left-wing memery long predates gritty: "The Anarchist trade unions have adopted Popeye as their own pet mascot. . . . Everywhere they sell pins, scarves and statues of Popeye waving an anarchist flag of black and red. Betty Boop is also much in favor among the Anarchists, but Mickey Mouse, who is the idol of the people, is so popular that [it] is necessary that he be non-partisan." - Lois Orr, as quoted in "Spain in our Hearts"