Let's Talk About Social Impact

Me: Well, there are only a few days left in the month (and that "break" that we brought up earlier), so I thought we'd fill it with a "Let's Talk".

Goh: I guess it makes sense. You might not be sending Ash to anything for a bit.

Ash: Well, um...

Goh: Oh, something today? 

Ash: But we can talk about it as we go.

Me: And it also ties into the topic for today - "social impact".

Ash: OK, so... it's like, doing good for others and really making them feel good.

Me: Yeah, more or less.

Goh: I bet you do that all the time with what you do that doesn't involve Pokémon.

Me: I would like to think I do, but I'm not sure to what extent. 

Ash: I'm sure you do! You don't have to think about it.  

Pikachu: Pi pika. ["So do I."] 

Me: I wouldn't doubt that. So, as for relating this to Pokémon...

Ash: Oh, I know! It's like cleaning up Grimer from the sewage, or getting rid of Alolan Rattata.

Goh: That would definitely affect many people in good ways. You must have done them before.

Ash: Yeah! In Kanto and Alola.

Goh: Well, of course. And having been Professor Cerise's research fellows, I think we would have affected many people too with what we did in that time.

Ash: Hey! That's a good way to think about it.

Me: I've seen some of that, and I think I can vouch for them. But then again, sometimes social impact just means going "back to the basics".

Ash: Like, making sure they're not hungry.

Goh: Or cheering them up when they're down.

Ash: They're both important! But also the first one.

Goh: You know, you seem to be never not hungry.

Me: I think that makes two of us. (Although, I do need to cut back every so often...)

Pikachu: Pi pika pika! ["That could be three!"] 

Ash: Haha. Well...

Me: Anyway, Ash has a good point. Which is why I sent you to a familiar place to do something familiar for that purpose.

Goh: Oh, again like last year!

Ash: Yeah! And just like last year, everything went by in a flash.

Goh: I guess a lot of people were hungry too during this break.

Me: Sure. That's also the case with me.

Goh: I'm sure you had a good time with our friend's friends.

Ash: Yeah, but then when I needed to go and do something for our friend, I slipped up... I think you might need some of that "social impact".

Me: Oh, hmm. If only that could be the case. I'll deal with it somehow.

Ash: I also stopped by to meet your card game friends before doing something else for you. I felt a little better after that. 

Goh: Why not. That's a "social impact" in a way. 

Pikachu: Pika chu. ["Sure."] 

Me: So, to sum things up, social impact can come in various ways, with or without Pokémon.

Goh: But you know, you always prefer having that along the way.

Ash: I do too!

Me: Very much so. And if that can come with a host of friends who love you - especially for who you are - then that's all the more reason.

Goh: Given what happened to you recently, that may be for the best.

Ash: But we'll still be here for you!

Goh: That's true.

Me: Now, I think I need to scrounge up a few more things - especially before and as the "break" draws to an end.

Goh: I suppose that will be soon?

Me: Soon.

Ash: And then we can keep on making "social impacts".

Me: That should always be the case, with or without a "break" to go along with them.

One year ago: The Charm of Open-Air Pokémon Markets

Two years ago: Tournament: Arcaviary Tournament - Ionic Cup

Three years ago: The Route Themes of Journey Beginnings

Four years ago: Let's Talk About Waiting Games

Five years ago: Tournament: Raid Group Toxic Cup

Six years ago: Gender Appeal

Seven years ago: At a Loss... in Lavender Tower

Eight years ago: GSC Nendoroid Series #425: Red