Is Pokémon Good or Evil?

The Pokémon craze is not as prolific or intense as it was a decade ago at the height of its popularity, but make no mistake: the phenomenon is still going strong. The Pokémon brand has spawned a widely-popular trading card game, numerous titles for the Nintendo Gameboy, Nintendo 64, Nintendo DS, and Nintendo Gamecube, three films in the United States and several more in Japan, toys, comic books, t-shirts, board games, and more, and is the second-most popular video game brand in the world behind the Mario series.

With all of this popularity, it is understandable that Pokémon would stir up some controversy. Indeed, after the original games were released, people all over the world began asking the question: “Is Pokémon good or evil?” While there is not a definitive answer to that question –it is all your opinion, after all – we can at least take a look at the various arguments presented over the years.

Is Pokémon Good or Evil?- What Is Good and Evil?

To answer this question, we first have to figure out definitions for the terms good and evil. What, exactly, is good? What is evil? How you define these words depends greatly on who you are and what you believe. Some look at it from a religious standpoint, while some look at the debate from a non-religious moral standpoint. Others say that good and evil depends on what effects the topic has on people; if it negatively affects individuals - in this instance, children – then it is evil, regardless of what it is.

Is Pokémon Good or Evil?- Arguments for Evil

Those who say that the game and brand are evil typically base their views on religious grounds (but not always). For example, some Christian parents have criticized Pokémon for advocating a world that contains magic, which, they argue, is like witchcraft and is evil according to their religious beliefs.

There are arguments against the game that aren’t religious, though. Many parents criticize Pokémon for featuring a game that revolves around violence. Others have said that Pokémon is evil because it encourages violence towards animals as well as humans, and teaches children that fighting with others is the way to solve a problem.

Is Pokémon Good or evil?- Arguments for Good

Supporters of Pokémon disagree with the critics who claim that the game is evil. They point to the positive lessons taught by the game itself and the other products (TV shows, movies, etc.) that it has inspired: teamwork, dedication, commitment, courage, and honor. They point to the fact that the main characters are role-models who compete honorably within a rule system and treat each other with respect. They are also best friends, which, supporters argue, encourages friendship.

Supporters also say that Pokémon is not evil because it is just a game that shouldn’t be taken too seriously. Plus, they say, other games – such as first-person shooters – are much more violent and deserving of criticism that is leveled at Pokémon.

So, what is the answer? As stated above, it really depends on your perspective. One thing is for sure, though; Pokémon is definitely here to stay.