Are you fearing the future?                                                                                          (what happens when I can’t decide on a title…you get a subtitle…)

On 6 July 2016, Poke’mon Go was released in the United States.  Nearly immediately, Poke’mon trainers were seen exploring new worlds, State and National Parks, museums, historic sites, and neighborhoods across the nation in an effort to “catch them all”.  This new explorer (the trainer) has caused quite a stir…both positive and negative.

As opinions and articles began to roll in, I watched, read, and listened; opening myself to differing opinions, while trying to remain neutral.  Some voices have been strongly against this “outlandish” game that distracts and disrupts, while some proclaim it to be the key to unlocking connections to a new generation of visitors.

After a thorough research and self-evaluation, I find myself in the key crowd.  One of my ‘ah-ha’ moments, during the examination process, came when a fellow interpreter quoted one of our founding fathers, Freeman Tilden, from his 1957 book, Interpreting Our Heritage.   He elegantly writes:

“A roster of the reasons why people visit parks, museums, historic houses and similar preserves, though a fascinating excursion into human psychology, need not detain us here…..I go upon the assumption therefore that whatever their reasons for coming, the visitors are there….Now that the visitor is here, in what will be his chief interest?…The visitor’s chief interest is in whatever touches his personality, his experience, and his ideals.”

And that, my friends, settled it for me.  Many times people are afraid to embrace what they don’t understand.  We must be open to the future, it’s technology and tech savvy visitors, while building on the foundation laid by Freeman Tilden.

…and a bonus article

14 Reasons Why Poke’mon Go is the Future of Learning is a great article, with some very valid points…plus the author makes a reference (and supplies a video) to Kung Fu Panda, which immediately gives the article legitimacy.   “Use it or fight it”.