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A Means of Escape? I'd Rather It Not Be.
15 years ago
Anti-Drama Llama Movement NewsletterFor those of you who follow my personal account at 
OtakuMan24, you may be aware that I've been planning on doing a series of essays, analyzing the fandom from the 80's to now. Since forming the ADLM one year ago, I've seen a lot of patterns, a lot of habits, and a lot of issues; many of them often fitting the same theme:
People are using the furry fandom as a means to escape real life.
This is actually a very disturbing concept in my opinion since it would mean that people aren't necessarily coming here because they actually LIKE anthropomorphic art, characters, stories, comics, etc. They just want to come here because it seems to be an easy place to hang out and not have to deal with everyday life. Here, people are, supposedly, able to just let real life fall by the wayside. People can indulge in fantasies and not worry about school, work, finances, family, etc. This might not be true on other social networking or furry websites, but if many of the people who frequent those other sites frequent here as well, then my hypothesis here shouldn't be that far off.
Now don't get me wrong, I think that getting away from it all isn't necessarily a bad thing. We all want to get away from the rat race of real life for a little while; whether it be playing a video game, watching a movie, read a book, listen to music, or whatever. Everyone deserves some leisure time to kick back, relax, and just do something they want to do for fun. "All work and no play makes John a dull boy", or something like that.
But the problem I have isn't with the people who come to the fandom to just have some fun. My problem is with people who come to the fandom and see it as a means to avoid real life COMPLETELY. People who would rather have friends here online than to actually go out and meet people; people who wish they weren't human and actually were an animal; people who use what little resources they have to put into the fandom instead of themselves. Despite the role-playing, the MUCK, the fanfics, the comics, the art, the whatever... at the end of the day, each and every one of us when we step away from the computer are still 100% genuine human beings. Everyone has to face the reality of cars breaking down, bills that need paying, raising a family, finding someone to love who loves them back, and above all else: finding happiness.
Long term happiness does not come in a fur suit, art commission, or RP character; it comes in living a GOOD LIFE! (I can't dictate what makes everyone happy, but long term happiness is what I define as a sort of inner peace; a knowledge that what you are doing or have done on this Earth has been worthwhile.)
I know one fellow who a friend asked if I could cheer them up since they always seemed down in the dumps. This guy's a college student with a job on the side with the school to make money and has been making good grades too. However, he simply can not feel happiness because he believes no one will ever love him and that he'll never get a girlfriend. Every time I speak to them, I want to backhand them in the face and shout at the top of my lungs at how they depriving themselves. The guy is a success and can't even see it with his own eyes. He has a job, good grades, and is looking at becoming a very successful person. As a married man, I know that one thing that attracts women (as in NOT girls, but grown up women) is success, and that's something he has more than enough of. If he would just get over himself, and just let himself feel happy, then he wouldn't even have this problem!
A lack of self-confidence is something I know many people I've met here on FA have. They have a hard time believing in themselves; that they are capable of great things. I see artists here who have magnificent artwork, but sell themselves short because they don't think they're as good as
Blotch or some other artist. That's just BOLOGNA, as every single person on FA has talent if they simply look inside themselves and realize what it is.
Another common theme I've noticed in the fandom is a sense of SHAME!
I saw a journal once that asked if people would ever quit the fandom, and many people that responded to it said that they would. They said that they would grow out of it; that it was just a phase they were enjoying while they were young before eventually growing up and becoming a part of regular society.
BUT WHY?!
Why so much shame? Why are people afraid to open up and say that they enjoy anthropomorphic comics, art, stories, etc.? Finding the answer to that is one of the reasons I am studying the fandom and its evoluition from the 80's to now, but the current hypothesis I have is that many people are ashamed because most people outside of the fandom associate it with porn. It's been said that while there is a larger quantity of "Clean" art on FA than there is "Dirty", the "Dirty" works get more views, watches, and favorites than the works that are "Clean". But the "Dirty" work wasn't always a part of the fandom. Looking back at the works of the 80's, there were a lot of titles that used anthropomorphic characters that told stories of science fiction, fantasy, action and adventure, or slice of life.
