Jurnalmuslim.com - Pokemon cartoons were banned in Iraq by President Saddam Hussein. Of course, the prohibition is not just a ban without a reason. There are good reasons why Saddam Hussein was so adamant in boycotting these children's cartoons.
The Japanese-made film also became a spectacle loved by children in Indonesia. One of the private television stations, MNC TV is the holder of the broadcasting rights.
In a state document confiscated by US troops, during a coup in 2004, it was revealed that there were "uncommendable" actions or negative messages behind the film.
The document states that President Saddam Hussein received information about the film from the state intelligence agency. According to information, the names used in the Pokemon movies contain an invitation that cannot be tolerated.
Apparently, the word Pokemon itself means "I'm Jewish". The name Pokemon is taken from the Syriac language, or the Syriac language which in Indonesian means 'I am Jewish'.
Not only Pokemon that has this surprising meaning, but also in other characters, such as Pikachu, the main character in the Pokemon movie. Pikachu, means 'Be a Jew'.
Charmander character, which also means: 'God is Weak'.
Of course, the meaning is very offensive to adherents of religion, especially Islam and Christianity. Because, in Islam, it is clearly called Allahu Akbar (God is Great). Dan in Christianity is called the Holy God.
The reason for the ban, as stated in the document, was to prevent the entry of Jewish influences into the children and the nation's culture.
Syriac is the language commonly spoken by Christian communities in the Middle East, especially Syrian Christians in eastern Turkey, northern Iraq, and northeastern Syria. (neutrality)