Post by Evie ❤✿ on Sept 12, 2019 15:02:01 GMT -5
For this thread, I'm going to look at from a sociological, cultural approach, the moral ambiguity and hidden complexities of Pokémon's later villains.
Archie and Maxie: Whereas the complexity of these are not so apparent, it may bring up philosophical questions about mutually exclusive concepts; if some things then rigidly are mutually exclusive. By definition; because one wants to fill the world with the sea, and the other with land - they have differing ideologies. This may have lead to the battles between them and the Groudon/Kyogre crisis.
But Rayquaza too arose, the dragon is a mutual peace-keeper. Dragons are symbolic of other-worldly knowledge and power (stronger than anything on Earth). Perhaps only the dragon could lead this battle to end, because fire/land and water are naturally in opposition (a reason why Pokémon FireRed/LeafGreen was not released as Pokémon FireRed and AquaBlue) - it would require something beyond nature to stop the fighting(?). Spiritually, fire is associated with passion and instability; because of the intricate and hard to control nature some mystics believe fire signs can be prophets without a ritual - or the idea of a 'fiery person' (I worry I'm becoming too overly like one at times) who works by activity (it's not necessarily that we cannot be logical however and internally we may be extremely emotional but are not aware of it). Water however, is by contrast associated with quiet calculation, calm assessment, and the essence of the emotions are fully within consciousness. This is why symbolically they clash.
It is tricky, because having a faith is not a bad thing. However, we need to consider others may consider the other as mutually exclusive (they believed in their ideals of land and sea, but in the real world; there are serious issues like this with religious extremism; tension between West and East belief systems, religions, and also philosophies (the Native Americans belief that ownership that/other does not exist, and the American Dream movement in which they were pressured into selling land which did not belong to anyone; just allness itself).
Cyrus: Cyrus was the leader of Team Galactic. He wanted to create a world devoid of emotion and spirit (perhaps where he could become like a god and rule his own world). At a glance it can be seen as megalovania, but maybe he was an actually very creative person but highly introverted? In Sunyshore City, Cyrus' hometown it is a heavily industrialised city (I think a character mentions him saying that he was an interesting person but I cannot remember the specifics). The setting may be argued to be heavily industrialised (created by humans and not naturally occurring, although there may have been solar technology as compromise?), but it was unique for him. Perhaps in wanting spaces that he created, he wanted space for himself with being an introverted person - but because he may not show much expression and shows disregard for other's he doesn't associate with feelings, some may regard him as psychopathic, but maybe this is not the case. I suppose too, he had his own unique style of getting difficulties resolved. Did he feel like an outsider to this world and wanted only to be in his own world with Team Galactic?
In his plan, he wanted to control Uxie, Mespirit and Azelf (knowledge, emotion and willpower). According to Bulbapedia: Imperial Regalia of Japan: the Yata no Kagami (wisdom), Yasakani no Magatama (benevolence), and Kusanagi (valor) and use the red chain to have power over Dialga and Palkia for his new world without spirit. They and the player would stop him.
A theme of this game may be that we cannot 'play god' too much. So if the Pokémon world is a world of ownership by Dialga/Palkia/Arceus they ultimately decided. Is it right? It's hard to tell. But there is a lesson here there may be some things we cannot fully control. History repeats itself all the time, wars are followed by peace, but for whatever reason wars start again. Some may argue, why can't we be unconditionally loving no matter what, however could there be something sinister going on in which the concept is fundamentally flawed? (for instance we eat, animals have to suffer, and even religions accept this; and we do not fully know the workings of consciousness, anything that uses electricity may have consciousness (so we get an electric shock, does the opposite thing get an equal and opposite reaction). But I hope and like to believe if even plants suffer they do not cognitively have a mechanism to feel bad about it). I wonder too if this world (assuming the existence of deities) in simulation theory is bound with metaphorically the equivalent of technological protection measures in games; some patterns in nature for instance, but we do rebel; we circumvent our body's organ rejection systems only to save our own life or another etc - it's natural because it is what we from a carnal instinct want to do, suffering is too much for us - and metaphorically if the deities' ideas and rules did not feel true in our hearts, in a cynical and depressing sense (which is playing on my mind) there would be nothing we could do. But we fight as humans (and animals) to believe that isn't the case regardless.
I think in the alternative universes in Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon, for Cyrus' success; he entered his world, but was enveloped by darkness. For anyone, being sent in a world without any emotion (or even proto-emotions) and spirit may be incomprehensibly lonely or boring (and not even the pains from loneliness/boredom would exist to make meaning). Are the gods bored and lonely too who just wanted to find their own meaning in a meaningless world? Even like Cyrus? [This also reminds me of Porky Minch and the Absolutely Safe Capsule in Mother 3, however a factor he didn't associate with the world in terms of people arguably was he was abused by his parents]. On the positive fun and humour allows us to create meaning where none is there - yet if another being is subject to it in terms of freedom/dignity restricted, I feel it is wrong.
