"The Expansion of the Ghost Type: What does it mean to be a Ghost in Pokémon?"

There are a few new Ghost types in Alola that aren't what I'd call traditional ghosts. You know, like Ghastly, Dusclops, Rotom or Misdrevious? While these Pokémon look very much like run-of-the-mill ghosts. Decidueye, on the other hand does not, and evolves from a non-ghost type besides. What, are we to assume, he died during evolution? Geez, that process must be harder than I thought. Even more bizarre, Oricorio can apparently go from being among the living to the army of the undead, at will, by dancing... Come to think of it, Frillish and Jellicent don't exactly bring ghosts to mind either.Apparently at some point along the way Gamefreak, probably born from a desire to open up design space, have redefined what it means to be a ghost type. No longer limited to just spooky specters and haunted appliances, it would seem the type has now been expanded to include mediums and necromancers, or those who are otherwise "spiritually in-tuned". Meaning that Decidueye and Oricorio are not literal ghosts, but rather have the ability to invoke the power of spirits. Much like how Charmander can breathe fire, but is not actually made of fire. It's a living thing, not some fire elemental. Of course, I don't think anyone was disputing this.But it got me thinking. Does this mean that spiritual power functions as a sort of element in the Pokémon Universe? A force that can be manipulated and utilized by Pokémon, much in the same way fire, electricity, water and ice are? And what does this implication mean for other ghost types? Heck, could it even be possible that there are no true ghost Pokémon? That perhaps all ghostly Pokémon are in actuality living things that simply have ghost-like abilities they obtain by calling upon spirits, or an otherworldly power.This would certainly explain why a Gengar and a Grimer can apparently breed and give birth to a live egg that holds an adorable wittle baby Ghastly inside. And how ghost Pokémon are able to eat, sleep, become sick or get poisoned, and can even be knocked unconscious. All of which being things ghosts aren't really known for.Now I suppose there are several Pokédex entries that could be used to shoot this notion down, sure. However, that thing is filled to the brim with all sorts of dubious information, contradictions and just plain ridiculous exaggerations. Of course, it is written by children. So how reliable can it be?Anyways, thoughts? via /r/pokemon http://ift.tt/2nURypX