I was only 9 years old when “Pokemon” took the world by storm in 1998 and like a lot of kids at that time, I got into “Pokemon” and watched the anime. Now, looking back as an adult, I realized that the anime version of “Pokemon” was at times very upsetting to me.
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Being neurodivergent, I do get bothered at times from what I see on television and in the movies. But when it comes to Pokemon, there are plenty of moments that qualify as upsetting, both in the visual and auditory aspects. In fact, just last night, I had watched a moment with the character of Cubone crying in the episode “A Chansey Operation” and had a sensory overload over it.
Let’s be real, Cubone is a character that has been through hell and back, losing it’s mother to Team Rocket. But hearing him crying out was enough to nearly drive me to tears. I gotta admit (and I am embarrassed to admit it) that when I see a Pokemon in harm’s way, whether it’s Pikachu or any other Pokemon, I do get upset greatly whether it’s big or small.
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To me, Pokemon is a representation of neurodiversity and seeing Pokemon being in tense situations of peril will make me think of what happens when neurodivergents are harmed. Whenever I saw Jessie, James and Meowth capture Pikachu or any other type of Pokemon, it’s bothersome and it reminds me of what happens when neurodivergents are abused or harmed in everyday life.
Both seeing and hearing Pokemon cry out in danger is upsetting in addition that they don’t deserve to be harmed in any way. That’s why every time Team Rocket made an appearance, I feel a sense of anger build up inside of me to the point that I get emotionally attached to the situation. Sure, Pokemon are just characters, but to some people, they are living breathing creatures we can relate to. They just want to be who they are and I can relate to that.
I have seen several episodes of the anime and the movie that demonstrate just how upsetting the anime adaptation made me. Some of the examples include Ash trying to abandon Pikachu in “Pikachu’s Goodbye” or Ash being turned to stone in “Pokemon: the First Movie.”
In a way, Pikachu himself is like a neurodivergent, born with rosy cheeks and a tail shaped like a lightning bolt and is targeted because he is a “rare Pokemon.” This is like if someone is targeted by bullies because they are different or unique. The same goes for all types of Pokemon and they are targeted by organizations like Team Rocket because of their difference or abilities.
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Perhaps Pokemon is just an example of just how emotionally attached neurodivergents can get on fictional characters. We connect with each Pokemon and hate it when Team Rocket harms them. In a way, characters like Ash, Misty and Brock represent those who strongly care for neurodivergents because they empathize with them and can understand what they go through.
There’s a psychology to the fact that when Pokemon are harmed, we are harmed as well both mentally and physically. When we see Pokemon in peril, we feel ourselves in peril. It’s just the way we are when it comes to seeing fictional characters. We get emotionally attached to them and its just who we are. To a neurotypical, it seems pointless, but to a neurodivergent, it’s meaningful.
That’s part of the reason why I became a fanfiction writer on account that if I see something that upsets me, no matter what it is, I will write a resolution to that situation or scene. It’s how I cope with scenes and Pokemon is no exception.
Do you have any other shows or characters like Pokemon that have emotional value for you to the point where it upsets you? It doesn’t matter if you are neurodivergent or neurotypical, everyone has one.
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Catch you all later!!
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