Furries

[Guest]

I love Furry art, tame and pornographic. In fact, normal art and porn doesn't interest me much. =P

I have multiple characters, most male, and I could spend hours a day spriting them. Though I can't draw well, so I avoid that.

A few of my friends are also furries, and the non-furries don't seem to care much.

I think I missed the point of this topic. Oh well. =S

[Delta Starfire]

A major problem with some furries, which is probably responsible for a lot of the drama that gets associated with them (particularly when it comes to arguments with anti-furry types), is that they take themselves far too seriously. Honestly, if you're into the furry fandom, then you really need to be able to laugh at it and especially at yourself, or else you're just asking for trouble.

[Semi-colon e]

I'll get called out on this, but when someone is like "Oh I AM a wolf" and pretends they are that animal, I find it pretty strange.

Other than that, Molfie put the rest of it better than me. I find it damned weird, but as long as it's not shoved down my throat I don't really care. Like a lot of things really.

In before crusade !_!

Edited March 11, 2009 by Semi-colon e

[Runeologic]

I hate any non sonic style furies to be honest, i hate the art and the people who are into anthros.

[CtW]

I don't really have an opinion one way or another on furries, I suppose. On one hand, I don't understand the attraction for people who really get into it with the conventions and fursuits-- especially since those fursuits must be uncomfortable as hell. On the other hand I don't understand the hate for them considering when a fandom gets brought into the eyes of "normal" society (Ha ha, yeah normal society. Like that really exists.) they usually catch some shit for a few weeks from the more judgmental people then everyone forgets about it. But with furries it seems like they get something of a consistent bashing; not a lot, mind you, but still rather consistent.

I do understand some of the other aspects of the fandom though, and I like the art. I also suppose I technically have something equivalent to a fursona, I just don't choose to associate with the fandom as I can't say I entirely relate to it.

[Flyboy Fox]

A major problem with some furries, which is probably responsible for a lot of the drama that gets associated with them (particularly when it comes to arguments with anti-furry types), is that they take themselves far too seriously. Honestly, if you're into the furry fandom, then you really need to be able to laugh at it and especially at yourself, or else you're just asking for trouble.

This sums it up nicely. Honestly, if you have interests or beliefs or behaviours outside of the 'norm', you have to accept that they will be seen as odd and even silly by a lot of people. The best thing to do is to openly accept this and be prepared to even poke a little fun at yourself. Having an "I know it seems ridiculous, but that's me XD" attitude to it will get you much further than an "OMG fursecution!! >O" attitude will.

[Roarey Raccoon]

I don't really have an opinion one way or another on furries, I suppose. On one hand, I don't understand the attraction for people who really get into it with the conventions and fursuits-- especially since those fursuits must be uncomfortable as hell.

It's the sense of becoming a furry character, wearing a suit. Dressing up as anything, putting on a mask, you're escaping yourself and breaking down the usual inhibitions that usually prevent you from enjoying yourself properly. So the discomfort is tolerated because it gives fursuiters a sense of being something different and enjoying themselves as another character. A lot of keen suiters will say how they don't like to be approached without their fursuit head on or by other suiters without the heads, because it breaks the character illusion and ruins the magic of it.

Odd, but hell, if someone can get that much excitement out of putting on a costume then they're the lucky ones.

[JezMM]

My brother is a furry, (he is a rabbit apparently) which I find hilarious as he's never shown any interest for animals in his entire life, yet apparently he "always knew" ever since he was little.

[DaBatGuy]

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.

Quite true, but but considering that I was posting on a Sonic forum where a majority of the members grew up watching SATAM and other shows with sexualized anthromorphic characters I though it had a decent chance of being true.

[CtW]

It's the sense of becoming a furry character, wearing a suit. Dressing up as anything, putting on a mask, you're escaping yourself and breaking down the usual inhibitions that usually prevent you from enjoying yourself properly. So the discomfort is tolerated because it gives fursuiters a sense of being something different and enjoying themselves as another character. A lot of keen suiters will say how they don't like to be approached without their fursuit head on or by other suiters without the heads, because it breaks the character illusion and ruins the magic of it.

Odd, but hell, if someone can get that much excitement out of putting on a costume then they're the lucky ones.

Hm, I can understand that then from the point of view as, amongst other reasons, I play MMORPGs for the same sense of escapism.

Edited March 11, 2009 by Cipher

[Mollfie]

I think at the end of the day, most people have nothing against furries...just the wierdo ones. Same with any sub-culture.

[Delta Starfire]

I think at the end of the day, most people have nothing against furries...just the wierdo ones. Same with any sub-culture.

Unfortunately, you'd be surprised.

[RainbowLizard]

I am completely indifferent to Furries, although, I do find it strange when completely grown men go around dressed as squirrels.

I do have a furry character kinda, but I don't tend to pay much attention to the culture or anything. *shrugs* Apathetic I guess.

