Summary
- Different races in One Piece face oppression, such as slavery, due to unequal power dynamics.
- Racism is prevalent, with non-human races suffering greater persecution.
- The series explores social inequality and systemic prejudice through various distinct humanoid species.
In the world of One Piece, oppressive situations are a frequent topic. This is often analyzed by looking at power structures, where those who have more wealth, influence, or rank tend to be seen as mistreating those who have less. A significant form of oppression in this story is racism. Just like in many fictional tales, this idea is expressed through the concept of “Fantastic Racism” (or Fantasy Racism), where non-human characters experience a harsher form of discrimination under the World Government’s rule.
In the world of One Piece, these particular racial groups are overtly designated as oppressed or persecuted. This is reinforced not only through certain laws like slavery, which persists in the narrative, but also by cultural attitudes that have developed over time.
5. Buccaneers
A Hybrid Species
- Example(s): Bartholomew Kuma, Clapp
These beings known as Buccaneers are not quite giants in size, but noticeably larger than typical humans. They share a mysterious link with giants, particularly in their reverence for the Sun God, Nika. However, the specifics of this connection remain ambiguous. Labeled as crossbreeds of various races, the exact racial origins have yet to be specified. It can be challenging to tell them apart from larger humans without genetic testing. Their past is marred by a significant transgression, which led to their enslavement or demise at the hands of the World Government. There’s speculation that they or their ancestors might have been allied with Joy Boy, who was capable of transforming into Nika and battled against the founders of the government.
The race is teetering on the edge of extinction, with Bartholomew Kuma being thought of as the last of his kind. Throughout his life, he was enslaved by the World Government and was even transformed into a cyborg as part of a deal he was coerced into, allowing Vegapunk to save Kuma’s foster daughter, Bonney. Ironically, despite their oppression, they have become integral to the World Government’s military plan due to Kuma being used as the prototype for various Pacifistas, artificial clones largely controlled by the government. It was hinted that there is something unique about Kuma’s anatomy that enables him to override a pre-set shutdown mechanism, thus regaining complete control over his actions.
4. Three-Eye Tribe
Potentially Enlightened
- Example(s): Charlotte Pudding
The Three-Eyed Tribe is a new race yet to be seen in the series, who appear physically similar to regular humans, except for having an extra eye on their foreheads. So far, only one individual, Charlotte Pudding, has been identified as belonging to this species. She is the offspring of one of Big Mom’s numerous husbands, a common occurrence among her spouses, who were married solely for childbearing purposes and then discarded afterwards. Charlotte experienced bullying due to her distinctive third eye, often hiding it under her hair, even from her own mother.
The Three-Eyed Tribe, on the verge of extinction, suggests that there are more members of this species, although it’s not definitive. Some theories propose Killer from the Kid Pirates as a member due to his hidden forehead, but this is yet unproven. Three-Eyes are known for their unique ability to achieve an enlightened state through undisclosed methods, which allows them to perceive the Voice of All Things. If this is accurate, they might comprehend poneglyphs and their importance since other users have shown this capability. It’s speculated that their near-extinction could be due to their ability to understand forbidden subjects detailed in poneglyphs, as these are topics the government prohibits research on. Charlotte Pudding seems uncertain about her third eye’s awakening potential because she is only half-Three-Eyed, but the reasons behind this uncertainty are not yet clear.
3. Lunarians
A Tribe Of Gods
- Example(s): Arber “King”
The inhabitants once resided on the Red Line, a ring-shaped continent that encircles the majority of the Blue Planet. These beings resemble humans but possess unique characteristics like brown skin, white hair, and black wings. They can adapt to virtually any environment and even control fires by igniting their bodies. When not ignited, they exhibit extraordinary speed. Currently, Arber, who serves as Kaido’s right-hand and is often referred to as “King,” is the sole known individual of this species.
Although labeled as “Lunarians,” their relationship with the moon remains uncertain. However, it’s known that the tribes of Sky Islands – Jayans, Shandians, and Birkans – are all winged beings hailing from the moon. Yet, it’s unclear if Lunarians also come from there, as they differ significantly from these three groups. Lunarians are sought after by governments and race collectors like Big Mom or slave owners. The cause of their extinction is unknown, but given the Celestial Dragons moving onto their former land and talk of their persecution, it’s unlikely an accident was the reason.
