>>29684074Perhaps for some, but I believe you have made some shaky observations from the facts, and have some pessimistic bias. As an optimist, I interpret the data thusly. Connectivity and Globalization of culture is indeed a double-edged sword. But rather than stunting evolution as you propose I believe it has given people the ability to care more for the things they love. People can connect with like minded people and share their thoughts and feelings (and shitpost, but that's besides the point).
This has led to Geek Culture becoming mainstream. Girls and Douchebags alike can hold a conversation about Ant-man and Groot. Star Wars remains as prominent as ever, and of course video games become more widely adopted every day. Retro is the new sexy.
In a way we have shrunk the world, and in other ways it has broadened our horizons. In a way we are more aloof, but in others we are more connected than ever. Perspective is what matters my friend.
Pokémon occupies an interesting place in this continuum, as both something old and something new. As we see on this board every day, there are pessimists ready to crucify the new games before they even come out. People actively trying to ruin the game for themselves and others. And yet others ask stupid questions like "Why do grown men play Pokémon?" Like Go didn't just happen months ago and ridiculing someone for their fandom is a clear indication of immaturity.
Whenever such absurd concerns are raised, I am quick to point to quotations from C.S. Lewis, Tolkien's BFF. He philosophized like so; In his time, Key Lime pie was considered kiddie. Lewis gave no fucks and continued to eat the pie. Abandoning his love for the treat and substituting another would be a change. Lewis sought growth, if you simply exchanged one thing for another no growth has taken place. "When I became a man, I put away childish things, including the fear of childishness and the desire to be very grown up" the marks of adolescence.