Another curiosity is the Giratina represents anti-matter, and also rebellion.
N and Ghetsis: N is a stereotypically presenting autistic spectrum/Asperger's Syndrome child. Possibly inspired by Satoshi Tajiri the conceptor of Pokémon. He is very gifted in mathematics, and approaches deep complex questions in highly logical/sophisticated ways. Another trait of autistic spectrum (which really is a spectrum. I am on it too, there are variations in characteristics), are extreme passions (N in mathematics, the natural sciences/electricity), to which part other needs are neglected more compared to stereotypical 'non autistic spectrum' others, hence we may fall short in other skills (from my personal account: because these are the most meaningful to us, they are already established in our heart; we don't need to fit in to any role or way of thinking we don't want). For N, while officially, there does feel he feels internally highly intensively; he just may not know how to manage/express it in safe/appropriate ways without hurting the feelings of others.
There are also multiple classes of autism; low-functioning autism, high-functioning autism (these two however can be loaded words/for instance if you were diagnosed low-functioning autism, you may think you aren't adequate for living independently, but it's not necessarily the case), Asperger's Syndrome (while I'm unsure about what makes Asperger's Syndrome unique, I have heard speech-pattern differences may be apparent like stuttering). Unfortunately people with low-functioning may find daily life difficult because their cognitive patterns directly lead them towards misfortune (perhaps societal ignorance; they may be deemed as 'strange'/'creepy'/'insensitive' (which makes me sick they're far from insensitive); stereotyped in negative ways) when it is just the way they are. At the same time, they should by no means be regarded as 'inferior' or 'mentally ill'.
High-functioning autism on the other hand for what every reason may cope better. But they may have to mask. They may have to practice what doesn't come natural as them as a muscle. We still have difficulties too (I forget to properly eat, sleep, and become intensive on what I am focused on quite often).
I think the general consensus is Asperger's Syndrome people are cope better in common tasks compared to other forms of autism, but we may still want/need help.
According to a quote by one of the characters I unfortunately cannot remember, N personally finds understanding "the hearts of people" difficult; he relates more with other animals. Perhaps he is also meant to draw comparisons to a prophet because of so applied he is and how he can understand what the animals are thinking.
(Incidentally, I love that this game also includes trains. These are a common passion for people on the autistic spectrum. They may be associated with 'clockwork' because you board the train and systematically arrive at your destination.)
Now, unfortunately N suffered abuse from his father Ghetsis, and at an early age, Ghetsis would only show illustrations of Pokémon suffering to try to make N belief that Ghetsis was right that Pokémon and Trainers should be 'liberated'. Naturally because it was his father (and many people on the autistic spectrum are overly trusting) he was manipulated. However, there is clear character development in the game; because N learns that although Pokémon do suffer, it is not that simple, and people believe in their Pokémon and look after them with love to encourage their well-being.
While the backstory is not explicit, Ghetsis took pride in the Harmonia name and had a passion for ruling. A covert meaning is that while it may be true Ghetsis is a symbolism for ideals and N is a symbolism for truth; in a few important traits they are not too different. Because Ghetsis had a passion for ruling.
However, N showed gifts of compassion even though he may not have known how to use them appropriately (this is not the stereotypical 'black and white' associated with autistic spectrum at all). Ghetsis however, despite being modelled more on ideals, had a rigid black and white thinking that his child was 'defective' (a horrible word) or 'without a human heart'. But Ghetsis had stereotypical traits of malignant narcissism and could not step down :- that he cannot fail, that his flaws do not exist, and perhaps that even when he manipulates others he may believe they are in the 'best interest'.
The Shadow Triad represents a more coverted ambiguous side of Ghetsis. The Shadow Triad are Ghetsis' guardians and protectors, and it is implied they help counsel the leader. Then, he must have a form of true love towards them. Ghetsis' relationship with The Shadow Triad I compare is like the symbolic relationship between a human and a dog. No matter how 'evil' a person may be stereotyped, the dog loves them no matter what - it is an awe-inspiring relationship (also interpreted by Shigesato Itoi as like the servant-king relationship. The servant is actually the most powerful because he puts his doubts about the king's character behind and patiently follows him). In psychology, the shadow (I think coined by Carl Jung? but may be wrong) is a suppressed part of human consciousness that is in all of us. It can manifest through spontaneous thoughts, impulse and fight-or-flight; spanning back to before we developed skills for hospitality. For some (particularly those who have felt trauma) it may be more apparent; we may lose our temper more easily, or imagine bad thoughts (OCD). I suspect Ghetsis too may have been been abused and hence has a powerful shadow (the Shadow Triad are extremely powerful too). The Shadow Triad may also be symbolism for what is referred to as "flying monkeys"; like dogs, these people believe in their leader no matter what. However, they are likely to be used/taken advantage of by the narcissist.
