Pokémon Is Finally Having Its #MewTwo Moment
PEWTER CITY — We spoke to the Pokémon behind the growing movement against misogyny within the high-stakes world of gotta catch ’em all, and asked: can Pokémon Masters change?
Since the beginning of the #MewTwo movement, many Pokémon have identified themselves as victims of sexual harassment by using the #MewTwo on social media. On Twitter, Fire-flying Pokémon Charizard recalled a moment when a Trainer led him into arena and exposed himself to him when he was only a Charmander. Snorlax took to his Instagram to condemn the behavior of Pewter City Gym Leader Brock, claiming he “sexually and emotionally harassed him.” It’s not just men; the movement has been linked to women as well, including the world’s best trainer of Water-type Pokémon, Misty. She’s been accused by Blastoise of making him watch as she “squirtled” herself.
But the biggest name to be brought down by the #MewTwo Movement is Pokémon Master Ash Ketchum. 680 different Pokémon have come out with against Ash. To give some perspective there are only 720 Pokémon in the world. Including one Pokémon who was so afraid of Ash that he asked to speak to us on conditions of anonymity. Saying that Ash made him do, “Pikachu, Pikachu, Pikachu, Pikachu.”
But why now? Attorney Gloria Allred, who represents many of the Pokémon victims, has a theory. “It’s hard to speak out about assault when you can literally only communicate by saying syllables of your own name.”
One can only hope this #MewTwo movement leads to positive change throughout the industry but Gloria Allred is skeptical. “Unlike our Pokémon friends, it appears humans are incapable of evolving.”
