Pirates vs. Ninja is a comedic Internet and gaming meme regarding a theoretical conflict between archetypal Western pirates and Japanese ninjas, generally including arbitrary "debate" over which side would win in a fight. The meme is sometimes referred to as PvN and has a long history on the Internet. Humorist Jake Kalish writes (in the pro-ninja column) that the reason for the popularity of the meme is that "pirates and ninjas are both cool, but kind of opposite, see, because one is loud and the other ... never mind." Several competitive web sites and games based upon the ninjas vs. pirates theme appeared later, including Pirates vs. Ninjas Dodgeball.
Ninja supporters hold the position that a ninja would win over a pirate because of their superior mental and physical capabilities, as well as usage of belical gadgets such as nunchucks and shurikens. Those who support pirates argue that a pirate's use of both sword and gun would ensure their victory in battle. A real-life confrontation of European pirates with ninjas has never been recorded in history, and there is little evidence to suggest that pirates and ninja ever had hostilities. The debate has accumulated a wide following in cyberculture nonetheless (or perhaps because of this). A wide array of YouTube videos, websites, and online debate forums can be linked to the pirate vs. ninja conflict.
Famous quotes containing the word pirates:
“Well, you Yankees and your holy principle about savin’ the Union. You’re plunderin’ pirates that’s what. Well, you think there’s no Confederate army where you’re goin’. You think our boys are asleep down here. Well, they’ll catch up to you and they’ll cut you to pieces you, you nameless, fatherless scum. I wish I could be there to see it.”
—John Lee Mahin (1902–1984)