From a positive perspective, the shadow is meant to free us. It may be argued that nature cannot be contained; and as such if we feel anxious, in distress, danger, it will find ways to validate and protect the self. The lines blur however because our mind may do this even if it is through narcissism and ego.
At the end of the game, N appreciates more deeply about the ambiguity of the world. He beautifully finds a way to illustrate this in advocating that by combining both truths and ideals, the world creates a chemical reaction (and sure it does I believe
without culture, rituals life would be nothing). Even philosophically, objectivity may not be necessarily real, but we rely on it through logic and science after The Enlightenment (however, I worry the pendulum may be turning the other way; we get depressed more often seeking perfection, or maybe 'the best things'. We can learn from postmodernism here that we need culture without perfect objective meaning for pleasure and thrill).
In Black 2/White 2, Team Plasma would split; those still under Ghetsis leadership, and those inspired by N. I feel that this is fascinating because it seems to be based on real sociology of leadership, once one's position of power is threatened (division) - a real world analogy I get feelings from US state "things are better when we had Obama" "now we are the ununited states
" -> compared to "the economy is failing, America is dangerous with migrants, we need to build a wall", and a mixture of more neutral opinions (of which the US have many cultures; a melting pot, which is a reason why Game Freak was inspired to use America for Gen V so much).
Another symbolic element of the plot of Black/White and Black 2/White 2 is that Ghetsis wore beautiful regal clothing. Later he would wear dark clothing, and use a cane, possibly symbolic of unfortunately not looking after himself as well as he used to (they say "no rest for the wicked". I feel that should be changed because he is not necessarily wicked he just is who he is; but "no rest for a heavy mind", and so it is likely he may forget to look after his body.
Colress: The 'grey morality' villain. This actually links into postmodernism in a way I didn't see at first. The increasingly information-based culture today compared to the religious and then industrial periods of past times (a transition represented by monument "The Angel of the North" in England) makes us information hungry.
^ I wonder if Sword and Shield will allude to this in more detail. It does cover it already with the division between north and south Gallar. I can't wait to see what villains may be in these works and the themes they may give birth to.
There are people who will dedicate themselves to science and almost nothing else. What is fascinating is that Colress said he wants to find out what will empower Pokémon (or similar) even if it is without a conscience.
Does Colress only want to provide answers to his curiosity, or does he want to improve the well-being of all? It is difficult to tell. He may have experienced a sense of apathy in this world. As a form of escape, he may dedicate himself to science instead of more full-on social relations.
Colress' style of voice (from personal subjective interpretation) additionally sounds stereotypically on the autistic-spectrum like N before him in its formalness.
"As a researcher, it is the truth and the ideal way things should be that I seek. The latent power of Pokémon… What is the best way to bring it out? If possible, I want it to be the trust between Trainers and their Pokémon, just as it has always been. I look forward to you teaching me that this is indeed true!"
(Note: Nate/Rosa's personality and skills as a Trainer lead him to the conclusion that trust between Trainers and Pokémon truly empowers Pokémon)
Colress later betrayed the neo-Ghetsis run Team Plasma, outraging Ghetsis. He became firm Ghetsis' and Team Plasma's ideas are not as compelling with his research compared to Nate/Rosa's demonstration.
The blue part surrounding his hair, I find curiously alluding to wind/information. It is like information brings us closer to the wind and freedom like a bird (we can escape Earth, generate electricity, whatever we want) as information is power. In being a scientist, people can add new luxuries and ways of enhancing health to society just through analysis and posting their research. Colress of course, wears a stereotypical white lab coat; associated with the sciences.
Lysandre: The villain I find most fascinating. Lysandre had good intentions and was a celebrity in terms of technology in Kalos; a region associated with beauty. Lysandre is stereotypically (in new age movments) a fire-sign; supported by his hair, the colour and name of Team Flare, his extreme passionate energy - who will approach something extremely devoted to it, find ways around problems actively and never stop; sometimes in vain. It's not surprising he is into beauty, because he is in respects a fighter; he could have become a great empowerment fighter in history. I feel he is not a stereotypical narcissist like Ghetsis, because his intentions were based on good grounds and he seemed to show a strong sense of genuine guilt about himself (his intentions were that he would help create a beautiful world). However symbolically, fire has to burn away into ashes through earth (logical, responsible, sensible), water (the hurt he is causing and not seeing), which lead to his implied suicide after failing to pull off the Ultimate Weapon. Lysandre draws historical comparisons to Hitler; both Lysandre and Hitler had great visions, were amazing speakers, but their views would become extreme. Like how Lysandre eventually concluded the world has to be only consist of members of Team Flare, Hitler lead his antisemitism (Nazi party), the Holocaust and practices like religious book burning. These then, were not beautiful. They were regarded as some of the most 'evil' events in history.
