Technolandy

Day 13 (of 2024/25) #talklikeapirateday thinkings

I’m going to be the party pooper. Arrrgh (I know… I know… the screams of protest). Early in my career I enjoyed creating a pirate unit – great way to bring in communication, social studies etc. but the more I learned, the more I paused… pirates are fascinating to study, but less enjoyable to celebrate…

I’m willing to look at two sides as I balance the fun of some puns: what’s a pirates favourite letter? You probably think it’s arrrgh (r) but really it’s the sea (C); butwith the continued (pirates are not just an historical age… raping, pillaging, plundering, and killing that would happen – often with the permission/encouragement/backing of some governments against others…

Yes, talk like a pirate day was started with good intentions… and with fun being the intention… but much like ‘crazy hair day’ and ‘dress like a nerd’ the connotations are that there are peoples that can be parodied… so, a pause to consider both sides as I prepare to think about other upcoming ‘special days’ that may not be appreciated by all…

Here are three great reasons to celebrate Talk Like a Pirate Day:

1. Fun and Creativity: Embracing pirate lingo and movie inspired outfits allows for a playful escape from everyday life. It sparks creativity and adds a lighthearted twist to conversations, making interactions more enjoyable.
2. Community and Connection: Celebrating together fosters a sense of camaraderie. Whether it’s with friends, family, coworkers, or a class, sharing jokes and pirate-themed activities can strengthen bonds and create lasting memories.
3. Cultural Appreciation: Talk Like a Pirate Day is a unique way to explore maritime history and pirate lore. It can inspire interest in literature, movies, and history related to pirates, enriching cultural knowledge in a fun way.

So, grab your eye patch and practice your “Arrr!”—it’s all in good fun!

Here are three potential downsides to Talk Like a Pirate Day:

1. Annoyance Factor: Some people may find constant pirate speak grating or distracting, especially in professional settings or serious conversations. It can disrupt communication and lead to frustration. We all know there is an ongoing focus on distractions…
2. Exclusion: Not everyone may be familiar with the the pirate vernacular, which could make some feel left out or confused. There may also be some who are scared about pirates as there are still modern pirates that continue the parts of piracy we may gloss over in schools…
3. Cultural appropriation: While it’s meant to be fun, the holiday can perpetuate certain stereotypes about pirates and their lifestyles, glossing over the more complex and often darker aspects of piracy in history.

While it can be a fun day, it’s good to be mindful that there are potential pitfalls that s educators, we need to consider! Remember, not all treasure is silver and gold (but thank goodness Eiichiro Oda confirmed the OnePiece treasure will not be the friends they make along their journey. )