• Etterra@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    33
    ·
    7 days ago

    Remember, pirates did fly red flags as well as black ones. The red ones meant you were extra fucked.

    • philthi@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      6 days ago

      What was the point of the red flags? Or… why would anyone choose to fly a red flag? I’m trying to understand why anyone would broadcast “if we come near you, you’re fucked”. It seems a bad hunting strategy.

      Also, why didn’t merchant ships fly red flags to be less bothered by pirates?

    • eddanja@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      16
      ·
      7 days ago

      I think black was like, “We just want your shit and we’ll let you live if you surrender” while red was like, “We’re gonna kill and then take your shit or take your shit and then kill you, either way you will not survive,” kinda thing.