What may surprise however, Lysandre felt an immense sense of self-guilt, breaking down at the final Ultimate Weapon scene. A possible interpretation too of the real world Nazi party is that Hitler felt this too when World War II had failed, and as such shot himself (the real cause of death is apparently unknown). He also even cried in concluding that Pokémon would have to go for his goal of a 'beautiful' world with only Team Flare. (Following immense stress/anxiety/breakdown, there is a psychiatric phenomenon known as psychosis. During psychosis, paradigms conceived in the mind become overpowering (and is also related to belief systems; the things we see, the things our minds do not register); and we impulsively act according to them - "the only way for [registered by the mind:] security/'beauty' is through eliminating everyone but Team Flare".) Lysandre then was not necessarily born a narcissist, but he may feel highly sensitive about the world.
Lysandre's Pokémon also mirror him. Pyroar is based on a lions. In popular culture, you hear expressions like "having a lion heart"; and in The Lion King, the regal systems of lions in protecting the circle of life (and the web of life: everything on the planet is valued and has a purpose). As aggressive they may be, they are extremely justified and feel duty on the planet to eliminate unnecessary suffering.
Both Lysandre and Hitler had devout followers. This is a common trait of charismatic leaders.
Lysandre was not alone in self-guilt. Another major character in X/Y was AZ, a giant who fought in a war over 2000 years ago. To save his friend the flower Pokémon, he built the ultimate weapon and could not forgive the suffering the opponents in the war had caused. Giants are symbolic for spiritual leaders; just like Lysandre. Duality (Tao yin-yang) theory suggests they can be groundbreaking, among the most gifted people, but at worst 'monsters'. And the fact that he has survived for over 2000 years illustrates his strength. It's just he was perhaps a very sensitive person liking flowers, on the extreme justified to the point of becoming judgemental and unable to forgive. In respects despite his strong compassion for life, he did something he would regret too - only upon forgiving them the Eternal Flower Floette Pokémon would come back (Xerneas and Yveltal are also life and destruction thinking about it. Zygarde I suspect was intended to represent the grey area; balance of it in sustaining the ecosystem. By human nature we can't bring ourselves to embrace suffering (and it may be true; we will be wiped away, a new species will arise when humanity causes too much imbalance and suffering for other animals and the Earth). But we have to forgive it exists anyway and push it aside; hence the world is beautiful forever even if there is suffering).
The main song kisekae illustrates that regardless of who we are, we are all special, valued. It's true that we all get hurt. But we can use this to unite each other, this and that we all live in the same world, even if we don't understand each other; because we are bound to feel purpose in relatedness.
Some lyrics from the song:
"Search it out and find the way: the point where we can all meet. The point where we're all the same. There it lies: the future we seek. Start from there, and then we'll forge a world where all can be free. Free to dream, and free to smile. Free to be who we will be."
Guzma and Lusamine (complementary):
Like Black/White, there were subtle hints of an unhelpful relationship between Guzma/Luzamine and their children, Gladion and Lillie. I did forget the story for the Gen VII series, but I remember the Aether Paradise and the Aether staff seemed nice, but would turn aggressive following the events of Lillie and Gladion's best efforts to rescue Cosmog from abuse and experimentation.
A personal interpretation is that Guzma is associated with spiritual symbolism of extreme masculinity (perhaps 'sun') and Lusamine extreme femininity (moon). Guzma turned to bullying (perhaps from childhood abuse), and in these games he is the 'man of action', who appears fearless and doesn't care about what others think. However, upon loss he would feel the need for self-persecution (Guzma to himself): "what is wrong with you!".
Positively for the story, his villainhood would become more and more ambiguous (in particular in the sequels where he stands up to Team Rocket who are by comparison seem like just words); he became the 'man of action' who was fearless and didn't care about what others thought.
Lusamine is also covertly similar but in a more passive way. She does seem to imply that she loves her children, but persecutes them in passive aggressive ways; paraphrasing: 'things would be perfect as long as children did what their mother said', and occasionally shames them, hurting their dignity, between the relationship that should be loving (parents and child). Perhaps Lusamine was opinionated and had fallen out with Guzma at some point in their relationship due to breakouts.
Perhaps too, Lusamine felt insecure because she wanted to feel like a good mother and subconsciously thought something was missing, hence wanting more children (some belief envy is most intense when a psychological need is not met). She would (perhaps through another theoretical psychosis like Lysandre) then regard the Ultra Beasts as 'her beautiful Ultra Beasts'; without feeling well to acknowledge and avoid them, as they are dangerous (in particular Nihilego (associated with ego?) possessing her).
