Does Pokemon promote the idea of being perfect?

[Queen Cynthia]

I find this a particularly interesting question to discuss, so I'd like to present my thoughts on it and also like to know what you think about it:

Does Pokemon promote the idea of becoming/ being perfect?


I'd say: Yes!
Some people might associate the idea of being perfect with what was going on in Germany and Russia 70 years ago when innocent people were killed because they weren't perfect or at least because they didn't meet a certain standard. ("Social Darwinism")
But by no means does this apply to Pokemon!

From my point of view, Pokemon is clearly aimed at promoting the idea that you have to be the very best, but in a positive sense.
It also wants to support the idea that if you've failed in life, you haven't tried hard enough and haven't fulfilled your potential.

I'm basing my opinion on Cynthia, the woman and Champion I see as a gift of God and therefore regard her words as the truth.
Talking about her highest aims in "Top Down Training", she clearly said that becoming perfect and victorious was one of the most desirable aims!

"When I was younger, I used to dream of nothing other than becoming powerful through being victorious in battle, and so I trained endlessly."

Also, that motif of never giving up, giving one's best, and being determined to win at all costs, is ever-present in Pokemon, so I guess Pokemon is indeed success-oriented, but not in the same sense as we here in this world would understand it as being economically productive (a goal which I personally highly detest!), but in a helpful, advantageous way that brings out the very best in everybody.

Of course, we mustn't treat someone badly, because they haven't fulfilled their potential. On the other hand, this shouldn't be an excuse to be content with one's dull, ordinary life either but it's meant to encourage everyone to try as hard as possible to make one's dreams come true.
I'm sure this is one of the prime messages Cynthia wants to tell us!


Some might object that in Pokemon the message is also conveyed that even ordinary living beings must be accepted and loved.
I would agree partly.
Sure, every trainer and above all Cynthia cares extensively about weak and small Pokemon, but I guess that they all have one ultimate goal in mind: No matter how weak the Pokemon is now, in the end it will be turned into a mighty fighting machine, but also into a loyal friend through the trainer's hard work and endless effort.

So we have both aspects: The element of compassion which then leads to the idea of becoming powerful and victorious as well as the goal of turning yourself and your Pokemon into something better and more desirable.

 

[severus6]

The way I see it, Pokemon presents perfection as an ideal to be worked towards, but not necessarily achieved. Ash's dream, after all, is to become a Pokemon Master. However, how many "Pokemon Masters" have we actually seen in the anime? If it was actually a realistic goal, why haven't we met more of them even though we've met plenty of dedicated trainers?

 

[Adamant]

The way I see it, Pokemon presents perfection as an ideal to be worked towards, but not necessarily achieved. Ash's dream, after all, is to become a Pokemon Master. However, how many "Pokemon Masters" have we actually seen in the anime? If it was actually a realistic goal, why haven't we met more of them even though we've met plenty of dedicated trainers?

Because they/him/her is/are essentially made out to be the world champion. Becoming a Pokemon Master is becoming the best Pokemon trainer in the world. It's spelled out a couple seconds into the very first episode.

A lofty goal? Sure. But hey, how many popes have you run into? Becoming the pope is a pretty ridiculously tall dream, wouldn't you say? Yet obviously someone becomes one every now and then.

Pokemon builds on the generic shonen ideal, to aim for your dreams, and not giving up. It's a simple and uplifting message that can be found in tons and tons of series.

 

[Sith Droideka]

Why is this in the anime forum? Anyway, it's to strive for perfection.

 

[Ashfangirl22]

I gotta say no, there trying to achive there goal sure.
But as you can see from Ash its far from perfect, gotta keep trying though.

 

[Florizarre]

Here's a quote that says it better than I ever could:

Gentleman, we are going to relentlessly chase perfection, knowing full well we will not catch it, because nothing is perfect. But we are going to relentlessly chase it, because in the process we will catch excellence.

I am not remotely interested in being just good.

The speaker wasn't talking about Pokemon, of course, but it's a statement that can be applied to any form of competition.

So yes, Pokemon encourages the pursuit of perfection. And this is a good thing. It's a good lesson to teach the children- aim high, and try to be the very best, don't settle for second place. Comparisons of perfection to Nazi Germany aside (seriously, lolwut?), it's a good thing to aim for, because it encourages people to always strive to better themselves.

 

[Legacy]

Yeah I think the Pokemon anime (and the franchise in general) promotes perfection, but certainly not in a bad way. In the show, Ash and company always strive for it, but obviously makes mistakes along the way. The lesson in the show/franchise is not that you must be perfect at all times in order for people to love you, but that it is important to push yourself towards perfection. Also it teaches the idea that there will be bumps in the road during life, but all that matters is that you never give up. In doing so, the individual ensures that they always do their best, and therefore living life to the fullest.