Gotta Meme 'em All: A Tale of Two Youngsters: Difference between revisions

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Youngster Ben is a trainer locatated on {{bp|Kanto Route 3}} in {{bp|Pokémon Red and Blue Versions}} and {{bp|Pokémon Yellow Version}}, as well as {{bp|Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Versions}}.  He did not have a name in {{bp|Generation I}}, being referred to only as a Youngster, and was given the name in the {{bp|Generation III}} remakes.  Unlike Youngster Joey, Ben is only fought once and is just a normal trainer on Route 3, but he has become an icon in the Pokémon franchise because of what he says before he battles you.
Youngster Ben is a trainer locatated on {{bp|Kanto Route 3}} in {{bp|Pokémon Red and Blue Versions}} and {{bp|Pokémon Yellow Version}}, as well as {{bp|Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Versions}}.  He did not have a name in {{bp|Generation I}}, being referred to only as a Youngster, and was given the name in the {{bp|Generation III}} remakes.  Unlike Youngster Joey, Ben is only fought once and is just a normal trainer on Route 3, but he has become an icon in the Pokémon franchise because of what he says before he battles you.


{{quote|''I like shorts!  They're comfy and easy to wear!''|Youngster Ben}}
{{quote|''Hi!  I like shorts!  They're comfy and easy to wear!''|Youngster Ben}}


This one line from an NPC even less significant than Youngster Joey became very popular in the Pokémon fandom due to the sheer absurdity of it.  It is not something that one would say to leave a good first impression.  Although for some it became mimetic because of how it is the perfect example of why NPCs are an irritating bother, others are inspired by him for saying what he wants to say, for proudly declaring his love for the liberating male apparel.  (In the opinion of this columnist, who wears shorts 365 days a year, they are rather comfortable.)  But no matter how one looks at it, this quote gained immense popularity in the Pokémon community, popularity it still has today, along with Youngster Joey.
This one line from an NPC even less significant than Youngster Joey became very popular in the Pokémon fandom due to the sheer absurdity of it.  It is not something that one would say to leave a good first impression.  Although for some it became mimetic because of how it is the perfect example of why NPCs are an irritating bother, others are inspired by him for saying what he wants to say, for proudly declaring his love for the liberating male apparel.  (In the opinion of this columnist, who wears shorts 365 days a year, they are rather comfortable.)  But no matter how one looks at it, this quote gained immense popularity in the Pokémon community, popularity it still has today, along with Youngster Joey.


So popular did Youngster Ben become that he has been referenced directly in two different Pokémon games later in the series:
So popular has Youngster Ben become that he has been referenced directly twice later on in the Pokémon {{bp|core series}} titles:


*
*In {{bp|Pokémon Black and White Versions 2}}, a {{bp|Lady (Trainer Class)|Lady}} in {{bp|Humilau City}} when encountered says "This dress is comfy and easy to wear...".
*
*In {{bp|Pokémon X and Y}}, another Youngster by the name of Keita will challenge the player to a battle, quoting Youngster Ben word for word.
 
Youngster Ben's iconic quip is not only referenced in the Pokémon video games;  it appears that he had an effect on the developers of the Japan-and-Europe-exclusive adventure game {{wp|''Last Window:  The Secret of Cape West''}} for the {{bp|Nintendo DS}}.  In this game, the protagonist Kyle Hyde will say "I like suits.  They're comfy and easy to wear." when examining his wardrobe.  To be referenced in a video game by a different developer is a testament to the prevalence of this meme.
 
{{TCGGallery|
image1=I Like Shorts.png|
caption1=|
size1=200px|
image2=I Like Shorts Super Effective.gif|
caption2=|
size2=250px|
}}


==Closing==
==Closing==
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