Archie and Maxie: Whereas the complexity of these are not so apparent, it may bring up philosophical questions about mutually exclusive concepts; if some things then rigidly are mutually exclusive. By definition; because one wants to fill the world with the sea, and the other with land - they have differing ideologies. This may have lead to the battles between them and the Groudon/Kyogre crisis.
But Rayquaza too arose, the dragon is a mutual peace-keeper. Dragons are symbolic of other-worldly knowledge and power (stronger than anything on Earth). Perhaps only the dragon could lead this battle to end, because fire/land and water are naturally in opposition (a reason why Pokémon FireRed/LeafGreen was not released as Pokémon FireRed and AquaBlue) - it would require something beyond nature to stop the fighting(?). Spiritually, fire is associated with passion and instability; because of the intricate and hard to control nature some mystics believe fire signs can be prophets without a ritual - or the idea of a 'fiery person' (I worry I'm becoming too overly like one at times) who works by activity (it's not necessarily that we cannot be logical however and internally we may be extremely emotional but are not aware of it). Water however, is by contrast associated with quiet calculation, calm assessment, and the essence of the emotions are fully within consciousness. This is why symbolically they clash.
It is tricky, because having a faith is not a bad thing. However, we need to consider others may consider the other as mutually exclusive (they believed in their ideals of land and sea, but in the real world; there are serious issues like this with religious extremism; tension between West and East belief systems, religions, and also philosophies (the Native Americans belief that ownership that/other does not exist, and the American Dream movement in which they were pressured into selling land which did not belong to anyone; just allness itself).
Cyrus: Cyrus was the leader of Team Galactic. He wanted to create a world devoid of emotion and spirit (perhaps where he could become like a god and rule his own world). At a glance it can be seen as megalovania, but maybe he was an actually very creative person but highly introverted? In Sunyshore City, Cyrus' hometown it is a heavily industrialised city (I think a character mentions him saying that he was an interesting person but I cannot remember the specifics). The setting may be argued to be heavily industrialised (created by humans and not naturally occurring, although there may have been solar technology as compromise?), but it was unique for him. Perhaps in wanting spaces that he created, he wanted space for himself with being an introverted person - but because he may not show much expression and shows disregard for other's he doesn't associate with feelings, some may regard him as psychopathic, but maybe this is not the case. I suppose too, he had his own unique style of getting difficulties resolved. Did he feel like an outsider to this world and wanted only to be in his own world with Team Galactic?
In his plan, he wanted to control Uxie, Mespirit and Azelf (knowledge, emotion and willpower). According to Bulbapedia: Imperial Regalia of Japan: the Yata no Kagami (wisdom), Yasakani no Magatama (benevolence), and Kusanagi (valor) and use the red chain to have power over Dialga and Palkia for his new world without spirit. They and the player would stop him.
A theme of this game may be that we cannot 'play god' too much. So if the Pokémon world is a world of ownership by Dialga/Palkia/Arceus they ultimately decided. Is it right? It's hard to tell. But there is a lesson here there may be some things we cannot fully control. History repeats itself all the time, wars are followed by peace, but for whatever reason wars start again. Some may argue, why can't we be unconditionally loving no matter what, however could there be something sinister going on in which the concept is fundamentally flawed? (for instance we eat, animals have to suffer, and even religions accept this; and we do not fully know the workings of consciousness, anything that uses electricity may have consciousness (so we get an electric shock, does the opposite thing get an equal and opposite reaction). But I hope and like to believe if even plants suffer they do not cognitively have a mechanism to feel bad about it). I wonder too if this world (assuming the existence of deities) in simulation theory is bound with metaphorically the equivalent of technological protection measures in games; some patterns in nature for instance, but we do rebel; we circumvent our body's organ rejection systems only to save our own life or another etc - it's natural because it is what we from a carnal instinct want to do, suffering is too much for us - and metaphorically if the deities' ideas and rules did not feel true in our hearts, in a cynical and depressing sense (which is playing on my mind) there would be nothing we could do. But we fight as humans (and animals) to believe that isn't the case regardless.
I think in the alternative universes in Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon, for Cyrus' success; he entered his world, but was enveloped by darkness. For anyone, being sent in a world without any emotion (or even proto-emotions) and spirit may be incomprehensibly lonely or boring (and not even the pains from loneliness/boredom would exist to make meaning). Are the gods bored and lonely too who just wanted to find their own meaning in a meaningless world? Even like Cyrus? [This also reminds me of Porky Minch and the Absolutely Safe Capsule in Mother 3, however a factor he didn't associate with the world in terms of people arguably was he was abused by his parents]. On the positive fun and humour allows us to create meaning where none is there - yet if another being is subject to it in terms of freedom/dignity restricted, I feel it is wrong.
