the Indonesian and Philippine protests this year, and again when Madagascan youth marched against chronic water and electricity shortages over the past 10 days. Right now, it's being waved at protests raging over poor healthcare in Morocco.

Why are frustrated youth taking to the streets worldwide raising this particular Jolly Roger?

The flag comes from a long-running Japanese anime a

See Full Page