I pick up my phone, log onto Facebook, I see bad news. I scroll through my news feed and read headline after headline exposing local and national cases of crimes such as a shooting or a murder—each article worse than the previous. But, in the midst of this madness, there is a divine intervention. It affects all types of people of the world: mothers, fathers, teenagers, grandparents, children, and most of all: 90s kids. It features feisty friends that are caught and can perform various attacks. Pikachu. Pokéballs. Pokéstops. Pokémon. Pokémon Go.
There are two reactions toward the words, “Pokémon Go” For the majority, our lives now revolve around a Pokéstop with a lure. Now that the beloved 90s show has turned from fantasy to reality, fans don’t have to hoard their collecting cards—Pokémon are kept on the app where they can duel others in real-time (it’s not nerdy). So, in the simplest of terms, Pokémon Go is a go—at least for those who know what good gaming is.
For those who hate Pokémon Go, well, I’m here to tell you why you should not hate it.
Whether you liked Pokémon in the 90s or not, to me, it was always socially acceptable to like Pokémon. I hear people talk about how, “I’m finally not a nerd anymore! I can play Pokémon publicly.” Well, you can. But, you could before, too. Like I said, everyone is playing Pokémon Go recently. A couple of days ago, I went with my mom to her eye appointment and I stumbled upon Pokémon Go users. I talked to an employee in his mid-20s and a woman in her 50s about hatching eggs and we showed off our Pokémon collections. In a world full of terror and disaster, I managed to find common ground with two strangers, and I think that’s pretty revolutionary.
Lately, there have been accidents regarding abuse of the app. People are not only texting and driving, they are also capturing Pokémon behind the wheel. Of course, this is never okay and I am not defending the foolishness of these users. Since accidents like these have occurred, Pokémon Go has added warnings in recent updates, which in my opinion should not have to be featured on the app. If one is breaking the law, trespassing on private property, playing the app while driving, or if one even has to be reminded to stay alert while playing, check yourself before you wreck yourself.
So, be smart and enjoy the game. As for me, I knew about Pokémon as a kid when it was popular but didn’t really find the fun in watching the show and fighting Pokémon with trading cards, but, I gave it a try. Once I caught my first Pokémon, I wanted to catch them all. I am determined to do so. I play Pokémon Go with my boyfriend, my dad, my step-mom, and my sorority sisters. The app has become something I can share with people in all areas of my life and it truly is an amazing thing. The sense of unity the app brings is like none other.
If you think Pokémon Go is nerdy, you may be too shy to admit that the game may actually be fun. So, right now, grab your phone, download the app, and try it out. You don’t have to hide it. And for those who have no experience with Pokémon, you will pick up on it quickly. I do have one tip for newbies, though: although they are everywhere, don’t waste your time collecting Pidgeys and Rattatas. You will waste your precious Pokéballs.
