Furries

[HelenBaby]

Thought I'd make a thread about *dun dun DUN* furries! What do you think of furries? Hate them/love them? Are you one? If so what kind of fursona do you have? Generic Sonic furfag like myself? Or something else? Are you Active in any online furry communities? (feel free to post links to your FA. Or your LJ, because thats overrun with furs) Ever been to any meets/cons? Want to go to meets/cons?

As for myself I am a furry in the capacity that I have a fursona (even though its just an orange Sonic. I object to making her more realistic on principle) and have attended many furmeets, and even the RBW conventions. There are alot of things about the fandom I dislike, such as the fact a small percentage are into zoophilia =/ The proportion is tiny tbh, but the fact it exists at all has made me seriously consider leaving. Also ; alot of the older members do tend to be a little grumpy, although I wouldn't necessary class that as a bad thing ; it can be hilarious at times!

Also, while I've got nothing against them, the folks who truly believe they have a wolf's spirit or whatever do weird me out a little, hehe

The pluses, for me, certainly outweigh the minuses, though. The main plus is the amazing friends I've made through furry! Won't elaborate on that as I'd be here all day, hehe ^^ I've also learnt a hell of alot in terms of social skills, digital art techniques and computer technology as a direct result. On the whole I'd recommend the fandom (although Sonic will always be my no.1) =)

*EDITS to add ; if any of you live in the UK and are reeeeally interested in the scene, please join the UkFur forums ; http://forum.ukfur.org/

Edited March 13, 2009 by HelenBaby

[Eileanach]

I think I will clear this up then since we have a topic on it.

I have nothing against furries and I try not to judge them as a lot of my friends are furries. I however am not. Back in the golden era when I first had the internet I role played and I used a grey and white skunk to represent myself in that role playing universe. She basically was me but just fluffy. I liked that. I liked having a cute little mask to hide behind. I use her online to give myself anonymity and protection as the internet isn't full of lovely kind hearted people.

I would never really want to go to a furry con because I'm not into it but my friends are trying to get me to go to one and buy a fursuit but I'd rather not as it just makes me feel edgy.

[Kevin]

While I myself am not a furry and have zero interest in going to furry con, I have nothing against those who are.

[Dr. Mechano]

I don't really see the appeal.

By that I mean, I think a lot of cartoon characters are cool, human or otherwise. I don't think Bowser's a cool guy because he's a big spikey turtle- I think he's cool because of his wacky and endearing personality. The same goes for Eggman- I like the character for what he does, not how hairy he is (or isn't). But the furry fandom seems to be far too focused on that aspect of the characters- Who they are seems to pale in comparison to what they are. Or more specifically, what they aren't- Human.

Because of that, I see the fandom as a meaningless and constraining label. Most of the characters I like are human, but I think some of the talking animal types are cool too. But since that's not the aspect of the characters I really care about, I don't think I identify with the "furry" mindset at all. In regards to my earlier example, to me, Bowser would still be Bowser if he was human, so long as he retained his oafish and amusing personality.

I could have the wrong impression of the fandom entirely, of course. But from what I've seen, it focuses far more on species than the characters themselves. And I'm just put off by that.

The sexualizing of animal characters(Humanized or otherwise) is also icky, to put it mildly. But I recognize that's not what the fanbase as a whole is about. Hence my complaints about the far more universal issue of species-focus.

[Flint]

Oh yay, this can of worms and brainfarts is opened here again...

Can I just condense this whole topic into one post? First few posts of random on-topic chatter, then comes the first ignoramus who completely misunderstands the point of the whole subculture/fandom/whatever you wish to call it, an e-crusader comes and tries to correct, correction ignored, the whole topic explodes into a cesspool of random claims learned from sensationalist media and 4chan versus counter-posts that border on fanaticism and end up as being trollfeed anyway, in the end no one's any the wiser and topic dies because it keeps going in circles consisting of the same old furry bickerings ("omg there all animalsexer fetish stuff" "no they're not", ad infinitum) and everyone's head aches as a result.

Edited March 11, 2009 by Flint

[Mollfie]

I don't get it. No offence to anyone, I've got friends who are furries and I just don't get the whole sexual side of it. Why do you want to draw an animal with boobs? How is that sexy? I just don't get it, but I'm sure there are many things I'm into that other's don't get.

