Here's something I've wondering. Has the Ash bashing been around since 1997?

I don't think so. I also find it hilarious that the anime was aired on April Fools day. XD

You mean the hating on Ash? Definitely, you don't even need to look hard for it. xD

I think it's ridiculous, as well. Ash is completely selfless, and would rush in to help anyone without a second thought. I don't care what anybody says, Ash is great. Besides, he's a much better trainer than Red. Yeah, I said it. Ash beat the final Kanto gym leader using only three Pokémon, whereas Red only just managed to beat Giovanni's three Pokémon with his entire party. And then there's the fact that Ash saved the world several times. But eh, small detail.

Ash gets alot of smack, for some reason.