We, in the United States, live in a society that, when boiled down to it, derives from puritanical values where certain things are classified as socially acceptable while others are seen as taboo. Though, what may seem like taboos to some may not be to others and instead or pretty normal. One thing, or subculture that the public seems to still think is a little out there, and still have numerous misconceptions on, is the community of individuals who classify themselves as furries. You may know exactly what I am talking about, or you might not, so for those who are not familiar, furries are anthropomorphic characters (animals, real or mythological) which posses human-like qualities. For the most part, the word "furries" is used to define people in the Furry Fandom, who identify closely with their avatars, or fursona (furry persona). There are also those who either create or have full or partial fursuits, which are animal costumes that represent a certain individual's character, commissioned and usually do not come cheap.
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For this article, I want to focus more on the fandom to help you readers get a sense of what the Furry Fandom is all about. To iterate a statement previously mentioned, this subculture is rittled with misconceptions and has been subjugated to hatred and fear from a countless number of people. My question is, why? Why the fear? Why the hatred? I decided to investigate and ask around, wondering what people thought of furries as a whole and why these misunderstandings might exist. I found one individual, whose identity will be censored and instead represented under the name of Jane Doe. I asked what she thought of furries and why this negativity surrounds the community and she replied:
"I think that furries are good for artists who work on commission because they will frequently pay big bucks for artworks. I also think that furries are starting to be a part of mainstream fandom culture because of their inherent relation to supernatural things like werewolves, etc. That said, I think that like in all subcultures, there are definitely individuals who are completely weird, and like with all subcultures, the general public is more likely to identify furries with the individuals who would have been weird regardless of their special interest group."
When she mentioned the "weirdos", I could tell she was relating back to furries who usually dress up in fursuits or what not and engage in sexual behavior. However, that is just another aspect of fursuiting, or another thing people do in the Furry Fandom because people are attracted to anthropomorphic beings, or other fursuiters. The problem is is that a stereotype builds around that idea and unfortunately transforms into this theory that being a furry means you must be into bestiality, which is, again, a huge misconception.
Though, I wanted to know what someone from inside the fandom had to say, to see the story from their point of view and to be able to understand how they joined the Furry Fandom, what it means to the people who are in it, and why they think these misconceptions exist. I finally found a furry whom I did a short interview on Twitter with and was able to get a sense as to his involvement with the fandom. Again, concerning privacy, the identity of the interviewee has been censored and will be known under the name of John Deer. I began with a few questions and asked him how did he first start to realize he was a furry and what his thoughts were on the fandom.
"I had an interest in anthropomorphic art and found out that there was a community where not was it celebrated, but we were encouraged to make our own character. As for the fandom, I view it as a sort of zodiac. People psychoanalyzing themselves and creative a psych profile, which people can relate to based on common traits or unique views."
His answers were pretty unique and helped me understand certain aspects about how furries choose characters and species and how it was based on not only personal views, but those of others as well. I moved on to my next question and asked him what do you think the fandom personally is for you and for others? Do you see it as a hobby? A job? Or do you think that it is your, as well as other peoples, personality?
"I think it is different for everyone. For me, my fursona is my spirit animal of sorts. He is my conscience, my outside looking in. He is the devil and angel on my shoulders. To many, the fandom is a place of acceptance. I know some artists who treat this as a hobby, so I think it is a bit of everything."
I finally moved to the final question, which tackled the stereotypes and negativity that surrounded the subculture and asked what his thoughts on them were.
"Well, from animal f***ers to pedophiles in animal suits, I hear a lot of nonsense that ends up being related to one guy getting caught on the news and then blanket labeling us all."
It is clear that the media is mostly to blame for the bad reputation furries have had thrown on them, and it is shame because what they fail to cover is that the community, for the most part, is full of extremely amazing people, who not only make a living out of this, but enjoy what they do, whether it is role playing or fursuiting, and they sometimes do it for a good cause. Most, if not all, furry conventions host some sort of charity donation or auction, which the proceeds are then donated to various causes, from helping veterans, to children's hospitals. According to WikiFur, the largest fund-raising organization, as of July 3, 2016, was $285,592 raised by the Midwest Furfest, beating Anthrocon's (the largest furry convention in the world) raised amount of $271,199.
The way I say it, the Furry Fandom is a place of acceptance, where people connect to have fun, view an enormous selection of artworks to which they can contribute to, as well as purchase. It is a place where people are free and safe and can be who they are without judgment, without hesitation, and without hatred. It is a place where desires can be fulfilled and where anything is possible. It is where people build relationships, friendships, and even networking contacts. In essence, it is a place of harmony and fun, where truly amazing and extraordinary people can be found, and where everyone is considered family.
