When I was in third grade, the Japanese cartoon “Pokémon” made its way to the American continents, flourishing in America. In addition some playing cards were marketed, with pictures of various creatures by different artists, attracting the kids' eyes and wallets.
I first saw the cards at a friend's house at a dinner party. When he brought out the new novelties, I was immediately taken by them. Some Pokémon were stronger than others; some had unique abilities and effects. When I got home I begged my mom to buy some for me, and after making me promise that I wouldn't take them to school, she got me a pack.
The intense obsession with these cards that many children had was unbelievable, and the card stores were furnished especially to attract little children. On all sides shiny new packs of the latest editions shown, leading kids to pull out their pocket money and their parents' money to buy, to consume, to purchase. The storeowners would even know names of the kids who went often and greet them, while showing them the newest cards. One owner employed a selling trick: they allowed children to swap cards for cards of lesser value, gaining even more customers who wanted to upgrade their decks.
For a while I'd come home and take out my cards, playing with myself mainly (change, it may have a different meaning to readers) since I had no siblings. Looking back, this seems childish, but back then I was almost addicted. I'd sometimes call up neighbors to play too. After school you'd see a few kids merrily sitting in someone's garage, trading cards and discussing strategies. A parent would, on some days, take us to the card store to trade. If a stranger saw us, they he would probably think we were some kind of young businessmen, swinging our tote bags around. This Pokémon craze infected our entire neighborhood; at school if a student claimed to not have any playing experience, the community would look at him strangely and with distaste.
My parents never interfered with my card playing, but that didn't mean they approved of it. They just wanted me to have a fun childhood, because they remembered their own times and wanted me to grow up healthily. Dad told me that he remembered collecting cigarette boxes and making origami with his friends. It's just that the things we play with now are a lot flashier and more expensive. Dad also applauded the card shop owner's marketing strategies, gaining her lots of selling opportunities. He told me that I should learn from these. But I was too small; I didn't have much of an interest in business just yet.