Another curiosity is the Giratina represents anti-matter, and also rebellion.
N and Ghetsis: N is a stereotypically presenting autistic spectrum/Asperger's Syndrome child. Possibly inspired by Satoshi Tajiri the conceptor of Pokémon. He is very gifted in mathematics, and approaches deep complex questions in highly logical/sophisticated ways. Another trait of autistic spectrum (which really is a spectrum. I am on it too, there are variations in characteristics), are extreme passions (N in mathematics, the natural sciences/electricity), to which part other needs are neglected more compared to stereotypical 'non autistic spectrum' others, hence we may fall short in other skills (from my personal account: because these are the most meaningful to us, they are already established in our heart; we don't need to fit in to any role or way of thinking we don't want). For N, while officially, there does feel he feels internally highly intensively; he just may not know how to manage/express it in safe/appropriate ways without hurting the feelings of others.
There are also multiple classes of autism; low-functioning autism, high-functioning autism (these two however can be loaded words/for instance if you were diagnosed low-functioning autism, you may think you aren't adequate for living independently, but it's not necessarily the case), Asperger's Syndrome (while I'm unsure about what makes Asperger's Syndrome unique, I have heard speech-pattern differences may be apparent like stuttering). Unfortunately people with low-functioning may find daily life difficult because their cognitive patterns directly lead them towards misfortune (perhaps societal ignorance; they may be deemed as 'strange'/'creepy'/'insensitive' (which makes me sick they're far from insensitive); stereotyped in negative ways) when it is just the way they are. At the same time, they should by no means be regarded as 'inferior' or 'mentally ill'.
High-functioning autism on the other hand for what every reason may cope better. But they may have to mask. They may have to practice what doesn't come natural as them as a muscle. We still have difficulties too (I forget to properly eat, sleep, and become intensive on what I am focused on quite often).
I think the general consensus is Asperger's Syndrome people are cope better in common tasks compared to other forms of autism, but we may still want/need help.
According to a quote by one of the characters I unfortunately cannot remember, N personally finds understanding "the hearts of people" difficult; he relates more with other animals. Perhaps he is also meant to draw comparisons to a prophet because of so applied he is and how he can understand what the animals are thinking.
(Incidentally, I love that this game also includes trains. These are a common passion for people on the autistic spectrum. They may be associated with 'clockwork' because you board the train and systematically arrive at your destination.)
Now, unfortunately N suffered abuse from his father Ghetsis, and at an early age, Ghetsis would only show illustrations of Pokémon suffering to try to make N belief that Ghetsis was right that Pokémon and Trainers should be 'liberated'. Naturally because it was his father (and many people on the autistic spectrum are overly trusting) he was manipulated. However, there is clear character development in the game; because N learns that although Pokémon do suffer, it is not that simple, and people believe in their Pokémon and look after them with love to encourage their well-being.
While the backstory is not explicit, Ghetsis took pride in the Harmonia name and had a passion for ruling. A covert meaning is that while it may be true Ghetsis is a symbolism for ideals and N is a symbolism for truth; in a few important traits they are not too different. Because Ghetsis had a passion for ruling.
However, N showed gifts of compassion even though he may not have known how to use them appropriately (this is not the stereotypical 'black and white' associated with autistic spectrum at all). Ghetsis however, despite being modelled more on ideals, had a rigid black and white thinking that his child was 'defective' (a horrible word) or 'without a human heart'. But Ghetsis had stereotypical traits of malignant narcissism and could not step down :- that he cannot fail, that his flaws do not exist, and perhaps that even when he manipulates others he may believe they are in the 'best interest'.
The Shadow Triad represents a more coverted ambiguous side of Ghetsis. The Shadow Triad are Ghetsis' guardians and protectors, and it is implied they help counsel the leader. Then, he must have a form of true love towards them. Ghetsis' relationship with The Shadow Triad I compare is like the symbolic relationship between a human and a dog. No matter how 'evil' a person may be stereotyped, the dog loves them no matter what - it is an awe-inspiring relationship (also interpreted by Shigesato Itoi as like the servant-king relationship. The servant is actually the most powerful because he puts his doubts about the king's character behind and patiently follows him). In psychology, the shadow (I think coined by Carl Jung? but may be wrong) is a suppressed part of human consciousness that is in all of us. It can manifest through spontaneous thoughts, impulse and fight-or-flight; spanning back to before we developed skills for hospitality. For some (particularly those who have felt trauma) it may be more apparent; we may lose our temper more easily, or imagine bad thoughts (OCD). I suspect Ghetsis too may have been been abused and hence has a powerful shadow (the Shadow Triad are extremely powerful too). The Shadow Triad may also be symbolism for what is referred to as "flying monkeys"; like dogs, these people believe in their leader no matter what. However, they are likely to be used/taken advantage of by the narcissist.