Bucky O'Hare
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Usagi Yojimbo
Fish Police
Omaha the Cat Dancer
Were some of these titles meant for mature readers?! SURE! But at the same time, they weren't outright porn either. As of right now, I have not found a major significant "Furry" work that wasn't explicit porn that began between 2000-2009. By significant, I mean that the majority of people in the fandom know of its existence. I would also count webcomics, but so far, I am not aware of any "furry" webcomic that just about everyone knows about or has read. Also, it has to have premiered during the 00's, so series like "Gold Digger" or "Extinctioners" wouldn't count, since they began in the 90's.
Many of the older members of the fandom got into the fandom BECAUSE of comics and creations such as these. They were more than just pin-ups or excuses to make porn. Bear in mind that I bear no ill will to those who do make porn. Those that can make a living off of it are more than welcome to do what works for them. But even the ones who make porn, are good at it, and even make money with it are ASHAMED by it! I've spoken with a couple names who are known for drawing porn, and they actually try to keep their regular life and "Furry" life as far apart from each other as possible. Some go so far as to hide their face completely behind masks, dark goggles, hoodie jackets, etc. to keep people from recognizing them at cons! To them I asked why draw porn in the first place, and one answer I got was quite logical:
"It pays the bills"
I find this VERY different from other fandoms. Fans in other fandoms are often very PROUD of the fact that they are fans. As an Otaku myself, I for one am proud of the fact that I enjoy Japanese animation and manga, and have every reason to be. Many works from Japan are beautiful, stunning, thought-provoking, and even moving. Sure they aren't all masterpieces like Spirited Away, but liking Naruto, One Piece, Dragon Ball Z, or whatever series has absolutely NO SHAME ATTACHED TO IT! Sure anime and manga has their dark side with hentai, but so what!? Hentai alone does not bring down the greats, and isn't the first thing that people think about when you mention the fandom.
And then there are the Star Trek fans, the Star Wars fans, the Doctor Who fans, the Battlestar Galactica fans, the Sci-Fi fans, the Fantasy fans, the Twilight fans, the Southern Vampire Mystery / True Blood fans, etc. NONE of them feel shame when they are part of a fandom that appeals to them.
SO WHY DO FURRIES FEEL SHAME?!
I'm hoping I can find that answer, because I think finding that out will help reduce the number of "Escapees" that come to the fandom. Fandoms are meant to be fun, a way to socialize with others who like the same things you like, and have a good time. I see many a fan who are NOT having a good time, yet still stay here. In fact, it's because I see so many miserable people here on FA that I started the ADLM to begin with! There are countless number of people who are in desperate need of help.
But after a while, talking with others, and trying a few different things; it hit me. It was when in a conversation with someone that they said to me:
"You can not help others if you can not help yourself first."
And like that, it felt like my eyes could see more than they previously had, and it helped me realize a common problem with many of the people I see. I don't think some of the people on FA know HOW to help themselves. They don't have the knowledge or skills necessary to find a way to become successful or find happiness. I can't say why that is, but one theory of mine is because they are spending so much time "escaping" into this fandom (and probably others too), that they fail to figure out how the real world actually works.
One fellow I've been chatting with on a personal level is a person who astounds me time and again with how much they don't know about the real world. He has a hard time managing his finances, a hard time understanding why people get angry with him when he makes certain mistakes, and lacks vital social skills that would make him a much happier person. Yet, he claims that before FA, he never knew happiness! Sure FA is a nice source of fun, but it is NOT a place to give a person INNER PEACE!
If it was, there wouldn't be so much drama!
And the drama in the fandom isn't limited to online drama; not at all. Another person I've been speaking with used to work in comics in the furry fandom. He did inking and is still very good at it. However, I've heard stories from him about how certain publishers would refuse paying him because of various excuses, or how conventions would invite him, promising "Guest of Honor" spots and panels, but would then turn around and deny him that after he spent his own money and time getting to these conventions! I myself am appalled when I hear these stories since I thought that grown adults in the independent publishing field would be above High School level politics! Comics, no matter what kind, are not a popularity contest, but a BUSINESS! Personal squabbles should not make or break companies!
Coming full circle, I ask myself why so much drama exists in this fandom, and one of my hypotheses states that it's because people just don't know how to be responsible, mature, well-rounded adults. If they were, they'd be able to deal with situations properly like adults should.
