Furry, another subculture....

[emeraldlonewoulf]

Well, through wandering in the intro forums, I discovered that I'm not the only furry (as in subculture) type with gothic tendencies! This thread will probably get flamed like hell, furry and goth haven't exactly been considered "compatible" subcultures in the past, but it seems that the ranks are growing.



People have many definitions of furry, for those of you who are scratching your heads and saying "What the hell?" It can range from a perfectly innocent liking of animals, or cartoons, or anthro art, to people who believe they have an animal spirit, to those who dress up as animals ( think mascot, not kinky) to people who get off on pretending to be an animal (as in dressed up, etc) while screwing. I will say that the latter definition is in the distinctly small minority, unfortunately however they get the most spotlight. Some would say these last are in a "yiffy" catagory all to themselves ( Think Columbine being considered goth, or Marilyn Manson, etc.).



I would like to point out that as a subculture, furries are traditionally trashed more than almost any other subculture or human trait I've come across. More than BDSM, race, homosexuality, goth, punk, hippies, republicans (lol) or fill-in-the-blank.

Overall the furry subculture seems to be more visually focused, and technologically savvy than many groups. On furry forums you will not find any priority given to grammar, or vocabulary, and internet speak is reasonably tolerated. However, you will find a higher concentration of computer generated art, visual arts of almost any description, bright colors, fuzzy warm type subject matter and the like. However, for many there is a darker side to their art not immediately apparent, or subject matter that stems from an extremely non-traditional viewpoint. Fursonas can be characters drawn from any world, any culture and any time, mythical or otherwise. The similar characteristic is that the character has distinctly animalistic traits and human ones.

Overall, I have found them to be a very caring, EXTREMELY open minded , friendly, slightly whimsical group. Of course, there are cliques to be found as with any association found in humanity. There are many genuinely creative, dynamic people found within it.

Anybody have a 'furry' story to share? Gone to any cons? Draw anthro art? Or maybe just really like cartoons and animated movies? Care to share a fursona? There is a whole range to be discovered here.

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To start, my fursona is that of a pre-historic Cave Woulf, solid black with vibrant emerald green eyes (hence, my screen name). For me is is an interesting character that has several characteristics similar to myself, not an alter ego. I do not support yiff (furry porn). I'm not a fursuiter, although I wouldn't mind wearing ears and a tail for a con or something. I am very interested in anthro art, especially that with a darker or deeper artistic asthetic.

I was introduced to furry by a friend who is into it, and went on my first con last summer. It was an interesting and eye-opening experience, and for someone who always likes to check out new stuff I found it very entertaining.

I am a crafty person, and enjoy making collars, ears, and tails, although I've only attempted one 'fursuit' ( it was more of an ewok halloween costume for my 11 year old brother).

Well, that pretty much sums me up, how about the rest of you? Anybody want to share their experiences?

[KontanKarite]

Explain this to me. I've really wanted to know. Why the dark wolf? It can't just be a wolf, right? I mean, it has to be a prehistoric dark wolf with emerald eyes...

Why does EVERY furry's fursona end up being an animal that is "sexy", "powerful", or "mysterious"?

Sorry if this sounds kinda aggressive... it's just, if being a furry feels like a natural thing, you'd think people would feel as if they're animals that are in no way attractive on any level.

[KontanKarite]

Again, I don't mean to sound aggressive, but if you feel that you are naturally that kind of person that you are an animal of that caliber, I can't argue that.

It's just the furries that I DO know, one thinks she is a CAT and the other one is a FOX, you know, the independent and sleek cat and the irresistible sex icon FOX.

Where's the slugs and the other furries with fursonas of animals that are not desirable like.... slugs or hermit crabs?

[emeraldlonewoulf]

Well, Why does someone dye their hair red and style it in a six inch mowhawk? Or wear studs or spikes in all black clothing? Or go for a victorian style?

When someone creates a character, they don't usually want something plain, or bland, or uninteresting. A character created lets you express things that you either can't or don't care to show in real life, or express traits that you think define you. A red mohawk doesn't define someone as a person, but it does do a good job or projecting a specific image.

I do have green eyes. I like dark things, predatory yet cautious instinct, cunning, and playfullness. I like old, ancient beginning type things.

For some the whole religious twist is involved, and for them, it may be based on more natural things. Maybe they feel they have a totem spirit or something. For me, it is just a representative character, kind of like creating a name, or signature quote.

For others it is representative or their artwork, and if you are an artist you certainly want your art to be noticed. You want people to stop and take a closer look. For the general populace, something powerful, or sexy, or shocking does exactly that.

It depends on how or why the person came up with the fursona in the first place.

