Pokémon: The Banned Episodes
What Pokemon stuff has caused such a stir that it was outright banned? This class examines episodes, cards, and games from the Pokemon anime that have been altered due to cultural differences, historical context, and censorship practices.
Lauren James
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4.9
Number of reviews:(3,155)
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What's included
4 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentMastery Evaluation
1 hour per week. Students can post their answers to any "Expand Your Knowledge" challenge to receive feedback from the teacher.Class Experience
US Grade 5 - 12
The Pokemon franchise has existed since 1996. Since that time, Pokemon has released video games, an anime tv show, movies, trading cards, and other merchandise. With more than two decades' worth of media that is hugely popular all around the world, there are bound to be a few things that people object to. Some of these things are because of cultural differences, while others are because of complicated histories. In this course, we are going to examine Pokemon episodes, games, cards, etc., that were banned or altered because they had content that someone (or some country) didn’t like. Along the way, we'll learn about the concept of censorship, why it exists, and why censorship differs according to region and culture. This class is not as light-hearted as my other Pokemon classes; we take a serious look at cultural and historical context with each of these "banned episodes." Because of this, it's important that you read the Parental Guidance section before signing up for this course. (I do accept students below the recommended age, as long as you've read this section and are aware of the content!) This is a self-paced course; each lesson contains one recording (each about 15 minutes long) plus extension activities to expand your learning beyond the recording. All extension activities are optional and at the discretion of the parent. Need a discount? Sure thing! All of my self-paced courses are "pay what you can afford." To get the discount you need, sign up for the course first, then message me with the discount you would like, and I will apply a partial refund. This must be done before the end of the first week of class.
Syllabus
4 Lessons
over 4 WeeksLesson 1:
Introduction, Japanese Culture
Introduction (recording length: 5:00)
⬥ Origins of Pokemon
⬥ What is censorship?
⬥ Why does censorship exist?
Too Much Japanese Culture (recording length: 14:36)
⬥ Japanese foods that were altered in the anime to be more "American"
⬥ References to the Shinto religion were altered (because American children wouldn't understand them)
⬥ Episodes that were banned in South Korea for being overtly Japanese (why is Japanese culture frowned upon in South Korea?) 19 mins of video lessons
Lesson 2:
Sexuality
Sexuality (recording length: 13:46)
⬥ Changes in characters' clothing to fit that country's "modesty" standards. (Such as changing a speedo to swim shorts)
⬥ Breastfeeding controversy - why a cow Pokemon feeding another Pokemon milk was censored for American TV.
⬥ Overt sexuality that was okay for Japan, but not for America (such as James wearing an inflatable bikini for a swimsuit contest) 13 mins of video lessons
Lesson 3:
World War II, Racism
World War II (recording length: 5:07)
⬥ The swastika - its different meaning in Japan.
⬥ When Meowth dressed up as Hitler (by accident).
⬥ The Nazi salute in multiple Pokemon episodes.
Racism (recording length: 10:38)
⬥Why the original design of Jynx (a Pokemon) and Lenora (a Pokemon trainer) were deemed to be inappropriate for America, and were altered before being allowed on American TV.
⬥ Why Ash painting his face black to look like a monkey was banned in America. 15 mins of video lessons
Lesson 4:
Disasters, Health and Safety
Disasters (recording length: 3:04)
⬥ Episodes temporarily removed from rotation after 9/11.
⬥ Countries that avoided showing disaster-related Pokemon episodes after their own disasters. (For instance, not airing an earthquake-related episode after an earthquake hit that country.)
Health and Safety (recording length: 10:48)
⬥ The infamous "seizure episode."
⬥ Some scenes and episodes deemed too violent for American audiences. 13 mins of video lessons
Other Details
Parental Guidance
The following topics are discussed in this class.
⬥ Anti-Japanese sentiment in South Korea due to cultural genocide.
⬥ A discussion of breastfeeding and its treatment in different cultures.
⬥ Characters in clothing that many Americans would consider to be "immodest" (but were permitted in Japan)
⬥ Defining sexual harassment and looking at some examples from Pokemon (which were banned in America).
⬥ Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party (and why swastikas and the Nazi salute are still censored)
⬥ What Blackface is, and how it impacts American television standards. (Includes a video clip)
⬥ The destruction that results from earthquakes and tsunamis.
⬥ What happened on 9/11 and how it impacted children's television.
⬥ Anime characters pointing guns at each others' heads.
⬥ Video clips and stills from Pokemon episodes that were banned in America (but considered suitable for children in Japan)
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined September, 2017
4.9
3155reviews
Star Educator
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in Education from Brigham Young University
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I offer a "pay what you can afford" discount for all flex classes. After you enroll, send me a message from the section you signed up for. I can then apply a partial refund to match the amount you need; it can be any amount!
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From 2005 to 2021 I was a highly certified teacher in Arizona, in Science, Language Arts, and Social Studies. (I allowed my teaching license to lapse after becoming employed by the University of Arizona.) I have a Bachelor of Science in Earth and Space Science Education. I have four children ranging from 9 to 14 years of age. Besides teaching on Outschool, I am an advisor and educational outreach coordinator at the University of Arizona, and I also run my own small business giving astronomy shows in an inflatable planetarium for libraries and schools. In my spare time, I like to hike with my family, go on road trips, and volunteer with the Crisis Text Line (an organization that helps at-risk teens and young adults work through difficult situations).
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Most of my classes come with projects or extension activities your child can do at home. Because every family situation is different, all of these activities and assignments are optional and at the discretion of the parent.Reviews
Self-Paced Course
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4 weeks of teacher support
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Ages: 10-18