If a person makes a mistake, I would expect that person to admit their mistake and apologize. This is being responsible.
If a person has a difference of opinion, I expect them to be respectful of the opinions of others and able to back up their opinion with valid reasoning or facts.
If a person doesn't know something that they need to, or should, know, then they take the effort to go out and learn it.
If a person gets into a situation that can lead to drama, then they should be able to have the skills necessary to avoid it, either by walking away from it, going around it, or defusing it. And if a situation that causes drama can not be avoided or easily defused, then I expect a person to be able to be brave and face the drama head on and deal with it until its over and resolved. It may not be nice, it may not be pretty, but at least the person took it head on and came through stronger, wiser, and more experienced.
Everything people do is an experience, and some of us are products of our environments and experiences. Others may rebel against those environments and experiences, determined to follow a path of their own despite whatever obstacles may be in their way. I myself, if you can believe it, think that I am that kind of a rebel. I am not one who is going to sit around and let myself become jaded by a lack of maturity that I see in this fandom. I am not going to let people waste away in their own sorrow when there's no reason for them to be sad. I am not going to stop being me for the sake of the majority, and if push comes to shove, I can push back too.
I am not going to accept the idea that the fandom is an "escape" from reality. I am not going to accept that the fandom is a source of shame. I am not going to accept that drama is a natural part of the fandom.
When I first started the ADLM, I had people come at me for what I was doing. They said I was simply making an elaborate hoax, that I was a crook, that I was someone who was trying to pull the wool over the fandom's eyes. I've also had people say that by associating with certain people, I will be incurring the wrath of others for siding with supposed "enemies". I've also had people say that my efforts are futile and will accomplish nothing.
But you know what, I don't really care.
I've made up my mind that I'm going to continue helming the ADLM for as long as I can, and I am not going to accept the fandom as it is now. I believe that many people here sell themselves short and are better than what they themselves believe. I believe that we are all good people who can settle differences if we just open up and talk to one another. I believe that no matter what difficulties or hardships come our way that we are strong enough to deal with them and move on, becoming stronger and wiser in the process.
We are not just anonymous avatars on a massive virtual network! We are real people with real feelings, real hopes, real dreams, and real futures. We are human beings! We are people!
We are!
~Otaku-Man
OtakuMan24, you may be aware that I've been planning on doing a series of essays, analyzing the fandom from the 80's to now. Since forming the ADLM one year ago, I've seen a lot of patterns, a lot of habits, and a lot of issues; many of them often fitting the same theme:People are using the furry fandom as a means to escape real life.
This is actually a very disturbing concept in my opinion since it would mean that people aren't necessarily coming here because they actually LIKE anthropomorphic art, characters, stories, comics, etc. They just want to come here because it seems to be an easy place to hang out and not have to deal with everyday life. Here, people are, supposedly, able to just let real life fall by the wayside. People can indulge in fantasies and not worry about school, work, finances, family, etc. This might not be true on other social networking or furry websites, but if many of the people who frequent those other sites frequent here as well, then my hypothesis here shouldn't be that far off.
Now don't get me wrong, I think that getting away from it all isn't necessarily a bad thing. We all want to get away from the rat race of real life for a little while; whether it be playing a video game, watching a movie, read a book, listen to music, or whatever. Everyone deserves some leisure time to kick back, relax, and just do something they want to do for fun. "All work and no play makes John a dull boy", or something like that.
But the problem I have isn't with the people who come to the fandom to just have some fun. My problem is with people who come to the fandom and see it as a means to avoid real life COMPLETELY. People who would rather have friends here online than to actually go out and meet people; people who wish they weren't human and actually were an animal; people who use what little resources they have to put into the fandom instead of themselves. Despite the role-playing, the MUCK, the fanfics, the comics, the art, the whatever... at the end of the day, each and every one of us when we step away from the computer are still 100% genuine human beings. Everyone has to face the reality of cars breaking down, bills that need paying, raising a family, finding someone to love who loves them back, and above all else: finding happiness.
Long term happiness does not come in a fur suit, art commission, or RP character; it comes in living a GOOD LIFE! (I can't dictate what makes everyone happy, but long term happiness is what I define as a sort of inner peace; a knowledge that what you are doing or have done on this Earth has been worthwhile.)
