The MLP Arena
Pony Talk => Off Topic => Topic started by: ChocolateStarfire on June 15, 2012, 03:10:29 PM
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Please click this link to read my confession: http://feathereddinosaur.wordpress.com/2012/05/13/on-being-a-furry/
I also have a new website, in case you want to know more:
http://warriorfeatherworks.breezi.com/
:lol:
I changed the title so the confusion ends. Sorry about that! :blush:
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Okay.
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Cool?
:what:
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Well, personally I have noting against furries nor do I think it's something to be ashamed of. I don't like sexual furry works, but then again I don't like Hentai either but that doesn't mean I´ll hold it against those who do like it ^^
I just wish people were more relaxed about their hobbies and what they like. if you treat it as if it´s nothing to be ashamed of, soon enough others will too and the stigma will lift so I´m glad you´re starting to feel more comfortable with it ^^
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I can't say I understand why you feel you need to confess this part of yourself to all of us publicly, but if it's important to you, then good for you, you live your lifestyle how you like it. Don't let anybody tell you different.
I'll admit I've always had my curiosities towards 'Furry' culture. I did give your article a good read over, but it left me confused. Would it be disrespectful if I asked you to explain what being a 'Furry' means to you?
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Thanks everypony. I just wanted to share my newfound hobby with you all. :biggrin:
Nonnavlis-Well, since I am a newbie to the furry community in general, I would say that being a furry means that I like anthropomorphic animals and artwork of them. That's how I got started as a furry--by drawing furry art, although I didn't know what it was and that an entire community of people who shared an interest in such art existed. It's tough to pin down what exactly makes a furry, just as it is tough to pin down why some people like MLPs, or what got them into the hobby in the first place. I would say for me, more than anything, it was my love of childhood anthropomorphic characters such as Sonic the Hedgehog, Tony the Tiger and even Black Beauty that got me hooked, so to speak. Does it mean I see myself as such a character? Well, I do like to write stories about my own character, or fursona, and I use those as a form of escapism, much in the same way I customized MLPs. ^.^
Just as an aside, I totally understand the ick factor when it comes to some types of furry art. I try to post as much clean art as possible, and I am really more of a writer than an artist. :biggrin: But I have posted some "other" stories and pics to create more of a draw for my works and really it's more for my bf's enjoyment than anyone else. :P
Thanks for letting me share! :biggrin: Sorry if the title confused some of you. :blush:
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Ah, thank you very much for your explanation! I've always heard of furry more as the people who identify themselves stronger with an animal than their own identity, it is interesting to also hear that their is a side formed on admiring anthropomorphic art forms.
I can see where the appeal is, I admire anthro work myself. It seems such a talent to keep the balance between human and animal and still make the finished piece appealing, whether drawing or literature. I can never quite seem to get it.
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I like the new title. Makes more sense! :)
Enjoy!
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You're welcome, Nonnavlis. Actually, the people who consider themselves more animal than human are called otherkin/therians. I am not one of those--I am certainly human--but I do enjoy anthro art! It is tough to make good anthro art and characters--and thanks for your interest! :biggrin:
And yeah no problem on fixing the title, oops! ^.^
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Well, don't I feel silly. You learn something new everyday, I guess. Thanks for your correction. It can be hard to learn things correctly on the internet ^^;
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All I have to say is...Good luck.
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I learned something too! I thought furry was a sexual thing I didn't realize it was just for anthro fans too. :)
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I learned something too! I thought furry was a sexual thing I didn't realize it was just for anthro fans too. :)
Most people think this because whenever you see interviews, it's hyper sensational and they only interview the loudest, grossest people they can find for interviews. The vast majority of furry fans are just normal people who happen to like anthropomorphic animals, and you'd never know unless they told you.
How does that saying go? A few bad apples spoil the bunch? yeah.
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It's so true! The extremists get all the attention and then the whole group gets labeled that way. I'm actually really glad you posted this because I was totally ignorant about the facts of the culture. Not that I was against it but in my mind I avoided I because I thought it was something it isn't. Thank you!
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I like anthro art too! : D
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Immortal Panda- :lol: Yeah I'm gonna need it...and I second you on the media hype crap. It's sort of like how the media portrays most nerdy fanbases...as weird, sick and decrepit. :|
You're welcome, Sarahlacewing. :)
And yay, hyenacub! :biggrin:
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Oh Im a furry!!! I wear tail and ears and im working on a fursuit right now! feel free to message me if you want to talk Im always up for making new furry friends <3
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Congrats!
