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| courtesy Google Images |
When my
kids were younger I spent a good deal of time assisting them in their frenetic
need to have complete first edition sets of Pokémon cards. A graduate of the
previous "have to have the original green power ranger" school of
mom, I knew the ins and outs of where to score these items. To my horror, they
are now into Pokémon Go, where they walk transfixed, staring into a phone
screen looking for these mythical characters loitering in our
world.
Also interesting in this "Go" round, is the assertion by
some that this game supports animal research (when you send a Pokémon back to
the professor), animal fighting (when they engage in combat) poaching,
(capturing the characters from the wild) and other animal cruelty conduct.
While absolutely understanding the importance of messaging and the fears of
desensitization, I also recognize the difference between real and imaginary harm.
I have received complaints in the past that Ariel (the Little Mermaid)
is a hoarder, and Gaston (Beauty and the Beast) is an animal abuser. Again, their
actions definitely provide food for discussion, but no actual injury has
occurred, and I lack the jurisdiction to prosecute cartoons. (Notwithstanding
websites devoted to diagnosing psychotic Disney characters, it frankly bothers
me more when Disney films kill off a parent within the first 5 minutes of
almost every film!)
What is real about Pokémon Go is the danger that,
completely distracted by the game, a child or adult can walk into the street while
walking a dog, drive into another car while searching for Pokémon, and/or
simply become so oblivious to their surroundings that they are no longer safe.
We should talk, teach and learn about the animal welfare issues lurking in the
game, but we must take steps to prevent real harm.
If you
want to help animals for real and organize safe pretend Pokémon searches, start
a ResQWalk in support of spcaLA. You can download the App (free) from the App
Store or Google Play and choose spcaLA as your “ResQ”.
Then
promise me to PLAY RESPONSIBLY!