I know one fellow who a friend asked if I could cheer them up since they always seemed down in the dumps. This guy's a college student with a job on the side with the school to make money and has been making good grades too. However, he simply can not feel happiness because he believes no one will ever love him and that he'll never get a girlfriend. Every time I speak to them, I want to backhand them in the face and shout at the top of my lungs at how they depriving themselves. The guy is a success and can't even see it with his own eyes. He has a job, good grades, and is looking at becoming a very successful person. As a married man, I know that one thing that attracts women (as in NOT girls, but grown up women) is success, and that's something he has more than enough of. If he would just get over himself, and just let himself feel happy, then he wouldn't even have this problem!
A lack of self-confidence is something I know many people I've met here on FA have. They have a hard time believing in themselves; that they are capable of great things. I see artists here who have magnificent artwork, but sell themselves short because they don't think they're as good as
Blotch or some other artist. That's just BOLOGNA, as every single person on FA has talent if they simply look inside themselves and realize what it is.Another common theme I've noticed in the fandom is a sense of SHAME!
I saw a journal once that asked if people would ever quit the fandom, and many people that responded to it said that they would. They said that they would grow out of it; that it was just a phase they were enjoying while they were young before eventually growing up and becoming a part of regular society.
BUT WHY?!
Why so much shame? Why are people afraid to open up and say that they enjoy anthropomorphic comics, art, stories, etc.? Finding the answer to that is one of the reasons I am studying the fandom and its evoluition from the 80's to now, but the current hypothesis I have is that many people are ashamed because most people outside of the fandom associate it with porn. It's been said that while there is a larger quantity of "Clean" art on FA than there is "Dirty", the "Dirty" works get more views, watches, and favorites than the works that are "Clean". But the "Dirty" work wasn't always a part of the fandom. Looking back at the works of the 80's, there were a lot of titles that used anthropomorphic characters that told stories of science fiction, fantasy, action and adventure, or slice of life.
Bucky O'Hare
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Usagi Yojimbo
Fish Police
Omaha the Cat Dancer
Were some of these titles meant for mature readers?! SURE! But at the same time, they weren't outright porn either. As of right now, I have not found a major significant "Furry" work that wasn't explicit porn that began between 2000-2009. By significant, I mean that the majority of people in the fandom know of its existence. I would also count webcomics, but so far, I am not aware of any "furry" webcomic that just about everyone knows about or has read. Also, it has to have premiered during the 00's, so series like "Gold Digger" or "Extinctioners" wouldn't count, since they began in the 90's.
Many of the older members of the fandom got into the fandom BECAUSE of comics and creations such as these. They were more than just pin-ups or excuses to make porn. Bear in mind that I bear no ill will to those who do make porn. Those that can make a living off of it are more than welcome to do what works for them. But even the ones who make porn, are good at it, and even make money with it are ASHAMED by it! I've spoken with a couple names who are known for drawing porn, and they actually try to keep their regular life and "Furry" life as far apart from each other as possible. Some go so far as to hide their face completely behind masks, dark goggles, hoodie jackets, etc. to keep people from recognizing them at cons! To them I asked why draw porn in the first place, and one answer I got was quite logical:
"It pays the bills"
I find this VERY different from other fandoms. Fans in other fandoms are often very PROUD of the fact that they are fans. As an Otaku myself, I for one am proud of the fact that I enjoy Japanese animation and manga, and have every reason to be. Many works from Japan are beautiful, stunning, thought-provoking, and even moving. Sure they aren't all masterpieces like Spirited Away, but liking Naruto, One Piece, Dragon Ball Z, or whatever series has absolutely NO SHAME ATTACHED TO IT! Sure anime and manga has their dark side with hentai, but so what!? Hentai alone does not bring down the greats, and isn't the first thing that people think about when you mention the fandom.
And then there are the Star Trek fans, the Star Wars fans, the Doctor Who fans, the Battlestar Galactica fans, the Sci-Fi fans, the Fantasy fans, the Twilight fans, the Southern Vampire Mystery / True Blood fans, etc. NONE of them feel shame when they are part of a fandom that appeals to them.
SO WHY DO FURRIES FEEL SHAME?!