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I learned something too! I thought furry was a sexual thing I didn't realize it was just for anthro fans too. :)
Most people think this because whenever you see interviews, it's hyper sensational and they only interview the loudest, grossest people they can find for interviews. The vast majority of furry fans are just normal people who happen to like anthropomorphic animals, and you'd never know unless they told you.
How does that saying go? A few bad apples spoil the bunch? yeah.
Thisthisthis!!!
I too am a furry, although I am more into the costuming side of things (I have been making fursuits for about a year now), and I rarely tell people because most people are so misinformed about furries. One of the common questions I get from older teenagers when I wear one of my suits is "Do you... y'know... have xxx... in that?". It makes me really sad.
Welcome to the furry community, Chocolatestarfire! :)
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Lots of furries are around these parts... ;) Not all of them are fur-verts either! I agree with ImmortalPanda, a few over-enthusiastic people REALLY spoil the public perception of anthro-ness. You're not alone by far though!
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Thanks everypony for making me feel more welcome as a fur! :) I will post some of my custom ponies to FA or maybe SF and pm me so I can find you and befriend you there, too! :D
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These so called "fur suits" ...they aren't made out of real fur, are they?
I hope not! >.<
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But I have posted some "other" stories and pics to create more of a draw for my works and really it's more for my bf's enjoyment than anyone else.
Guess everyone missed this bit then. Why on earth do you feel the need to post about this on a toy forum?
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These so called "fur suits" ...they aren't made out of real fur, are they?
I hope not! >.<
Nah it's more like a make your own mascot costume type thing. the sort of materials you'd use for that. Some of the heads are pretty fancy dancy
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I think that's cool.
When I was a kid I liked some cartoons with antrho characters (I guess that's because I (still) really love animals).
A few months ago I thought that furry thing was more like sexual orientation (like being attracted to animals) then hobby or fandom. I feel so stupid now >_<
It can be hard to learn things correctly on the internet ^^;
This. Furries are hated almost everywhere on the net and the image of them is like my belief not so long ago. Internet can be very misleading. XD
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These so called "fur suits" ...they aren't made out of real fur, are they?
I hope not! >.<
Nah it's more like a make your own mascot costume type thing. the sort of materials you'd use for that. Some of the heads are pretty fancy dancy
Oh well that's actually pretty relieving to know then, thank you! :)
I personally do not like the thought of fur being worn for fashion, or hobby.
...or whatever odd reason people could come up with. o.O
That's nice to know it is not usually actual fur being used most of the time! :)
A few months ago I thought that furry thing was more like sexual orientation (like being attracted to animals) then hobby or fandom. I feel so stupid now >_<
LMAO!!! To be completely honest, me too. rofl :P
Glad I'm not the only one who thought this. :lol:
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Guess everyone missed this bit then. Why on earth do you feel the need to post about this on a toy forum?
Sebby6-I felt it was okay to bring up my new hobby in the Off Topic section. I have also been a member of the Arena for a while, and I thought it would be good to let everyone know what I've been up to during my hiatus from the forums. If part of what I discussed offended anyone, I apologize and I will correct the post more if there is a need.
Yeah, a lot of people get the wrong idea when it comes to furry fandom, especially thanks to the media (NatGeo, CBS, FOX News, etc). The enjoyment of anthro art and stories and the creation of these things is another hobby of mine, and for me it is a hobby, not a lifestyle.
The intention of this post was to see if any members on the Arena were also into the furry fandom, and if I could make connections with them there also. :lookround: I also wanted to share my furry art with you all, since the folks on the Arena have been supportive and kind to me in all the years I have been here. Again, if I confused anyone, I apologize. :blush:
Post Merge: June 17, 2012, 04:34:52 PM
That's nice to know it is not usually actual fur being used most of the time! :)
EminentZephyr--despite not using real fur (which imo is more along the lines of taxidermy), fursuits (costumes of individual furry characters, or fursonas) are quite expensive and labor intensive. However, I find them interesting to look at and the creativity that goes into their design is intriguing...much like how I feel when I look at amazing custom MLPs by Darkhorse, LLL, Woosie, Colorscapesart, and Pop-Girl, just to name a few outstanding artists here. :D
When I was a kid I liked some cartoons with antrho characters (I guess that's because I (still) really love animals).
