Shiver me timbers...America's Beloved Villains

So in my Caribbean History class, we discussed pirates today. While it only encompasses one lecture period, it turns out it is the sole reason many people enrolled in the course. This made me wonder: What is it about pirates that makes us love them? If you look at the facts it doesn't quite add up. Do we look highly upon murderers, thieves, and social deviants? Not quite. So why is it that when you throw in a black flag, a silly hat and a dark sense of humor, we swoon? Boys want to be them, girls want to be wooed by them. It's just odd. I know I may have invested more into this thought being a history major but that just leads to another question. How is it that pirates have been so interestingly portrayed throughout history? Well I am planning on doing more research on the topic, but in the meantime, if you're interested check out this article. It's a really good overview of pirates in general and begins to answer some of my posed questions. And if anyone wants to plan a trip to the museum let me know! -A http://www.examiner.com/a-218099~Museum_explores_appeal_of_pirates_in_pop_culture.html