I don't see anything wrong with pretending to be an animal, drawing them whatever. I just find it a bit odd when people believe that they are that animal. Also, I find it amusing when some furries will talk about how they always knew they were a furry because as a kid they pretended to be a wolf...when I was little I pretended to be a footstool. I don't beleive that I am a footstool because of it lol. I like anthro art, because they still look like animals just with human personalities. I don't mind furry art where is look more like a person and less like an animal, if that makes sense? I like my friends furry art like this.

I could have the wrong impression of the fandom entirely, of course. But from what I've seen, it focuses far more on species than the characters themselves. And I'm just put off by that.

I've often noticed that for some reason if your character is a female fox/wolf type animal with big boobs/highly sexual that you are more likely to gain popularity in the community.

But, everyone's different and that's what makes the world such an interesting place.

Edited March 11, 2009 by Mollfie

[Violet]

Fwint has learnt from his past <.<.

Furry community, or in-fact, any community in depth is lulz. Individuals however matter, and I know nice individuals =).

don't get it. No offence to anyone, I've got friends who are furries and I just don't get the whole sexual side of it. Why do you want to draw an animal with boobs? How is that sexy? I just don't get it, but I'm sure there are many things I'm into that other's don't get.

Same philosophy can be carried over into how can anybody find any fictional character attractive if they're not real? To be more specific, I'll target the anime community, and ask how can a woman with legs longer than her torso and head combined with melons for breasts and eyes bigger than her hands be attractive? It all works the same way.

[Stacy]

I can't say that it is something that interrests me.

The whole Furry thing these days in public eye has been a bit of a sexual joke, CSI, Siants Row, GTAIV all have made some amusing comments about it. But I don't think everybody that does it likes it doggy style teabanging every 4 seconds....

This has probably caused most overprotective American mothers to shield their children from fur suit people at theme parks (watch out that Tigger is going to rape your child).

I think some people do because they want to hide behind a persona maybe because they feel more comfortable, I don't know....

It is a fascinating aspect of human behavior though, humans who want to act like animals, this dosen't mean they want to act like animals 24/7 but I bet some people out there want to.

I prefer Vampirism that shit is cool!!!!

Edited March 11, 2009 by Bloodfetish

[DMNBT]

I've never understood all the hate furries get, it seems that no matter what forum I'm in, as soon as furries are mentioned, people start spewing hate. Seriously, what did they do to receive such hate?

[Flint]

I just find it a bit odd when people believe that they are that animal.

That's otherkin, a tiny sub-culture of furry fandom. Even most of normal furries think they're somewhat loony.

I've often noticed that for some reason if your character is a female fox/wolf type animal with big boobs/highly sexual that you are more likely to gain popularity in the community.

Similarly, if you're a well-endowed girl you're gonna get more attention in high school, etc. It's a fact of life, sex sells and brings popularity.

I could have the wrong impression of the fandom entirely, of course. But from what I've seen, it focuses far more on species than the characters themselves. And I'm just put off by that.

Considering pretty much every furry has their own character that represents themselves, characters do matter.

Edited March 11, 2009 by Flint

[Mollfie]

Same philosophy can be carried over into how can anybody find any fictional character attractive if they're not real? To be more specific, I'll target the anime community, and ask how can a woman with legs longer than her torso and head combined with melons for breasts and eyes bigger than her hands be attractive? It all works the same way.

(lol you called me moofie X3)

That entirely depends on the artist really (as I am aware that furry art does too). Alot of the time they're purposefully drawn to look that ridiculous, but at the same time there are many men/women out there you find oversized breasts attractive on real women. But most anime has more realisticly proportioned characters, but still stylized of course. Most anime fans also find more normal sized anime characters attractive, and a huge section find "loli" characters attractive (not neccisarily little girls, though some do D=). these are the most popular anime characters the most popular ones being a chibi, normal proportions, flat chested to the point she looks like a boy without long hair and C.C who has got big breasts and a "noodle" body as I call it lol but that's how the whole anime is done.

