No matter what side you're on, you know that things are tense in America. Protestors against the Trump administration have filled the streets, radical racist are shouting their poison for the world to hear, whispers about conspiracies or secret puppet masters from across the sea, a whole nation tearing itself apart at the seems. These things cannot be denied as they are the facts of what is currently happening in the place I call home. With all this pain and strife all I can say is...be like Magikarp.
For those unfamiliar with the world of Pokemon, Magikarp is a Pokémon (yeah, I'm a nerd) that is basically just a big red carp. It is also classified as the weakest Pokémon in the game. Now you may ask yourself, "why is he telling us to be like some useless fish?". Well, allow me to clue you all in on a little thing that any self respecting Pokémon fan could tell you. Despite being almost pitifully weak, Magikarp is a force to be reckoned with, or its evolved form is. You see, when a Magikarp gets to a certain level, it turns into a giant sea serpent known as Gyarados.
Gyarados are known, lore wise, for their ferocity and power. They are considered powerhouses that even the most hardened of Pokémon trainers would think twice about battling, let alone raising. They are the kings of the sea, revered and respected by all. That is who you should strive to be in this chaotic world.
Almost everywhere in America, reports of race, gender, and sexuality bashing have been cropping up more and more. While the physical attacks have been limited, it is the verbal attacks that truly cut deep. People are being told that they don't belong, that they're inferior, that they are nothing. They are saying that you are Magikarp. But so what? Let them call you a Magikarp. Let them believe whatever they want to believe. Let them believe that they are somehow better than you, because, in the end, you know the truth. You now your potential.
You maybe a Magikarp in their eyes, but you'll soon rise up and becoming a mighty Gyarados. You will become something that they could only dream of becoming. You can and will become something strong and powerful. All those that tried to oppress you and belittle you can call you worthless won't even be able to hold a candle to your power. This is your future, your birthright, and no one can take that away from you. So remember, when faced with those who want to knock you down, be a Magikarp and rise back up as a Gyarados.
