Tiagofer, 28

When I was younger I used to look upon the sea and ponder about all of the amazing ocean life in it. Even after learning about the age of sail, and the discoveries, to me, the sea was nothing more than a big pool filled with fish and the occasional octopus or squid. It wasn't until I saw the first (and later second and third) Pirates of the Caribbean film that my views on the endless blue started to change. Soon after my exposure to the movies, I've started looking at other content related to or involving pirates, such as books, other movies, and even history itself. After many years of reading and researching these vicious sea thieves, I began to admire them. As my political opinions also changed, I began to see pirates in a new light. Men (and sometimes women) who have revolted against their rulers and have decided to make a living by themselves. Following no masters, these brave seafarers went against the law in an effort to be happy. Oftentimes facing death, they still fought until they either killed or were themselves killed.
Now, don't get me wrong, I am not saying I am a pirate or that I shall turn to one when the time is right. There are many things pirates did I wholeheartedly disagree with. But if we lived in older times, when the oppression of a government was more palpable than it is today, if such an opportunity ever arose, I would take it in a heartbeat. Both as a means of rebellion against oppressors and as a limited, unique experience of what it's like to have pure freedom. Would the conditions be horrid? Of course. Would the food be awful? Of course! Would I be afraid of death? I can guarantee you. But, to quote Roberts: "In an honest service there is thin commons, low wages, and hard labor; in this, plenty and satiety, pleasure and ease, liberty and power; and who would not balance creditor on this side, when all the hazard that is run for it, at worst, is only a sour look or two at choking. No, a merry life and a short one shall be my motto."