I never said it was disgusting, I just said that I personally don't understand the attraction to what is essentially an animal. Just as you do not understand the attraction to what is essentially a very deformed woman.

I do however understand being 'turned on' by art. To me that makes perfect sense because the first pornography was drawn.

That's otherkin, a tiny sub-culture of furry fandom. Even most of normal furries think they're somewhat loony.

lol atleast it's not just me then n__n

I just wanted to make it clear that I don't hate furrys lol, I find it kind of fasinating really. I do genuinly want to know about it.

Edited March 11, 2009 by Mollfie

[Delta Starfire]

I like furry characters. I consider myself a casual furry, and I even have a fursona, which I've had now for nearly seven years (shift your eyes a few degrees left and you'll see him in my avi). I seldom draw anything other than furry characters (when I draw anything at all). I have been interested in going to conventions in the past, although that interest has dwindled a bit recently. Yes, I do find some furry females sexually attractive. However, I'm not particularly active in the furry "community" really, aside from very occasional bouts of posting on somewhere like the FA forums.

Watch out, Flint. You seem to be playing out one or more of the roles in your earlier prediction.

Edited March 11, 2009 by Eon

[Flint]

Watch out, Flint. You seem to be playing out one or more of the roles in your earlier prediction.

I know, that's why I never post in these things but I'm so godawfully bored that I ended up posting once and then oh god now I've sucked into this vortex and I cannot escaaaaaape.

Unless, of course, I just ignore GD for a few days again like every last time. I'll go shut up now.

Edited March 11, 2009 by Flint

[Delta Starfire]

I know, that's why I never post in these things but I'm so godawfully bored that I ended up posting once and then oh god now I've sucked into this vortex and I cannot escaaaaaape.

Unless, of course, I just ignore GD for a few days again like every last time. I'll go shut up now.

It's all right. At least the /b/tards haven't descended upon us yet.

[Roarey Raccoon]

Before long post I'll just address that question of why anyone finds furry characters attractive. It's an individual thing, everyone has their own reasons and most people don't know what those reasons are. Same with all sexual attraction really, it's not about logic, it's just there.

The furry fandom is mainly centered on art, that's the heart and soul of it. It's basically, on the outset, a community which appreciates cartoons and anthropomorphic artwork in general. It's also quite a magnet for social dysfunction. Furry is a pretty good reflection of the worst things people think of and an eye-opener on human sexuality. Furries aren't degenerate for being furry, as a group it's no more saturated with deviants than other social groups and fandoms; the difference is the degree of exposure and openness.

I don't want to associate with the overtly sexual side of the fandom, but as an artist I'm going to be confronted with it anyway; it's like everything else, it's fucked up at first but over time you lose your sensitivity towards it. It's just a very large community of people sharing a common interest, but taking it in very different directions with varying degrees of seriousness.

I'm a furry in terms of me being a major fan of the cartoons I grew up with as a kid. I love the artwork and the characters and it's a bit of nostalgia, which is always fun. I get a lot of support and feedback, even money when I sell commissions, from the people in the fandom, so for me it's been a very good place XP.

It's all right. At least the /b/tards haven't descended upon us yet.

Since when has SSMB tolerated that kind of behaviour anyway? =O

[Flyboy Fox]

I tend to unanimously get labelled as a furry, although I don't think I genuinely fit the criteria for being one. I suppose it's up to me whether I identify as one or not, and I don't have strong feelings either way. I'm fine being called one even if it confuses me a little when people do that.

[Delta Starfire]

Since when has SSMB tolerated that kind of behaviour anyway? =O

Never that I can recall. At least, not for very long.

And for that I'm very thankful.

[DaBatGuy]

Though I admit I have recently began to indulge into the sexual side of furry culture I only find it appealing for the art. As much I like collect and draw naughty furry pictures(mostly of the r. 34 flavor) for both arousal and the lulz, most of the things outside of this like animal identities and fursuiting I find rather creepy. I mostly find it very interesting how breaking out of the realms of reality and biological limitations can create some very unique and/or disturbing art works, pornographic or not.

