I’m not a fan of Pokémon Go for many reasons that we don’t have to discuss now, like the changes from the original game series that don’t make any sense. Regardless of what I think, it’s a hit. Nintendo’s stock prices are going all the way up, with just a U.S.release. Millions of all ages are out in droves downloading the app. With any new phenomena of this size, we tend to focus solely on entertainment while putting blinders on the issues that have surfaced.

There’s another side to Pokémon Go not receiving as much attention as it should.

Pokémon Go requires players to physically walk around to explore the map. The only way to catch Pokémon, collect items, and battle other Pokémon in gyms is to go outside. While that may be great for exercise, it can also be dangerous for people with brown skin. Having to explain that you’re not being suspicious out looking for Pokémon could prove difficult. And In fact, it already has. The literal requirements to effectively play Pokémon Go create a higher chance of us being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Omari Akil, a fellow blerd, wrote a piece about his experience playing Pokemon Go while black. He wrote, “When my brain started combining the complexity of being Black in America with the real world proposal of wandering and exploration that is designed into the gamplay of Pokemon GO, there was only one conclusion. I might die if I keep playing.”

And many of us agree with him. We’ve have had similar experiences already. Privilege exists even in augmented reality. That’s something we, unfortunately, can never forget. Augmented reality is still a reality. Gamification of the real world does not make it any less dangerous. These are serious issues that, if unchecked, will continue to become more severe over time. Yes, the fact that black and brown people don’t feel safe playing is not a product of the game’s existence but it is a problem if they want us to play it.

There are also other factors that could lead to even more issues long term for the software. Pokemon Go is working to correct user privacy concerns and issues with granting access to private Google data. So much so, that users are reporting abuse because of the app’s vulnerability to criminals.

What I am most concerned about are the issues that affect our community. The danger we face, most often, comes from the people who should be protecting us from it.

For now, the best advice that any black person can take while playing Pokémon Go is to be careful. Do not be naive enough to believe that there is any situation, day/night, together/alone, that will make playing in any area more or less safe. Unfortunately, we must always be alert and ready. The fact that our oppression as a people exists even in escapism is disheartening. But this is our reality.  Pokémon Go may want us to see through the lens they’ve placed on top of our world. But all of the world’s problems still lay underneath, whether they acknowledge them or not.

Photo: Giphy
Photo: Giphy

What’s your experience been playing Pokémon Go? Let me know in the comments, I read and reply to all of them. Hit the share button and tag a friend who needs to see this. Please, stay careful.

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