[KontanKarite]

Well, if I was going to be a furry, I would be a beaver. Practical, plain, and rather uninteresting, yet they do have ingenuity.

I kinda figured you'd use the rhetoric of people who use certain styles in the goth sub culture. Last time I checked though, I do those kinds of styles because I feel that I look good in them. It's not to impress others.

Then again, so do you. That's why you are a black wolf. Because it makes you feel good.

[honeythorn]

The only knowledge I have of the furry subculture is from watching an episode of CSI. But up until I read this thread I didn't actually know it was a real subculture!!.

Since you seem to be interested in anthro art, can I ask if you are a member or hanger round of Elfwood at all? If you are a member, do you have a gallery?

[HumanePain]

I like Sabrina Online (she is a cute little skunk):

http://www.sabrina-online.com/2001-04.html

[Vako]

Here's my take on it. We all have kinks and turn-ons. As long as a person is not hurting anyone else and keeps the activity a private experience, or seeks out a community with the same turn-ons, than have fun. We all have ways of getting our thrill. I find the furry fetish to be silly. It's not my thing. I have my own kinks and turn-ons. I keep them to myself and who ever I am engaging in them with.

To me, the furry scene is rather amusing. I do understand why it would be a turn-on to some people, though. It seems like a sort of fantasy or roll play.

It is also probably important to distinguish between "fetish" (a fixation that translates into sexual activity), and a "kink" or "turn-on" which is a fun sexual thrill that adds to the mutual sexual experience of both partners.

I am a bit perplexed and curious as to the way interest in the furry world arises in an individual.

There's my point of view about it.

[Valerius]

My fursona used to be a white anthro wolf, with sky blue markings and yellow eyes. Yeah, harhar.

I'm sorry I can't explain better, I just had a really strong puff of the mary jane a few hours ago.

[Lykaios]

Originally Posted by emeraldlonewoulf

Maybe they feel they have a totem spirit or something. m

This is very likely going to come off sounding like a full-out attack. I honestly don't give a damn. I'm not putting up with this one any longer.

I'm sorry, my friend, but I guarantee they do NOT feel as they have a goddam totem spirit. Totems, believe or not, are not for individuals. GROUPS have Totems, not one person. The misconception that an individual can have a "totem spirit" really, really pisses me off. It's OFFENSIVE to traditional cultural groups that have had totem spirits for many, many generations. New-agers need to lay off the crack cocaine and stop turning things into something they're not.

What an individual CAN have is a spirit guide, not a totem. I, personally, have two, them being the Wolf and Snow Leopard.

Okay, now that I let THAT out..

[Lykaios]

Originally Posted by emeraldlonewoulf

Overall the furry subculture seems to be more visually focused, and technologically savvy than many groups. On furry forums you will not find any priority given to grammar, or vocabulary, and internet speak is reasonably tolerated.

That alone is enough to keep me away from the 'furry' culture for good.

[Cyntrox]

I've always wondered, how do you know what's your spirit guide?

[Lykaios]

Originally Posted by Cyntrox

I've always wondered, how do you know what's your spirit guide?

"Spirit guide" is a very broad term. It can refer to spirit animals, as well as other forms of spirit guides. In my experiences, I've come to know more about spirit animals than any other form of guide. So, I'll try and explain them.

One does not choose his/her spirit animal, it does the choosing. There are people that seem to think that simply because they think an animal is cool, they can adopt it as their spirit guide at will. It doesn't work that way.

Damn. Out of time. I'll return later, and edit this.

[Clockwork]

I don't have anything against furries, though I know very little about the subculture. I think that once it gets into the spiritual (like believing one has a totem spirit), it's crossed the line from fashionably quirky to childishness. But hey, we all have our crazies... the Vampire kids come to mind.

I think a guy at my school might be a furry. He goes around wearing a panda suit sometimes... and once he hugged me while wearing it -_- ech.

[Delicate_Torture]

A spirit guide is something very seperate to the world of furries, it is like asking a goth how to cast a spell... chances are the goth you are speaking to might be a wiccan/druid/magician etc, but often they aren't. Most people in the furry subculture aren't neccesarily involved in the spiritual side of animal guides, etc.

There are many ways to find a spirit guide, most involve a lot of meditation and preparation, and then basically asking your guide to introduce themselves to you. There are rituals etc that you can use for this, or you can just go ahead and do it in your own way. Once you find out what it is you will often be able to look back at your life and see that there are times where this guide has given you a bit of a poke about things. Hindsight is an interesting thing.

Oh, and guides aren't always animals. They can be trees, people, mythical creatures. It is the spiritual part that is important, not the form that it takes. You might also find that over ime they change forms, or that you are introduced to a new guide all together.