I'm hoping I can find that answer, because I think finding that out will help reduce the number of "Escapees" that come to the fandom. Fandoms are meant to be fun, a way to socialize with others who like the same things you like, and have a good time. I see many a fan who are NOT having a good time, yet still stay here. In fact, it's because I see so many miserable people here on FA that I started the ADLM to begin with! There are countless number of people who are in desperate need of help.
But after a while, talking with others, and trying a few different things; it hit me. It was when in a conversation with someone that they said to me:
"You can not help others if you can not help yourself first."
And like that, it felt like my eyes could see more than they previously had, and it helped me realize a common problem with many of the people I see. I don't think some of the people on FA know HOW to help themselves. They don't have the knowledge or skills necessary to find a way to become successful or find happiness. I can't say why that is, but one theory of mine is because they are spending so much time "escaping" into this fandom (and probably others too), that they fail to figure out how the real world actually works.
One fellow I've been chatting with on a personal level is a person who astounds me time and again with how much they don't know about the real world. He has a hard time managing his finances, a hard time understanding why people get angry with him when he makes certain mistakes, and lacks vital social skills that would make him a much happier person. Yet, he claims that before FA, he never knew happiness! Sure FA is a nice source of fun, but it is NOT a place to give a person INNER PEACE!
If it was, there wouldn't be so much drama!
And the drama in the fandom isn't limited to online drama; not at all. Another person I've been speaking with used to work in comics in the furry fandom. He did inking and is still very good at it. However, I've heard stories from him about how certain publishers would refuse paying him because of various excuses, or how conventions would invite him, promising "Guest of Honor" spots and panels, but would then turn around and deny him that after he spent his own money and time getting to these conventions! I myself am appalled when I hear these stories since I thought that grown adults in the independent publishing field would be above High School level politics! Comics, no matter what kind, are not a popularity contest, but a BUSINESS! Personal squabbles should not make or break companies!
Coming full circle, I ask myself why so much drama exists in this fandom, and one of my hypotheses states that it's because people just don't know how to be responsible, mature, well-rounded adults. If they were, they'd be able to deal with situations properly like adults should.
If a person makes a mistake, I would expect that person to admit their mistake and apologize. This is being responsible.
If a person has a difference of opinion, I expect them to be respectful of the opinions of others and able to back up their opinion with valid reasoning or facts.
If a person doesn't know something that they need to, or should, know, then they take the effort to go out and learn it.
If a person gets into a situation that can lead to drama, then they should be able to have the skills necessary to avoid it, either by walking away from it, going around it, or defusing it. And if a situation that causes drama can not be avoided or easily defused, then I expect a person to be able to be brave and face the drama head on and deal with it until its over and resolved. It may not be nice, it may not be pretty, but at least the person took it head on and came through stronger, wiser, and more experienced.
Everything people do is an experience, and some of us are products of our environments and experiences. Others may rebel against those environments and experiences, determined to follow a path of their own despite whatever obstacles may be in their way. I myself, if you can believe it, think that I am that kind of a rebel. I am not one who is going to sit around and let myself become jaded by a lack of maturity that I see in this fandom. I am not going to let people waste away in their own sorrow when there's no reason for them to be sad. I am not going to stop being me for the sake of the majority, and if push comes to shove, I can push back too.
I am not going to accept the idea that the fandom is an "escape" from reality. I am not going to accept that the fandom is a source of shame. I am not going to accept that drama is a natural part of the fandom.
When I first started the ADLM, I had people come at me for what I was doing. They said I was simply making an elaborate hoax, that I was a crook, that I was someone who was trying to pull the wool over the fandom's eyes. I've also had people say that by associating with certain people, I will be incurring the wrath of others for siding with supposed "enemies". I've also had people say that my efforts are futile and will accomplish nothing.
But you know what, I don't really care.
I've made up my mind that I'm going to continue helming the ADLM for as long as I can, and I am not going to accept the fandom as it is now. I believe that many people here sell themselves short and are better than what they themselves believe. I believe that we are all good people who can settle differences if we just open up and talk to one another. I believe that no matter what difficulties or hardships come our way that we are strong enough to deal with them and move on, becoming stronger and wiser in the process.
