There's something even more important that those comparing Pokemon to animal fighting are missing, other than the fact that it's fictional: THE CONTEXT. Pokemon originated in Japan. Pokemon is seeped in Japanese mythology, with some Pokemon being actual or symbolic representations of mythological figures. To explain this in more depth, I'll share this letter that one person wrote to PETA and posted on Tumblr:
"Dear PETA,
I may not be an ardent Pokémon fan, but even I can see the flaws in your anti-Pokémon campaign.
Pokémon was never, and will never be, about pets. Pokémon (the series), and the monsters set in that alternate universe, are a product of the monsters that can be found in Japanese legend, among other things. The inspiration of many Pokémon can be traced back to specific kinds of monsters (bakemono), or gods (kami) that can be found in Japan, where Pokemon was conceived. They?re spirits. They?re mythical. They?re not actually physical beings unless they want to be. And how can we be sure of that? Because they fit in a ball that is, for the most part, about 2% of their actual size. That?s not technology, that?s a throwback to Japanese mysticism, where certain talented people (priestesses and priests, revered, then and now, for their abilities to intervene beween the spirits and the humans, as well as the fox employing clans, or tsukimono-suji) were able to control spirits through spells, charms, and ritual acts.
There is also the concept of the shikigami, which are spirits that can appear to be animals at times (Pokémon), can only be controlled by the spiritual power of its master (Pokébadges) and are typically housed in smaller, physical objects, such as paper? (Pokéballs).
Before you state that this whole concept is insane, and discredit this more-than-theory, let?s look at the facts, shall we?
Shinto, the oldest Japanese religion (which has also subsequently bled into every other religion in Japan, as well as the culture as a whole) has hundreds of gods, or spirits. Each spirit has unique qualities, and are revered or despised for different reasons. In some stories, each spirit has a name, and if the name is known to a human, that human has power over that spirit (see also: pokédex). Since Shintoism has seeped into Japanese culture, Japanese media often have a lot to do with the mystical world.
And what about the Pokémon themselves? Let?s start with something silly.
Magikarp, the silly, nearly useless, goldfish pokemon, evolves into Gyarados, who, according to its Bulbapedia entry, resembles ?dragons in Chinese mythology?. Chinese dragons are spirits of the rivers. They are gods. They are not to be trifled with. Why would a silly, useless fish evolve into a god? In an earlier era, the Japanese believed that tsunamis were caused by the splashing of a large fish in the ocean. Suddenly, Magikarp?s signature move, Splash, makes sense.
Vulpix and Ninetales can very easily be seen as a kitsune, or fox-spirits, which are remarkably well known spirits that often have many tails. Kitsune are gods in some areas, tricksters in others, and familiars of witches in yet others. They were thought to be the cause of what is known as will-o?-the-wisps (known as kitsune-bi, quite literally fox fire). Maybe that is why both Vulpix and Ninetales have the ability to conjure fire?
There are also many Pokémon that look like everyday household objects. Since I seem to be focussing on the first 151 Pokémon, I will name just a few of them. Magnemite, Magneton, Voltorb, and Electrode, to name a few. Tsukumogami are objects that, after one hundred years, earn a soul. Since tsukumogami are usually not electrical in nature, it is obvious that the basis is very slight.
Meowth is obviously based off the Maneki-neko, or beckoning cat. The Maneki-neko is a statue that is said to bring good fortune and wealth, which is reminiscent of Meowth?s move, Pay Day.
That short list is barely scratching the surface of the wealth Japanese folklore from which Pokémon draws its inspiration. To say that Pokémon are pets is degrading and insulting towards the rich culture and history that Pokémon draws from.
Now, until I see you campaigning for the rights of Big Foot, the Loch Ness Monster, the Abominable snowman, the unicorn, the last of the dragons, and the jackalope (among other mythical creatures in the Western world), I highly advise you end your campaign against this culturally inspired franchise."
(Here is the original letter: http://v2kbug.tumblr.com/post/33611353963/an-open-letter-to-peta)
