I think people who hate Pokemon are just ignorant. For most of the kids in your class have liked Pokemon one time or another.
Anyway, I first got gooked to Pokemon back when I was 8 years old, in the third grade. I was sitting in the living room, when Pokemon the anime came on. It was "The Island of Giant Pokemon" episode. It was the very first Pokemon theme I had ever seen and experienced in my whole life. Shorty after, I began to collect the cards, and so did everyone else in my school. Then, for my 9th birthday, me and my friends went to see Pokemon the First Movie. Then, I got Silver Version, my first Pokemon game ever. I loved it, with my totodile at my side, we ventured throughout Johto and beat every trainer that crossed our paths. Then I got Crystal Version. I liked that one even more because I could be a girl and the animations rocked. Now, at the age of fourteen, I love Pokemon just as strongly as ever. My friends all know I like Pokemon, and my best pal Laura even likes Pokemon too. She is the best at Pokemon Snap and her Blue Version she beat in just a matter of days. ^^ Now, on to the dear Ruby Version. I got this about a year ago. I am currently in Lilycove City, and tracking down Maxie of Team Magma, the fool stole the Blue Orb.....Oh! I also now have around 300 Pokemon cards, no doubles.
Weeeeeeeeeeell, that's how it alllllllllllll started. ^_~
~Kelsey