Heh, I actually have thought about this before. I usually refer to them as "HM buddies", don't really know why, I don't exactly have a problem with the term "slave" being used. I just get a strange connection to my Pokemon, even the "slaves" and "HM buddy" just kind of stuck for me.
I read through some posts and while I do agree it's just a game and the Pokemon do not have feelings, this is an interesting topic to discuss, regardless. It seems to be more about what the individual feels comfortable referring to them as I guess.
I also agree that generally, the Pokemon community understands that calling pixels a slave is different and a smaller deal than referring to something breathing as a slave. It's kind of similar to the term "grammar nazi", except in that case you're labeling a breathing human. I don't think I've ever heard anyone actually offended by that term either, though.
All in all, I don't mind either way, no one seems truly upset about it as far as I know :3
I read through some posts and while I do agree it's just a game and the Pokemon do not have feelings, this is an interesting topic to discuss, regardless. It seems to be more about what the individual feels comfortable referring to them as I guess.
I also agree that generally, the Pokemon community understands that calling pixels a slave is different and a smaller deal than referring to something breathing as a slave. It's kind of similar to the term "grammar nazi", except in that case you're labeling a breathing human. I don't think I've ever heard anyone actually offended by that term either, though.
All in all, I don't mind either way, no one seems truly upset about it as far as I know :3