I was looking around Bulbapedia, while playing with Ruby for move and stat info between two Pokemon that are in relation of evolution. Then I wondered off to something else and came to here: Pokemon Controversy
Few of these accusations/concerns I agree with, some I don't really understand, rest... I just wanna slap them basically for not having an open mind.
Nazi Imagery: Strongly Agree
In the Japanese version of the show, there was a scene, shown in the wiki, of team rocket doing a Nazi style salute. This was edited out for the English version, and assume other versions out side of Japan. Same thing with the game Diamond and Pearl where the Japanese sprite version of the Registeel also given a suggested Nazi style salute. The sprite for the game was edited for non-Japanese versions of the game. In the Trading Card Game, the English card, Koga's Ninja Trick, is said the symbol in the back appeared as the swastika. Since the Japanese version isn't on the site, here's a link of what it was: (Jap) Koga's Ninja Trick. You'd think the Japanese would change that symbol by now... but I guess they have their religion reasons to not change it. Just a shame the Nazi's had to ruin it though for everyone.
Can't say there is any flaws in these accusations/concerns. The next one, however... it makes me wanna run through a brick wall pretty much.
Satanism: Disagree (SERIOUSLY?!)
Let me just copy and paste from the wiki of what it says about it:
Some fundamentalist Christian groups have accused Pokémon as being linked to Satanism. The following is a summarized and possibly incomplete list of their reasons for this accusation:Here are my comments in the following order:
- Pokémon are like demons. They are captured and must be called upon to perform tasks.
- Magical talismans (supposedly a reference to Gym Badges) are needed to control them.
- Pokémon evolve. Though this transformation is more akin to metamorphosis in most Pokémon, the theory of evolution is denied entirely by the most fundamentalist creationists, who believe that all things as they are presently were divinely inspired.
- Some Pokémon evolution even requires the use of certain magical stones.
- Many Pokémon have extraordinary paranormal powers, notably Psychic-types. Those with Psychic powers are labeled as having been given these powers by Satan in the Bible itself.
- Many Pokémon embody or practice East Asian spiritual or mystical concepts, being that the franchise originated in Japan. Some Christian groups denounce these as pagan rituals.
- Some claim that if one were to play backwards the Pokérap, "Gotta Catch 'em All!" can be heard as "I love Satan".
- Some Pagan religions claim many Pokémon have similarities to many pagan spirits.
- Humans also call upon dogs to perform tasks as well.
- Only in the game, not in the anime. Badges are mainly used to enter in the Pokemon competition of the reigion, on in the game to challenge the Elite Four. Once you acquired a badge, you are able to unlock an ability that couldn't be used out-side of battle. Also, it shows Pokemon, in game, that you're a very good trainer and to trust.
- It's a fictional game!
- It's a fictional game!
- It's a fictional game!
- Don't know what "pagen ritual" means... so can't really make a comment on that.
- Then don't play it backwards!
- Like 6, can't really make a comment on that.
"Claims of Zionist Jewish plot in the Arab and Islamic world": Confused
I'm not really sure what this is all about... so I'm not gonna get into it.
Racism on African Americans: Somewhat Disagree
This is mainly about the Pokemon Jynx, where orignally the skin was black, huge lips, long blonde hair. One person, Carole Boston Weatherford, accused it resembled a negative recial stereotype of African-Americans. I guess she wasn't aware of Japanese culture as it was inspired by ganguro, "a Japanese fashion where women tan heavily, bleach their hair, and apply large amounts of makeup." "This theory is mainly based on Jynx's long, straight, blonde hair, a common attribute of ganguro fashion." Before you make accusations, please check the original of the content and an understanding of their culture. One episode, EP250 of the original series for English, was banned because of this as 4Kids wouldn't be able to cut out Jynx without missing any major story details, as it was a main character for the episode; because of this, the episode wasn't aired and confusion among the fans happened. Honestly, I saw no resemblance of African Americans in Jynx when I first saw it. I only saw it as a dangerious Pokemon that wanted to kiss me!
There was also a concern of a character named Lenora, a Gym Leader from Pokemon Black and White. An African women who resembled a Mammy archetype, "a dark skin-toned woman who wears a handkerchief on her head and an apron." Due to concern, action was taken to remove the apron in the series for the English version. However, no changes were made to the game for international release. Seeing the picture of Lenora and the Mammy archetype... Lenora is NOT wearing a puffy dress, so I don't fully understand the concern.
Animal Cruelty: Disagree (Seriously...?)
Seems some animal right groups believe it resembles cockfighting. The accusation was actually brought up in Pokemon Black and White. Cockfighting is TO THE DEATH, Pokemon fights are pretty much till one can no longer fight, or faints in the game. HUGE difference. They're not twisted angry poultry, they are under the care and command of their trainer. No gambling is happening in the Anime. (Can't really same the same for the game though... winning money does bring a slight concern, curious on how that works though. However, no Pokemon die in the battles, plus they're fictional creatures.)
As for the lawsuits, the first two I see as overreacting and blowing out of proportion. As for the third, blame the parents for not paying attention to their children as well. (1999 Burger King Promotional Toys) I got the Pokeball case and gold card, did not hear anything about this, nor a recall. Plus, they were INFANTS, parents were supposed to keep a close eye on their children at all times at that age. I'm curious as to know where the parents were when this happened to their children? Or what they were doing as a matter of fact.
Violence: Agree to Mostly Disagree
Directly from the wiki:
Although 4Kids and TAJ allow for some cartoon violence in the anime, some episodes contain scenes that were dubbed as "too violent" and cut from the English broadcast.Three of these I find as overreaction. The episode banned I do agree with as a gun was being used in a children's show. Nothing more can be said about this honestly.
Scenes like these are common in Japanese animation, and are a source of comic relief, much like how characters in Looney Tunes and Tom and Jerry who are hit by heavy objects are completely fine afterward.
- Pokémon - I Choose You!: Misty slaps Ash after he tells her that he's okay, presumably because of his apparent lack of care for Pikachu.
- The School of Hard Knocks: Misty hits Brock with a log because he says "to be continued..." rather than beginning the episode.
- EP035: Safari Zone Warden, Kaiser, repeatedly threatens Ash and the group with a revolver, leading to the episode being banned.
- A Corphish Out of Water: A Carvanha hits Ash in the back of the head.
In Summary, some do have strong points and concerns that I do agree with; others have points, but refuse to look at it in a different perspective, which I categorize as "being blind"; as for the rest, well I either didn't understand of what is what and/or didn't understand their accusation/concern/lawsuit.
Last thing, parents should do their job by watching their kids when playing with new toys to prevent hazard and death upon themselves, and to be really sure the toy is safe and won't cause harm or death. I'm not saying it was fully the parent's fault for not paying attention, and Hasbro should have made better pre-cautious on the toy.
I had to get this off my chest, or I wouldn't be able to sleep well. Take it as you want, but comments will not be allowed for this entry.