[Serperior]

Ok, in my opinion there are different types of furries. Here are what I call each type and my stance on each one.

Low level Furries:

These are the ones that are into anthromorphic characters and like to draw them, thats about it. These ones are usually very good people however they are quite rare. Sadly this kind is put under the harsh generalisation of 'fur fags' like every other kind of furry despite the fact that they are 2 completely different things.

Medium Level furries:

These are the kind that draw anthromorphic art but they also like to pretend that they are an animal. These ones are more common then the low level furries but they're usually ok unless theyre trying to shove the fact that they are a furry/you should be a furry down your throat.

High level furries:

These are the kind that draw more suggestive anthromorphic art but without it being yiff/hentai. These are also the ones that often think that they are an animal and will often try to make it obvious that they are a furry or that you should be a furry etc. These usually attend furry conventions as well. These can also be ex-'fur fags' trying to get out of the perverted zone.

Low level 'Fur fags':

These are the kind that make yiff/hentai of anthromorphs and look at yiff/hentai of anthromorphs. However these are the kind that dont try to make you think that the character is sexy and they dont think that they are an animal/pretend they are an animal. I cant really say much on this one because they are extremely un-common.

Medium level 'Fur fags':

These are the kind that make/look at yiff/hentai of anthromorphs but the stuff these ones make are more sexual than what the lower level ones make. These ones will also either pretend/think that they are an animal or shove it down your throat that they are a furry/you should be a furry. These often attend conventions as well.

High level 'Fur fags':

These ones I really cant stand. These are the kind that make/look at extremely sexual yiff/hentai of anthromorphs and can often go as far as perving on real animals. These ones will always think that they are an animal, always go on about how sexy *Insert character here* is and nearly always make it obvious that they are a furry or try to convince you that you should be a furry. They nearly always attend conventions.

I know that I may have missed some details and I often repeated myself and edited the text slightly to fix the groups. I even felt that I missed a few of the groups out that I should've mentioned but didnt bother to because I didnt know how to state it. Also I put the term 'Fur fags' in quotation marks because I dislike the term but I could'nt think of any other way to name them without making it so that noone knew what I was talking about. Im sorry if this offended anyone but this is just my stance on these people.

[Blacklightning]

I prefer to think of it as an alter ego. I might seem big into things online, sure, but as I've mentioned in another thread, I show no sign of it outside of the virtual world we all frequent. To me it's a game of makebelieve, almost even roleplay to an extent - because frankly, I think that you're a pretty boring person if you prefer to be yourself in a community that cherishes and encourages anonymity. Not that I have anything against those who DO prefer it that way, mind. It's just much less painless to get punched in the face when you're hiding behind a fictional character. Though I guess that doesn't apply strictly to the furry culture does it? Nevermind.

The way I see it, as long as it stays makebelieve and people know better than to attempt the makebelieve outside of the 'net. If they do, well quite frankly I believe they deserve to be ridiculed. At least in the same way as a guy who fucks bread in public (before you ask, yes that IS a real sexual fetish). You can feel a little sorry for them, sure, but either way you gotta admit it's taking things way too far.

The fictional sexualization of furries (because I hope we all know fucking animals irl is wrong, right?)... I honestly don't see too much of a problem with. To me it's no worse than drawing a pic of Mario and Peach having a mercy fuck. What makes it so different? Eh, different strokes for different folks I guess. I'd rather leave it at that, because I'm pretty sure nobody wants this to turn into a porn thread. XD;

Bottom line? Furries are fine. Just as long as they know where the line is and don't cross it.

Edited March 11, 2009 by Blacklightning

[Saint Nathan]

Truthfuly, I find that you would enjoy pretending to be an animal during life is... Weird to say the least. Yeah, it's a choice, but if you take it outside your own personal life, it's kinda creepy.

Now, i'm not saying I hate furries. In fact, I know a few, and though the fetish seems a little odd to me, they are normal people othewise. Everyone has something they enjoy, for furries it's just anthro charecters.

Though don't get me started on people who partake in beastality, that's some sick fucking shit right there.

Edited March 11, 2009 by Nathan Speed

[Flyboy Fox]

I view furries the exact same way that I view anyone with a less than conventional lifestyle (and in this context I'm talking about lifestyle furries - not just people who happen to like cartoon animals and art).

Basically to me it's just the same as being otherkin/otakukin/soulbonded etc. If it harms none...

My feeling on the matter is that everyone is free to do/believe what they like as long as it doesn't bother anyone else and they are not allowing themselves to be a burden on society. If some people like dressing up in fursuits, it's no skin off my back. It may not be MY cup of tea, but it doesn't affect me, so why should I care?

The only time I have a problem with any of these groups is when there's a false persecution complex and martyrdom. You can't choose how you feel inside, but you DO choose how you display it. If you go against norms, you DO stand out, and people WILL comment. If you can accept that you are an oddity that some people are going to find weird or even repellent but still manage to retain your dignity in your personal expression, that's fine.