From a positive perspective, the shadow is meant to free us. It may be argued that nature cannot be contained; and as such if we feel anxious, in distress, danger, it will find ways to validate and protect the self. The lines blur however because our mind may do this even if it is through narcissism and ego.
At the end of the game, N appreciates more deeply about the ambiguity of the world. He beautifully finds a way to illustrate this in advocating that by combining both truths and ideals, the world creates a chemical reaction (and sure it does I believe
without culture, rituals life would be nothing). Even philosophically, objectivity may not be necessarily real, but we rely on it through logic and science after The Enlightenment (however, I worry the pendulum may be turning the other way; we get depressed more often seeking perfection, or maybe 'the best things'. We can learn from postmodernism here that we need culture without perfect objective meaning for pleasure and thrill).In Black 2/White 2, Team Plasma would split; those still under Ghetsis leadership, and those inspired by N. I feel that this is fascinating because it seems to be based on real sociology of leadership, once one's position of power is threatened (division) - a real world analogy I get feelings from US state "things are better when we had Obama" "now we are the ununited states
" -> compared to "the economy is failing, America is dangerous with migrants, we need to build a wall", and a mixture of more neutral opinions (of which the US have many cultures; a melting pot, which is a reason why Game Freak was inspired to use America for Gen V so much).Another symbolic element of the plot of Black/White and Black 2/White 2 is that Ghetsis wore beautiful regal clothing. Later he would wear dark clothing, and use a cane, possibly symbolic of unfortunately not looking after himself as well as he used to (they say "no rest for the wicked". I feel that should be changed because he is not necessarily wicked he just is who he is; but "no rest for a heavy mind", and so it is likely he may forget to look after his body.
Colress: The 'grey morality' villain. This actually links into postmodernism in a way I didn't see at first. The increasingly information-based culture today compared to the religious and then industrial periods of past times (a transition represented by monument "The Angel of the North" in England) makes us information hungry.
^ I wonder if Sword and Shield will allude to this in more detail. It does cover it already with the division between north and south Gallar. I can't wait to see what villains may be in these works and the themes they may give birth to.
There are people who will dedicate themselves to science and almost nothing else. What is fascinating is that Colress said he wants to find out what will empower Pokémon (or similar) even if it is without a conscience.
Does Colress only want to provide answers to his curiosity, or does he want to improve the well-being of all? It is difficult to tell. He may have experienced a sense of apathy in this world. As a form of escape, he may dedicate himself to science instead of more full-on social relations.
Colress' style of voice (from personal subjective interpretation) additionally sounds stereotypically on the autistic-spectrum like N before him in its formalness.
"As a researcher, it is the truth and the ideal way things should be that I seek. The latent power of Pokémon… What is the best way to bring it out? If possible, I want it to be the trust between Trainers and their Pokémon, just as it has always been. I look forward to you teaching me that this is indeed true!"
(Note: Nate/Rosa's personality and skills as a Trainer lead him to the conclusion that trust between Trainers and Pokémon truly empowers Pokémon)
Colress later betrayed the neo-Ghetsis run Team Plasma, outraging Ghetsis. He became firm Ghetsis' and Team Plasma's ideas are not as compelling with his research compared to Nate/Rosa's demonstration.
The blue part surrounding his hair, I find curiously alluding to wind/information. It is like information brings us closer to the wind and freedom like a bird (we can escape Earth, generate electricity, whatever we want) as information is power. In being a scientist, people can add new luxuries and ways of enhancing health to society just through analysis and posting their research. Colress of course, wears a stereotypical white lab coat; associated with the sciences.
Lysandre: The villain I find most fascinating. Lysandre had good intentions and was a celebrity in terms of technology in Kalos; a region associated with beauty. Lysandre is stereotypically (in new age movments) a fire-sign; supported by his hair, the colour and name of Team Flare, his extreme passionate energy - who will approach something extremely devoted to it, find ways around problems actively and never stop; sometimes in vain. It's not surprising he is into beauty, because he is in respects a fighter; he could have become a great empowerment fighter in history. I feel he is not a stereotypical narcissist like Ghetsis, because his intentions were based on good grounds and he seemed to show a strong sense of genuine guilt about himself (his intentions were that he would help create a beautiful world). However symbolically, fire has to burn away into ashes through earth (logical, responsible, sensible), water (the hurt he is causing and not seeing), which lead to his implied suicide after failing to pull off the Ultimate Weapon. Lysandre draws historical comparisons to Hitler; both Lysandre and Hitler had great visions, were amazing speakers, but their views would become extreme. Like how Lysandre eventually concluded the world has to be only consist of members of Team Flare, Hitler lead his antisemitism (Nazi party), the Holocaust and practices like religious book burning. These then, were not beautiful. They were regarded as some of the most 'evil' events in history.