I also began to spend a lot of time analyzing how the same media that discriminates against furries actual has a huge impact on developing these desires in people at a young age (honestly who here didn't have a bit of a crush on anthros like Sally or Cheetara growing up?) and is merely an modern extension of the humanization and personification of non-sentient creatures that is prevalent in nearly every religion and culture known to man.

[Delta Starfire]

I also began to spend a lot of time analyzing how the same media that discriminates against furries actual has a huge impact on developing these desires in people at a young age (honestly who here didn't have a bit of a crush on anthros like Sally or Cheetara growing up?) and is merely an modern extension of the humanization and personification of non-sentient creatures that is prevalent in nearly every religion and culture known to man.

Cheetara, no. Sally, hell yes.

In fact, I'm holding Sally personally responsible for me being a furry.

[Stacy]

I'm a furry in terms of me being a major fan of the cartoons I grew up with as a kid. I love the artwork and the characters and it's a bit of nostalgia,

I think that counts for large amount of people on the SSMB board. Their are tons of people who enjoy the cartoons of their past. But divide lies between people indulge in the furry side and those who don't. I guess what I am trying to say is that many people here like cartoons but not everybody is a furry.

I wonder if this board has ever been stereotyped as a furry fourm?

[BlueFox]

I consider myself a backseat fur. Yes I have a fursona (Fox) and yes I participate on furry websites, but when it comes to the whole fur suiting and fur cons, I don't get involved (I do however go to the London MCM expo). I just hate how whenever it comes to the subject, most people just focus on the bad parts. But then how is this really different from any other comminity. All communities are sterotyped, it's just weather or not for bad or for good.

Although I totally bame 2kinds for my fandom entrance and many at the people at RedVsBlue.com

[Cyberblade]

To each their own really. If somebody wants to get into a furry costume and meet up with a bunch of other people in costume, and possibly have sex in said furry costume so be it. If all they want to do is draw pictures of anthropomorphic foxes so be it. If they want nothing to do with anything with hair in places other than their head, well you get the idea. I don't really understand why people get so worked up over furs. It's a bit different, but so what? If nobody's getting hurt by anything, why should anyone give a fuck?

As for myself, I'm not one of those people who goes in costume, or thinks I'm a creature in spirit. I like some furry artwork (Both clean and dirty), and have my furry character Cyberblade to use as an identity online, but I wouldn't claim myself to be a furry. I just don't have that mindset.

[KittyNakajima]

I think the most I enjoy about furries is just the art. And even at that, I'm very skiddish about it; I tend to enjoy the fanart based on cartoons I used to love as a child and/or have some similarities to them, and nothing more. Once the style starts getting more towards the animal spectrum rather than straying away from a certain balance (i.e., say that present in Mickey Mouse, Sonic, etc.), I tend to lose interest/raise an eyebrow.

As for the adult oriented parts of the fandom, again, art is usually where I draw the line. While I wouldn't say, jump into a fursuit and yiff my ass off, I don't mind hentai/rule 34 related art too much. I do mind if it's something that I would never expect to see it from, such as when I near had a heart attack when I stumbled on some rule 34 of Danger Mouse a few weeks ago. XD

And with all that said, I don't really consider myself a furry. I have a fursona and do fanart, but outside of all that I tend to not give a crap about what goes inside the overall fandom. However, like most people, I am put off by the very small factions within the fandom that take things to a ridiculous extreme, like, among other things, a near obssessive/unnatural attachment to fictional characters. One example of this type that I think best describes how I feel about this would be Ray Jones, a member of the Rescue Rangers fandom. While I have nothing against enjoying/liking a fictional character, I do find it sordid when its to the point where you seemingly enjoy the company of your wife and family members dressed as the character than as their normal selves alone. =/

[Dr. Mechano]

(honestly who here didn't have a bit of a crush on anthros like Sally or Cheetara growing up?)

That's called projection, you know, assuming your experience is true for everyone else. It'd be like me asking "Who here doesn't want to grow a fancy handlebar mustache?" I imagine not everyone does, despite me wanting to.

[Superstrider]

I would not consider myself a furry, but I do have interest in furry girls. There is a limit on how far I'll go, though... Usually I prefer anime style furry girls...

And, I had a crush on Sally, when I was growing up, too.

Edited March 11, 2009 by Superstrider