I have nothing against 'oddities'. I'm well-known for being one myself. Whether or not I'm a furry is debatable, but I can laugh at my silliness whilst still taking my own feelings seriously.

I wish everyone could live and let live, but since that will never happen, I at least hope that people can learn to be less reactive on BOTH sides.

[Foxy]

As kinks go, this one seems about as harmless and fun as can possibly be.

[Mick]

I'm a little bit of furry, though I dunno if I would consider myself a real furry. I do love the art and stuff. I have no problem with furries. In the beginning, I was uncomfortable with them when I read and heard things about them. I got more used to furries once I read more positive things about 'em. I don't have a fursona. If I did, I would be a fox or cat. I love those animals a lot. I guess I'm not that creative enough to create a fursona and call it my own. I know I wouldn't go in a fursuit, though people who fursuit are interesting and that's cool that they're into it. I would go in a fursuit just for the lulz. I would feel like some sports mascot if I ever jumped into a fursuit.

[Gabz Girl]

I don't mind furries at all. Hell I have a fursona myself, so you could say I'm a little bit of a furry too (I guess?). It's just..when furries go too far with some obsessions, that's when I'm a tad disturbed by them. o_o

Edited March 11, 2009 by Gabz Girl

[Chile]

I'm cool with furries, but not the "people who fuck dogs, really think they're animals, say furries are more oppressed than slaves, say 'closed-minded', etc. " type

I'm furry to the extent that I like the artwork. I understand that people may think that's weird; I don't go all ZOMG FURSECUTION on them.

[Meow]

I have really nothing to add to this conversation too much...

But the one assumption I hate is when you draw anthropomorphic characters, all of a sudden people jump to the conclusion you are a furry. Anthro characters are after all, modeled to be very HUMAN like despite their appearances. I guess Walt Disney, and the Warner Bros guys must all be furries then, despite the fact that they created some of the most memorable characters. Oh, and we can't forget SEGA since they made Sonic. Joking aside, I think people get confused when they talk about anthro characters and the people that draw them.

Just because a character is anthro, doesn't mean they are your fursona or whatever its called. It is just a cartoon talking animal human-like character.

I dunno, it is just that assumption that makes me annoyed. I've never been called a furry personally, but if I was I'd take offence. Why would I take offence when I openly accept people who like all sorts of different things...why, I'd take offence because it was a wrong assumption . I couldn't care less whatever people were into, but don't get me labeled in with something I'm not affiliated with.

But yeah, I see the furry community no different than any other community, because we're all human but where our differences lie is in our interests. Besides, it doesn't harm anyone (just like most common interests don't), so why should I judge over that, or even care for that matter since there is no negative consequence haha. Like someone said, it is no different than people being big fans of anime or anything of the sort.

Edited March 11, 2009 by Thirteen

[Wyde]

Didn't actually expect a topic with this title to appear here. I'm genuinely surprised.

So what can I say about furries and the fandom they form? Well despite having involvement with it for the past 2 years, I don't have particularly strong views on it. Many of the most negative behaviours and much of the drama this fandom is apparently known for is something I'm rather unfamiliar with. It's probably because I'm careful with what friends I pick out of it (or just not that sociable lol), all the people I actually communicate with coming from either the art archive FurAffinity or this website. Some of them are decidedly highly perverted, I'm aware, but I luv them all the same. I probably feel a bit of kinship with them in the sicko pervs 4eva respect. XD

I could say I identify as a furry, but I use the term a little loosely. Yes, I use an anthropomorphic feline character to represent myself on the internet. Yes, I occasionally draw furry based art. Yes, I enjoy browsing around for furry based smut. But no, I don't really adopt animal mannerisms, even in what little roleplay I've done. No, I'm quite sure I'm a human using a cat mask and am not an actual cat. No, I don't have any real inclination to fursuit, except perhaps for sheer lulz. Additionally, while I confess I like involving myself in the sexual aspect of the fandom, my more perverted interests have far more scope than merely human looking animals. So to myself at least, classing myself as a furry can seem inaccurate and, if used as a derogative, highly unrepresentative of my basest aspects. But I guess it's close enough for most.

[Mollfie]

I don't mind furries at all. Hell I have a fursona myself, so you could say I'm a little bit of a furry too (I guess?). It's just..when furries go too far with some obsessions, that's when I'm a tad disturbed by them. o_o

Same really, it's the over obsessive ones that are a bit scary >.>

[Flyboy Fox]

I don't mind how far people go with their obsession/fetish/interest etc, as long as they understand that not everyone needs to see it or have it forced down their throats that they should accept it as a norm. It's not a norm. And that's okay! It's just not to everyone's tastes. However, what anyone does in their own time and space is totally cool with me