What may surprise however, Lysandre felt an immense sense of self-guilt, breaking down at the final Ultimate Weapon scene. A possible interpretation too of the real world Nazi party is that Hitler felt this too when World War II had failed, and as such shot himself (the real cause of death is apparently unknown). He also even cried in concluding that Pokémon would have to go for his goal of a 'beautiful' world with only Team Flare. (Following immense stress/anxiety/breakdown, there is a psychiatric phenomenon known as psychosis. During psychosis, paradigms conceived in the mind become overpowering (and is also related to belief systems; the things we see, the things our minds do not register); and we impulsively act according to them - "the only way for [registered by the mind:] security/'beauty' is through eliminating everyone but Team Flare".) Lysandre then was not necessarily born a narcissist, but he may feel highly sensitive about the world.
Lysandre's Pokémon also mirror him. Pyroar is based on a lions. In popular culture, you hear expressions like "having a lion heart"; and in The Lion King, the regal systems of lions in protecting the circle of life (and the web of life: everything on the planet is valued and has a purpose). As aggressive they may be, they are extremely justified and feel duty on the planet to eliminate unnecessary suffering.
Both Lysandre and Hitler had devout followers. This is a common trait of charismatic leaders.
Lysandre was not alone in self-guilt. Another major character in X/Y was AZ, a giant who fought in a war over 2000 years ago. To save his friend the flower Pokémon, he built the ultimate weapon and could not forgive the suffering the opponents in the war had caused. Giants are symbolic for spiritual leaders; just like Lysandre. Duality (Tao yin-yang) theory suggests they can be groundbreaking, among the most gifted people, but at worst 'monsters'. And the fact that he has survived for over 2000 years illustrates his strength. It's just he was perhaps a very sensitive person liking flowers, on the extreme justified to the point of becoming judgemental and unable to forgive. In respects despite his strong compassion for life, he did something he would regret too - only upon forgiving them the Eternal Flower Floette Pokémon would come back (Xerneas and Yveltal are also life and destruction thinking about it. Zygarde I suspect was intended to represent the grey area; balance of it in sustaining the ecosystem. By human nature we can't bring ourselves to embrace suffering (and it may be true; we will be wiped away, a new species will arise when humanity causes too much imbalance and suffering for other animals and the Earth). But we have to forgive it exists anyway and push it aside; hence the world is beautiful forever even if there is suffering).
The main song kisekae illustrates that regardless of who we are, we are all special, valued. It's true that we all get hurt. But we can use this to unite each other, this and that we all live in the same world, even if we don't understand each other; because we are bound to feel purpose in relatedness.
Some lyrics from the song:
"Search it out and find the way: the point where we can all meet. The point where we're all the same. There it lies: the future we seek. Start from there, and then we'll forge a world where all can be free. Free to dream, and free to smile. Free to be who we will be."
Guzma and Lusamine (complementary):
Like Black/White, there were subtle hints of an unhelpful relationship between Guzma/Luzamine and their children, Gladion and Lillie. I did forget the story for the Gen VII series, but I remember the Aether Paradise and the Aether staff seemed nice, but would turn aggressive following the events of Lillie and Gladion's best efforts to rescue Cosmog from abuse and experimentation.
A personal interpretation is that Guzma is associated with spiritual symbolism of extreme masculinity (perhaps 'sun') and Lusamine extreme femininity (moon). Guzma turned to bullying (perhaps from childhood abuse), and in these games he is the 'man of action', who appears fearless and doesn't care about what others think. However, upon loss he would feel the need for self-persecution (Guzma to himself): "what is wrong with you!".
Positively for the story, his villainhood would become more and more ambiguous (in particular in the sequels where he stands up to Team Rocket who are by comparison seem like just words); he became the 'man of action' who was fearless and didn't care about what others thought.
Lusamine is also covertly similar but in a more passive way. She does seem to imply that she loves her children, but persecutes them in passive aggressive ways; paraphrasing: 'things would be perfect as long as children did what their mother said', and occasionally shames them, hurting their dignity, between the relationship that should be loving (parents and child). Perhaps Lusamine was opinionated and had fallen out with Guzma at some point in their relationship due to breakouts.
Perhaps too, Lusamine felt insecure because she wanted to feel like a good mother and subconsciously thought something was missing, hence wanting more children (some belief envy is most intense when a psychological need is not met). She would (perhaps through another theoretical psychosis like Lysandre) then regard the Ultra Beasts as 'her beautiful Ultra Beasts'; without feeling well to acknowledge and avoid them, as they are dangerous (in particular Nihilego (associated with ego?) possessing her).