We are not just anonymous avatars on a massive virtual network! We are real people with real feelings, real hopes, real dreams, and real futures. We are human beings! We are people!
We are!
~Otaku-Man
Thank you for Reading! If you want to subscribe to these journals and keep up to date on what's happening, feel free to subscribe by watching 
Anti-Drama_Llama_Movement You can also keep up to date on who needs help on FA at our other newsletter, the 
ADLM_Daily_Spotlight 
Anti-Drama_Llama_Movement
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~Otaku-Man
~Otaku-Man
But I've spoken with furs in their 50's and 60's, so if it's not something you give up, then that's fine. Just make sure that at the same time, you live a full and happy life. That's all I ask for, really. :)
~Otaku-Man
~Otaku-Man
If you go up to someone outside the fandom and ask them what a furry is, the answer you're most likely to get is "someone who wants to screw the family dog/cat/whathave you" or "someone who has sex while dressed up like an animal mascot." And no matter how much proof you provide to the contrary, the majority of people will continue to think that because let's face it, that shit is out there.
It's like myspace and the internet in general are known for housing pedophiles. Not every person on there is, but because a vocal group panics about it [albeit for a good reason in the case of pedophiles], many other people will as well.
For many of the same reason so many people are reasonably afraid to tell friends and family that they're gay, they're afraid to tell friends and family they're furry. I'm not aware of anyone being beaten to death yet, but I wouldn't doubt people are waiting for that particular bomb to drop.
If people can look at anime and manga without thinking of hentai, why can't the same go with furry and the yiff?
~Otaku-Man
So, the shame in pornography in the furry fandom comes from the association between furries and children. "Stuffed animals don't have sex!" To have a section of the fandom that is devoted to it brings the fear that Little Suzy is going to find the wrong kind of cartoon online.
The removal of the focus on Hentai in association with Manga and Anime comes from the introduction of Mangas and Animes such as Vampire Hunter D, Hellsing, Priest, Samurai X, etc... All of these are "adult" Mangas without being Hentai.
Anthro characters having the history and presence that they do, they will never be able to be as free and clear as Manga.
Drama happens in ANY fandom. Drama is something that happens whenever you get any group of people together who may have differing opinions or conflicting personalities. It is inescapable... however I think BECAUSE people in the furry fandom literally escape into it away from their real lives, they make it worse. Passions run hotter and deeper then they should. But you know.. in the end, its the REAL furs who make it to the status of a 'grey muzzle'. The furs who have been around the block and back and ARE proud of who and what we are as a fandom.
On that note it occurs to me that perhaps we have moved past a status of 'fandom' and moved into the realm of a subculture, with the nuances and undercurrents of such that occur in such things. Regardless in the end, the real 'furries' will prevail and the 'escapees' as you so call them, will fall away. And all the grey muzzles will be left to smile and enjoy the peace and quiet... before another batch of pups crops up to make our lifes ah.... interesting..? again.
Also, I'm 27 too, but I hardly consider myself a grey muzzle yet. Not by a long shot. :)
~Otaku-Man
I agree with you on everything in this, people shouldn't use the fandom for a crutch. Also yeah some of the drama here could be avoided like the plague but some people live off of it.
Keep up the good work though!
~Otaku-Man
Kinda like an attention whore in a sense. :/
Then the people who seek to attack others.. I think this is often motivated by resentment. I suppose it's a way to let off steam and give some they feel "has it coming" a hard time. Obviously these both mix terribly, as the more an "attention whore" waxes indignant, the greater fun a "troll" has ripping into them. It's just dysfunction. Maybe we can recognize it as such and not fall into the habit of it.
I've been in the trolling business myself, and I know both sides of the issue. I've seen the various reasons for trolling, and the random ones that come out of nowhere are usually for one big reason:
for fun.
They find it amusing to find an immature furry (which as otaku mentioned, the fandom is full of them) and just piss them off with the most minuscule negative comment, and basically allow said immature furry to practically troll themselves.
