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On the Origin of Species: Poochyena and Mightyena (view source)
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Given all of the above, I have to admit that the Pokémon series' portrayal of hyenas is actually a pretty positive one. I've even seen suggestions that some of Poochyena and Mightyena's more positive traits must come from dogs, because, well... there's no way that hyenas could be cute, or noble, or intelligent... right? | Given all of the above, I have to admit that the Pokémon series' portrayal of hyenas is actually a pretty positive one. I've even seen suggestions that some of Poochyena and Mightyena's more positive traits must come from dogs, because, well... there's no way that hyenas could be cute, or noble, or intelligent... right? | ||
Their coloration actually seems closest to the striped hyena, which is various shades of black, white and gray. It's just as likely, though, that these colors were chosen for the simple reason that both Pokémon are {{type2|Dark}}s. Shiny Poochyena and Mightyena have a color that's pretty close to that of the spotted hyena. | Their coloration actually seems closest to the striped hyena, which is various shades of black, white and gray. It's just as likely, though, that these colors were chosen for the simple reason that both Pokémon are {{type2|Dark}}s. Shiny Poochyena and Mightyena have a color that's pretty close to that of the spotted hyena. | ||
Pokédex entries reveal more hyena-like features: references are made to Poochyena's strong teeth and ability to eat almost anything. Mightyena's Pokédex entries tell of co-operation and a rigid social hierarchy that allows the species to thrive. Clearly, somebody at {{bp|Game Freak}} did their research. The only criticism I have of the series' portrayal is to do with the names: 'Poochyena' furthers the misconception that hyenas are dogs. We can't really blame the localization team for this one, though, because the name is derived from the Japanese name, ''Pochiena. Pochi'' is a generic Japanese name often given to dogs, so it seems as if they were going for the same thing. | Pokédex entries reveal more hyena-like features: references are made to Poochyena's strong teeth and ability to eat almost anything. Mightyena's Pokédex entries tell of co-operation and a rigid social hierarchy that allows the species to thrive. Clearly, somebody at {{bp|Game Freak}} did their research. The only criticism I have of the series' portrayal is to do with the names: 'Poochyena' furthers the misconception that hyenas are dogs. We can't really blame the localization team for this one, though, because the name is derived from the Japanese name, ''Pochiena'' (ポチエナ). ''Pochi'' is a generic Japanese name often given to dogs, so it seems as if they were going for the same thing. | ||
Regardless of this minor quibble, I have to give credit to the Pokémon series for a largely positive portrayal of this underappreciated animal. I've a great fondness for hyenas (just ask Hedwig, the plush hyena who lives on my desk), and I really believe that, if we could only do something about these false stereotypes, many more people would come to appreciate the hyena as an animal that's intelligent, unique and, yes, even beautiful. If just one person reading this is inspired to change their perception of the hyena, I'll consider it a job well done. | Regardless of this minor quibble, I have to give credit to the Pokémon series for a largely positive portrayal of this underappreciated animal. I've a great fondness for hyenas (just ask Hedwig, the plush hyena who lives on my desk), and I really believe that, if we could only do something about these false stereotypes, many more people would come to appreciate the hyena as an animal that's intelligent, unique and, yes, even beautiful. If just one person reading this is inspired to change their perception of the hyena, I'll consider it a job well done. | ||
{{Origin}} | {{Origin}} | ||