There are people out there who do not like Pokémon and they want to spread that hate to other people. They target the people who are not yet Pokémon fans and fill their heads with nonsense that "Pokémon is the devil's game", "Pokémon is for babies", etc. Usually these people succeed in leading the person away from Pokémon and that's it. This group of people who try to get soon-to-be Pokémon fans hate Pokémon are part of a group I call the Anti-Pokémon Association (ASA.) This group has started what is identifed (by me) as the Anti-Pokémon Movement. The ASA is all over the world: in the United States, in Japan, in the UK, and more.
The Pokémon haters used many different reasons to back their claims that Pokémon is whatever they claim it to be. Some of these are:
- Religion: Pokémon haters often use religion as a reason to get kids to stop playing Pokémon. They say that Pokémon is Satanic because there are Ghost Pokémon and ghosts are the devil's henchmen. They also claim that Pokémon is blasphemous because Arceus is the god of Pokémon. Another claim is that Pokémon, and video games in general, keep children and teens away from focusing on religion and God, going to church, and thinking about the afterlife. These claims do not have enough evidence to back them up, but the religious leaders insist that Pokémon is a bad game.
- School: Pokémon haters, especially the adults, insist that Pokémon is a distraction from school and homework. They believe that Pokémon causes the student to get into trouble because he/she will get caught with his/her GameBoy, SP, or DS. This is also a baseless claim. Plenty of other video games (Gears of War, perhaps?) can cause distractions from school. Pokémon, on the other hand, uses math: whether its using a formula to figure out a Pokémon's total Experience Points or trying to get past Fantina's math problems, it forces the fan to use his/her brain. It also teaches the fan strategy. And... a former teacher created an Anti-Anti-Pokémon site: We All Live In A Pokémon World.
- Pokémon is Childish: This attack is used by almost every Pokémon hater on the planet (literally). They claim that Pokémon is childish and "for babies." They do not understand that Pokémon games contain things that are not childish, such as murdering Pokémon (poor Marowak) and blowing up a lake (Obviously Team Galactic does not care for Magikarp.) It also teaches them important life skills like making friends.
- There is no End-Product to playing Pokémon: meaning that Pokémon does get anyone anywhere. Seriously, what are you talking about? We are able to go on a quest, catching and battling Pokémon, defeating the Gym Leaders, Elite Four, and the Champion, ultimately becoming the Pokémon Champion! Now where on Earth will you find such an exciting journey? Just kidding. Pokémon allows fans to become creative, whether it is drawing a picture of their favorite Pokémon, making a Pokémon website, spriting their own fan-made Pokémon, or creating their own Pokémon game. It allows them to view the world in a different way and literally helps them think outside the box.
Now Anti-Anti-Pokémon does not go and flame Anti-Pokémon people. Then we would be the flamers and be hypocritical to what we are trying to spread. Flaming is not the solution does this problem. If someone starts to flame you because you like Pokémon, just ignore them. It does not, I repeat, does not help to flame back. It just makes the problem bigger. Discuss with them why they think Pokémon is stupid and try to explain to them why you like Pokémon. If that does not solve the problem, just walk away and ignore them if they continue to pester you. Join the Movement now.
Page Modified by Pikachu at 11:45 AM PST on 01/19/09