A few months ago I thought that furry thing was more like sexual orientation (like being attracted to animals) then hobby or fandom. I feel so stupid now >_<
Quote from: Nonnavlis on June 15, 2012, 10:37:36 AM
It can be hard to learn things correctly on the internet ^^;
This. Furries are hated almost everywhere on the net and the image of them is like my belief not so long ago. Internet can be very misleading. XD
Defining a furry has become a subject of contention and debate, and the topics that surround the furry fandom--namely, the bond people share with animals, and the extent to which people express that bond in their artwork and stories as anthropomorphized characters--is often criticized, condemned and ridiculed. Until the definition of a furry becomes less kaleidoscopic, or until people in general begin to accept the fandom for what it is--another section of sci-fi/fantasy fans interested in anthro artwork, imho--it will be an uphill battle for those wanting to come forward as a furry and not be faced with a barrage of ignorant or angry Internet users. :huh:
I wanted to share this with fellow ponies on the Arena simply out of, well, want to share! :biggrin: Plus, if any of you are also furs, perhaps we can meet through other furry communities too. ^.^
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Well I am not really a furry or a fursuiter but I love anthro animals, anthro art and have a fursona of my own - though it's always changing. Always great to see artwork.
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Congrats on getting out of the furrycloset and on finding a partner that not only understands but shares your interst!:D
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Thanks tribble79 and tornadolovesmelody :D
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I learned something too! I thought furry was a sexual thing I didn't realize it was just for anthro fans too. :)
Most people think this because whenever you see interviews, it's hyper sensational and they only interview the loudest, grossest people they can find for interviews. The vast majority of furry fans are just normal people who happen to like anthropomorphic animals, and you'd never know unless they told you.
How does that saying go? A few bad apples spoil the bunch? yeah.
Exactly this. I'm a furry myself (I just got back from Anthrocon not even 24 hours ago, haha.) I don't enjoy my fandom being portrayed as a bunch of fetishists and sickos, but it's just like how they find the most exaggerated stereotype of people to put on the news when a tornado blows through a trailer park - not everyone who lives in a trailer park is a toothless obese woman with rollers in her hair who only wears nightgowns. That's just who they find to talk to for the entertainment value. The "hide your kids, hide your wife" guy is also an example of this.
But yay on your outing from the fur-lined closet!
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I'm kind of a furry too. Not in an extreme way though. I just like the anthro characters from Sonic the Hedgehog and Star Fox; I think they're cool. I especially love anthro cats. :heart:
As for the mature stuff, I hold hentai and yiff in the same regard; if I see it, I'm just like "Okay," and I move on. I hate how people think all furries are deviants because of the yiff, but they don't think all anime fans are perverts because of the hentai. Not all furries are yiff-heads; some of them do their best to keep it clean and casual but they still get chewed out by idiots.
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Well, if you stray a bit further from nerd culture you can still find a bunch of people for whom anime = hentai (pretty much) but in recent years, anime has become much more popular that most people got informed about it willingly or not. I think the same should happen with furries and that is why I don't think people should hide it. Staying in the closet only reinforces the notion that there is something seedy with the fandom ^^ Kinda same witth MLP collecting really. If you act embarrassed about it, others will keep thinking it´s silly and childish. :)
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Thanks, eviecorn! *waves*
I agree with both of you, aperturescience and vintergatan. :)
Thanks everypony for being supportive as always. :lovey:
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Yay, glad to see that mostly everyone is accepting.
I have been drawing anthro animals for years (probably almost 30 now) and have just started working on my first fursuit (if Rarity counts). I'm not sure if I'm technically a "furry" because I just enjoy drawing certain things and like to sew, but I respect your decision to come out and say it!
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I have been drawing anthro animals for years (probably almost 30 now) (...)
Wow, how old is the trend? I mean is there a specific date when anthro art got its fandom in the todays form?
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I have been drawing anthro animals for years (probably almost 30 now) (...)
Wow, how old is the trend? I mean is there a specific date when anthro art got its fandom in the todays form?
Technically, anthros (or "funny animals" if you want to use the OG term) have been around in their modern sense since the early 20th century. The term "furry" to describe the people with an affinity for anthropomorphic animals originated in 1980 in sci-fi zines.
ETA: That is not to say that people didn't draw or paint anthropomorphic animals before the 1900's. Look at ancient Egypt. XD
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^ This. :D