If you haven't heard about it already, which I'm sure you have, "Pokemon Go" has taken over the world -- literally and figuratively. For those of us who are confused, the game is no longer in card form. It is now an app. Available on Andriod and IOS devices. The game uses GPS technology to allow you to capture Pokemon monsters. The Pokemon world and our world have collided.
The craze happened almost overnight. Just about everyone with a phone has been searching for days. In my very town, I've seen hoards of people, of all ages, roaming around town, phone in hand looking for the creatures. Places such as Hollywood and Vine and Central Park have become feeding grounds for "trainers" to catch the monsters in the real world.
Unexpectedly, the hype of game has caused some serious outcomes. Three men arrested for using the app to lure players into an armed robbery. A 19-year girl, Shayla Wiggins, who went on her daily Pokemon hunt, went to a river where she planned to catch more water monsters but found a dead body instead. It has reached everyone, including an American Volunteer fighting ISIS, who tweeted how he is playing the game in Iraq. Stores have also been feeling the effects of the craze. Many have put up signs warning that Pokemon could not be played unless they are a customer. There has even been an animal shelter hiring kids to walk the dogs as they play the game. I don't even play the game, but if I can walk some dogs, count me in.
In certain areas, there are places called a gym where you can fight gym leaders. There are also Pokestops where you can collect pokeballs. These places attract people by the numbers. Ironically, The Westboro Baptist Church has become the stomping ground for players. Yes, the homophobic, racist, bigoted Westboro Church is a gym. One trainer who claimed the WBC used a Clefairy named it "Loveislove." The story doesn't end there, of course. The Westboro Baptist Church, being how they are, retaliated. They enlisted the adorable Jigglypuff and Pokemon himself to be their representative to send out their vulgar messages. As I find this funnier than insulting, I kid you not when it has reached the whole country. Pokemon has taken over the world.
Every day we hear how technology has rotted our brains. That we only sit inside and don't go out like the old days. As much as this app has proved that statement right, it has also proved it wrong. Yes, we are playing an old fashion game on our smartphones. Yes, technology has taken over our lives. Be that as it may, this game has gotten kids on their phone on the couch to on their phone outside! Now hear me out. No, it is not like being outside enjoying the fresh air and the view, but it is a step. Most things don't get us up off the couch let alone outside. It also brings a large community together. People have bonded on catching these monsters. They huddle in groups and discuss something so meaningless. Friends, family, parents even grandparents have jumped on the Pokemon Go wagon. That's impressive if you ask me. With the world divided right now on so many issues, this game has united so many people under one goal: to catch Pokemon's.
Pokemon Go has changed the game forever. Like everything it has its kinks, but it also has its assets. It is a game that we all loved in the past and now in the present and probably in the future. I hope to one day become an overnight sensation like this game has. So, for all of you "trainers" out there be safe and catch some more monsters for me!
