The end of the first game shows that, thanks to Olimar's help, the Pikmin have become more self sufficient (they go straight to attacking a Bulborb, one of their natural predators, before it has a chance to eat any Pikmin). Also if anything Pikmin to me represents cooperation and teamwork, even if the people you work with are "foreign" to you and you cannot understand their method of communication. The sequels furthered this idea by adding in more captains and cooperative play.

OKAY, HE DID NOT JUST SAY THAT ONE OF MY MOST BELOVED CHILDHOOD GAMES WAS RACIST. EVERYBODY KILL HIM. NOW.