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Pirates versus Ninjas

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This article is about the Internet meme. For the video game, see Pirates vs. Ninjas Dodgeball.
A pirate (left) and a ninja (right)

Pirates vs. Ninjas is a comedic Internet[1] and gaming[2][3] meme regarding a theoretical conflict between archetypal Western pirates and Japanese ninjas, generally including arbitrary "debate" over which side would win in a fight. The meme is sometimes referred to as PvN and has a long history on the Internet.[4] Humorist Jake Kalish writes (in the pro-ninja column) that the reason for the popularity of the meme is that "pirates and ninjas are both cool, but kind of opposite, see, because one is loud and the other ... never mind."[5] Several competitive web sites and games based upon the ninjas vs. pirates theme appeared later, including Pirates vs. Ninjas Dodgeball.[6]

Ninja supporters hold the position that a ninja would win over a pirate because of their superior mental and physical capabilities, as well as usage of gadgets such as nunchaku and shuriken. Those who support pirates argue that a pirate's use of both sword and gun would ensure their victory in battle.[7]
The debate has accumulated a wide following in cyberculture. A wide array of YouTube videos, websites, and online debate forums can be linked to the pirate vs. ninja conflict.

Perhaps coincidentally, around the time this meme was being circulated[when?], the ninja manga/anime Naruto and the pirate manga/anime One Piece grew in popularity.[citation needed]

References

  1. ^ [1] Pirate-vs.-ninja debate rages March 31, 2007. Brian D. Crecente, Rocky Mountain News
  2. ^ [2] Indianapolis Monthly Aug 2006 p.252
  3. ^ Charleston's CharCon attracts hundreds of gamers Chip Ellis. Possibly originated from the Facebook game "Pirates vs. Ninjas". October 24, 2009. Charleston Gazette.
  4. ^ Pirates vs. Ninjas: Which Side Are You On? by Andrea Seabrook July 7, 2006 National Public Radio.
  5. ^ Santa Vs. Satan: The Official Compendium of Imaginary Fights By Jake Kalish p. 183
  6. ^ Pirates vs. Ninjas Dodgeball heads to Wii Lydia Sung - Thursday, August 28th, 2008 Neoseeker.com
  7. ^ Curtis Silver, "Great Geek Debates: Pirates vs Ninja (GeekDad Wayback Machine)", "Wired.com", September 19, 2011

Further reading

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