Pikachu protesters, Studio Ghibli memes and the subversive power of cuteness
- Written by Yii-Jan Lin, Associate Professor of New Testament, Yale University
The Pokémon character Pikachu has become the unofficial symbol of the opposition to Turkish President Recep Erdogan.Pat Batard/Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty ImagesIn Antalya, Turkey, in the early hours of March 27, 2025, Pikachu was spotted fleeing the police, making a getaway as fast as his short yellow legs could waddle.
The person dressed as...
Read more: Pikachu protesters, Studio Ghibli memes and the subversive power of cuteness









