Photo illustration by Barry Kaufman
There is a time and a place for everything.
It's understandable that the new Pokémon Go app is one of the most successful out of the gate. And it's wonderful that it's getting people to get out of the house and explore the world. However, some locations are best left to moments of respect not joyous flicks of the fingers as you gobble up Pokémon in the area.
And, according to CNN Money, Washington D.C.'s United States Holocaust Museum and Arlington National Ceremony officials have had about enough of Pokémon Go users playing in the area.
Andy Hollinger, director of communications at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, stated things simply and explained why walking around trying to catch virtual characters goes against the very fabric of solemnity established at places like these.
Hollinger states, "Playing Pokémon Go in a memorial dedicated to the victims of Nazism is extremely inappropriate."
And, as you would expect, Hollinger explains, "We are attempting to have the Museum removed from the game."
We previously explained the hot new game that is quickly taking over the world in an article this week.
As those who have played the game know, walking the neighborhood will reveal various Poké Stops and Gyms that are peppered around your immediate area. This is true for just about anywhere your feet will take you.
Obviously, this means museums and places of interest are included in the massive hunt for Pokémon. Unfortunately, that includes places where being respectful and putting away the smartphone is a far more acceptable practice than roaming the halls giggling as you flick your finger launching pretend balls at fake monsters.
The Arlington National Cemetery had a similar plea for its visitors:
As CNN Money notes, the game has been played in other sensitive sites around the world, including the Auschwitz museum in Poland and the 9/11 Memorial in New York City.
And because the game champions a franchise started in the '90s a large swath of players are adults who are immersing themselves in nostalgia.
That sad fact is there are many people who really should know better.
There are countless places where you should play Pokémon Go. The app remains a clever way to get out and see the world.
Obviously, there are also places that really should be off limits. These are places where you should pocket the phone and walk in peaceful reflection.
Hopefully this reminder will curb what is a troubling trend at so many important locations around the world.
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