[Draconysius]

I'm a furry; a raccoon at that. Simply put, the mask would mean I wouldn't need to put on eyeliner, since I already HAVE raccoon-eyes. XD
I used to think I was a dragon, but I got over that. It's kind of like thinking you're a vampire. I can understand thinking maybe you were a wolf in a past life, but... you get the idea.

There are PLENTY of furry goths, believe you me, but the fact is, most of them are baby bats (goth newbies that have a lot to learn) -no pun intended. I also have a problem with most goth furries deciding to be bats. Come on! Be a little more original! Damn!

[Lykaios]

Originally Posted by Delicate_Torture

There are many ways to find a spirit guide, most involve a lot of meditation and preparation, and then basically asking your guide to introduce themselves to you. There are rituals etc that you can use for this, or you can just go ahead and do it in your own way. Once you find out what it is you will often be able to look back at your life and see that there are times where this guide has given you a bit of a poke about things. Hindsight is an interesting thing.

Oh, and guides aren't always animals. They can be trees, people, mythical creatures. It is the spiritual part that is important, not the form that it takes. You might also find that over ime they change forms, or that you are introduced to a new guide all together.

Very well said. I wish I could have gotten back earlier, but you put it nicely, so oh well.

You're very correct that spirit guides take many forms. Personally, though I know a great deal about guides in general, all my guides are animals, so naturally I know more about them.

[Lykaios]

Originally Posted by Clockwork

I don't have anything against furries, though I know very little about the subculture. I think that once it gets into the spiritual (like believing one has a totem spirit), it's crossed the line from fashionably quirky to childishness. But hey, we all have our crazies... the Vampire kids come to mind.

I think a guy at my school might be a furry. He goes around wearing a panda suit sometimes... and once he hugged me while wearing it -_- ech.

Excuse me, but spirit animals have nothing whatsoever to do with the Furry subculture. Comparing those that believe they have a spirit guide to "Vampire kids" is quite ignorant of you. Take a look at Native American culture, as well as other world cultures. Would you say THEY should be compared to "Vampire kids"? I certainly hope you don't feel that way.

[Underwater Ophelia]

So...I have to admit, I didn't fully understand the first post, and I think I may actually be a furry, but I'm not sure. If I strongly identify with, and sometimes role play as (without disclosing that I'm doing so) an animal, would I be falling into furry category?

[Delicate_Torture]

Originally Posted by Lykaios

Very well said. I wish I could have gotten back earlier, but you put it nicely, so oh well.

You're very correct that spirit guides take many forms. Personally, though I know a great deal about guides in general, all my guides are animals, so naturally I know more about them.

One of mine takes the form of an animal (a ferret, who used to appear as a panther, but things have changed a lot over the last few years for me) and the other a mythical creature (a dragon...oh how cliched). It is rather amusing because the guide who appears in the guise of the ferret is actually the more tenacious and disciplined of the two and seems to be teaching me more about being couragous and brave, where as the dragon seems charged with teaching me more about quietness, centeredness and calm. Which was a surprise at first.

[Clockwork]

Originally Posted by Lykaios

Excuse me, but spirit animals have nothing whatsoever to do with the Furry subculture. Comparing those that believe they have a spirit guide to "Vampire kids" is quite ignorant of you. Take a look at Native American culture, as well as other world cultures. Would you say THEY should be compared to "Vampire kids"? I certainly hope you don't feel that way.

You misunderstand. You said yourself that a single person cannot have a totem spirit; and I'm saying the people that believe they DO have one (based off of nothing whatsoever, obviously) are foolish. I do not mean to disrespect the Native American culture or any other culture that truly practices such beliefs.

But hey, I'm only running with what I've read here. I never thought Furries took their stuff as far as religion until it was mentioned, and that's where I decided I stopped liking it.

[Draconysius]

I occasionally draw my raccoon fursona. Of course he has my deathawk, and I always make him wear sexy ladies' goth clothes. He wears corsets, heels, skirts and miniskirts, tights, makeup (duh), torn fishnets, and gowns all decorated with spiderwebs, bats, and what-have-you. He must totally hate me.

[KontanKarite]

I do, Drac... I do. Rest easy knowing there's someone that hates you. ^_^

*hugs and kisses*


...Nah. You're one of my faves, Dracy.

[HumanePain]

Wow, this has been a most enlightening thread. I had no idea.
Now I feel a bit childish about my Sabrina post. There is way more to it than visual entertainment. Interesting.

Question: How does one know when one has been found by their spirit guide?

[Draconysius]

Thanks, Kontan! I hate you too! ^_^
Fuck Goreans! Furries fo' life!