In fact, from what Otakuman said referring to the immature furs, I now better understand WHY we have so much drama. There's so many immature furs in the fandom that get so easily butthurt, so even a simple art critique can be considered 'trolling'
I know real trolling, and I'll tell you right now, 80% of the "trolling" that goes on here on FA is puny and insignificant compared to the hardcore trolling I've seen. In fact, sometimes I wish that some of those more experienced trolls came to FA and gave some of these immature brats something to REALLY whine about x.x
My feeling is the whole situation is a detriment to furrydom. I distance myself from trolls, and from drama whores as much as I can, seeking only to have fun, enjoy sharing my art and some of my ideas, and make friends. I think diffusing the situation when it arises, as suggested in otakuman24's piece, is a good idea. Trolling a "drama whore" may be a relief, but it ultimately teaches them nothing about how to cope.
which leads back to the maturity aspect that otaku mentioned. Your parents told you when you were little to just ignore the bullies that picked on you, and eventually they get bored x3
But you have to realize that your responsibilities are still there. And you have to be able to separate yourself from your computer and face them eventually.
Bottom line for me. Being a furry, sharing common interest with a community is something I'll love all my life. I'll never stop being a furry, just as I'll never stop loving anime or JRPGs. They are a part of who I am, and make up a whole.
I'm done my non-aggressive rant now :p
I feel reflected in many ways, at some points.
That is to say, I draw porn because I need the money (now more than ever) and I wish people would ask me clean things, but I know porn sales a hundred times better.
And the weird thing is, I never had drawn it before FA (I consumed but never got the nerve to make it myself) and now that I'm doing so I really like it, but I can't help feeling it's wrong.
That being said, I'm a perfectly happy person. I'm almost unhealthily optimistic and lead a happy life with my boyfriend, family and friends.
But I know what most of the people who's opinion matter to me would say if they found out what I draw for money. And it scares the crap out of me.
Also, what would happen if I showed my FA account to an illustration agency seeking for a job and they saw the things I do?
It's ironic but I experience more guilt for feeling ashamed than for drawing porn itself, because, well, it's like an external pressure not a personal feeling.
I dont know if more people feels this exact way, but almost everyone I know who lives with their parents have to hide the fact that they draw porn... and I think that THAT is one of the main seeds for this kind of guilt.
Of course, take on account that I'm speaking from a personal point of view, that is to say, I'm talking about shame regarding the production of yiff here, and not the shame of being a furry alone (of which I cannot talk since I never felt guilt for that or tried to hide it in any way).
Well, I think that is what I wanted to say.
The only thing I wanted to leave clear before closing is that I didn't share this because I need to vent myself.
I don't feel "threatened" by this, since I believe in myself and my skills. I suspect noone is 100% free of concerns or issues, so I see this kind of problem as one of those things you file in your mind under the "things I can't solve but have to aknowledge and move on" .
Otherwise, drama arises, and fuck me if I'm ever going to stop enjoying life.
I wrote this because you seem to have spoken with people who had this problems and where troubled and angsty with real life, so I wanted to give you the insight of someone with similar problems but still drama-free and kicking xD
I found the fandom about 1.5 years ago, and I must say, it gave me a sense of belonging, because I really had an interest in anthropomorphic animal characters, and within the course of a year, I found amazing friends who were very supportive and always willing to hang out.
I became a good friend to a whole bunch of people in the fandom, and I even found my special someone here. I found joy in the fandom. I feel like I have found joy in life through the joy in a hobby that I share with amazing friends. I've been blessed.
Well...
But I don't feel shame. I don't mind being a furry.
I'm going to go ahead and blame the internet for making people ashamed to be furries. It's all that "OMG furries GAY yiff in hell" that I'm sure only originated with a small group of people that used the internet to make themselves look larger, and then it caught on. Trends involving hate are the trendiest of them all.
see also slap a jap
One day, I hope to revive a more civil incarnation of the Burnt Furs movement, one that rejects the pornographic image, and encourages viewing and appreciating non-yiffy art for its quality, not how well it gets you off.
I should be one to talk, as I write smut, but I have several clean pieces in the works. Now that I have gotten people's attention with my porn, I will try to "wow" them with my writing skills alone.
Not long after, I found myself engaged in Second Life, where I used it as an escape. It took over my life for a solid 2 years, and since I dont condone the use of it at all x.x
I've never hidden myself as a furry, to be honest x3 In fact, as soon as I found and joined the fandom, I openly admitted it to everyone. I had even got into a fight over it at school xD
Since then, I've also been into some mild trolling, and I've learned a lot of perspective from that.