Apart from their organic forms, Lunarians are also the genetic basis for the Seraphim. The Seraphim are essentially Pacifistas modeled after real people, specifically the Shichibukai, whom they were designed to supplant. Interestingly, each Seraph still seems to possess the physical characteristics of a Lunarian. Each Seraph’s Lunarian DNA stems from King, who was once a subject in Punk Hazard alongside Kaido before he became one.
2. Fish-Men And Merfolk
Aquatic Races
- Example(s) of Fish-Men: Jinbe, Arlong, and Hatchan
- Example(s) of Merfolk: Shirahoshi, Camie, and Neptune
Fish-people and Merfolk, being closely related species, often encounter similar challenges. They share considerable genetic and physical similarities, with the main distinction being that Merfolk possess fish-like features below their midsection while Fish-People usually have them higher up, above the waist. This diversity is evident in their appearances as they resemble various aquatic creatures, influencing factors such as size, coloration, and number of limbs among others. Both species are capable of breathing underwater and display unique characteristics, many of which stem from the specific fish they embody.
It’s important to understand that although multiple influences can shape their appearance, the species an individual fish assumes initially has minimal immediate genetic basis; instead, they primarily inherit dominant traits from distant forebears. For instance, Franky’s mentor Tom resembles a long-horned cowfish and is known as a Fish-Man, while his younger brother Den, who looks like a bering wolffish, is a Merman. Unfortunately, both Fish-Men and Merfolk often face persecution from humans who are eager to enslave them. Moreover, there are also internal disputes within these communities, such as the ongoing strife between the Fish-Man District and the Ryugu Kingdom, which is governed by Merfolk, on Fish-Man Island.
Despite most forms of oppression originating from humans who highly value different races as slaves, there’s a peculiar market among sea creatures. Slaves like Fish-Men and Mermen are valued equally, with each earning around 7-digit sums. Mermaids, however, hold more significant worth, fetching 8-digit funds. Older Mermaids who can walk on land, due to parted fins, command an average of 10,000,000, while younger ones sell for as much as 70,000,000.
This disparity in value has fostered resentment among Fish-Men, with groups like the Arlong Pirates and the New Fish-Man Pirates showing hostility towards humans. This animosity is a response to their own oppression. Interestingly, the New Fish-Man Pirates had no prior interaction with humans before adopting this ideology. On the other hand, Fish-Men like Jinbe aim to address their oppression without discriminating against humans.
1. Virtually Every Race
Prejudice Enshrined in Law
- Example(s): Dwarves, Minks, Longlegs, Longarms, Snakenecks and Giants
Many species are subjected to cruel treatment, often because of the prevalent practice of enslavement by the Celestial Dragons. It’s important to note that humans are among those who are enslaved, but they are the least expensive form of slavery, with a typical price of 500,000 units referred to as “belly.” Other species like Dwarves, Minks, Longarms, Longlegs, and Snakenecks have a standard price of 700,000 belly. Giants are more costly; their female counterparts fetch an average of 10,000,000 belly, while males can go for as high as 50,000,000 belly. Species that are scarce or those who possess Devil Fruit abilities are valued based on their rarity and individual desirability, often sold at market price which may vary.
Regardless of conflicts with humans, every race examined so far is believed to trace back to a common genetic ancestor. This is because many humanoid species have been found to interbreed with humans, as well as among themselves in specific instances. This suggests a deeper truth: while humans may possess greater freedom, other races are frequently enslaved or confined to their own societies, yet they all demonstrate similar levels of intelligence, feel pain, and deserve compassion.
In essence, the biased structures within the series, including the World Government that has typically overlooked the rights of non-human beings, primarily benefits a predominantly human ruling class. Characters like Monkey D. Luffy’s struggle against these systems adds weight to their portrayal as champions in this oppressive realm.
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2025-07-29 11:36