When Gen Z protestors toppled the government of Nepal in September, they did so while flying the Straw Hat Pirates' Jolly Roger from One Piece, and soon thereafter, the flag became synonymous with Gen Z protests around the world. In the months following the dismantling of Nepal’s government, the Straw Hat Pirates’ flag popped up in seven different countries, from Africa, to South America and Asia.

And now it’s come to Mexico. There’s only one problem: the people flying it don't appear to be Gen Z.

This past weekend, protestors clashed with police in Mexico City’s Constitution Plaza. Reports framed the demonstration as a Gen Z-organized movement driven by frustration over corruption and crime. However, images and videos from the scene paint a different picture.

The “One Piece” flag has been flown at every Gen-Z protest since they started happening in Jakarta in 25. Now it’s in Mexico. It comes from an anime/manga series and stands for fighting authoritarian/corrupt govts. pic.twitter.com/n83QWhwlCF

— Mr Commonsense (@fopminui) November 17, 2025

Extremely convincing Gen Z protester in Mexico. Definitely an organic youth uprising. pic.twitter.com/Gfz5aze7sW

— Ryan Grim (@ryangrim) November 16, 2025

Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, who boasts one of the highest approval ratings of any Latin American leader at 70%, isn’t buying the claims that Gen Z is this upset with her government. She claims the incident, which led to over 120 injuries, was the result of infiltration by “right-wing groups.”

If you’re going to stage a Gen Z protest, you’re going to need some actual Gen Z protestors.