I myself am quite into the yiff and smut side of the fandom, with very little interest in the clean side. Despite this, I still think the fandom needs more of it's clean art recognized. I've often just sat on FA's front page for for any art I find decent, just to give it some views and some positive feedback. I think more furs should do that.
Besides the porn, I myself take in the fandom's social network as a place to have my music compositions heard and critiqued. Besides my time in Second Life, I dont think I've ever used it as a getaway from reality.
dont happen.
you know, you arent really constricted fo any presets like humansor elves or something...
Upon discovering furrydom, I was pretty disappointed with all the drama, thinking we should be grateful we even have others like ourselves to interact with at all! And I still feel that way somewhat, but it was certainly foolish of me to expect some utopia. I also am a little bothered when I see some furs who try to live entirely inside the fandom, when knowing there are others like us should instead give us a sense that this world we live in is not as cruel and inhospitable as we may have once thought.
I can especially relate to the last bit about being jaded with the fandom. I've always been into anthropomorphic aspects of media, art, etc. Finding the fandom was like "Wow, I've been a furry all along." A nice lightbulb of personal discovery for me.
It took me awhile to actually get my feet wet inside the fandom. When I finally did however I enjoyed it. Met some great people, avoided the "less mature" areas I'd seen. Times were good.
Sadly though, closing in on a year ago. I found those who I thought were friends online were far from it. I had been chatting with a large group of furs in an IRC for years. I felt a connection and generally cared for them.
Apparently I was the only one in that room who felt that way.
To them it was just something to pass the time. I felt humiliated and upset, naturally. Needless to say I left the IRC without a word and haven't looked back. Though the memory still stings. So since then I've admittedly felt jaded and cynical about the fandom. I've largely left the social aspect of it and even started getting to the point looking down on the rest of the fandom as a whole.
But you're right. I gain nothing by being jaded. I shouldn't just leave it with a sour mood, destined to become one of the many haters out there. I need to encourage the good aspects of the fandom. Not only for myself but for others like me who don't use it as an escape. I want the fandom to be like the others. A place to meet others of like minded interest, to have fun and enjoy what it offers.
Over time i became somethgin that i was not, just to hide from them, until a group of people (and a large shitstorm) broke that fanasty land and made me realize that i need to be me, Kevin, on here and such.
To this day, i still get beat, scars and such every so often, no support, but now i'm the person i should be on here and outside.
I love the concept of anthros, being a huge fan of disney, sega, CN, nick, ect, anime, and i would never leave this fandom for anythign else (even though i do enjoy anime and games), and while i know i caused some troubles out of curisoity/confusion back then, i;ve learn just to be quiet and do my artwork (because thats what matters)
so i'll i have to say is, i love this site and the idea, i love being gay and proud of it even if i get beat, and i'v learned thats silence is golden
NOOOOOO!!!!
*kneels and raise hands like in platoon*
(is this somewhere posted as a submission?)
~Otaku-Man
As a graymuzzle who bought and remembered 80's many classic "funny animal" comics I'm also dismayed how most furry comic publishers are all-adult. "It's the only thing that sells" some tell me. The quality has deteriorated to poorly drawn art with the plot of a cheap X-rated movie. And its a shame some artists feel they are being forced to draw porn to gain respect or make any money in the fandom. And many old time artists have left the fandom in disgust at what it's become.
Unlike the Sci-Fi and Anime fandoms, Furry is the only recent fandom or subculture that has developed online. Everything that happens to furs or at conventions is being documented somewhere, which gives the perception to bashers or furs that "Drama only happens to Furries".. which is BS.
Those fandoms have also had plenty of drama and growing pains too. And we're going through the same things they did: rampant growth (lots of teenage and young adult furries - especally women - joining), being misunderstood by the media with a bad reputation of being being full of fat geeks and sex weirdos. The fandom has done a lousy job of promoting the good things it can do. We have some great looking ambassadors (fursuiters) but except for a few groups like Critters by the Bay only a few do any kinds of worthy charity work. And while cons generate lots of money for animal shelters and groups we need to do help out people charities (like Food Banks and Homeless shelters) too.
I think one of the most important things the Furry Fandom is doing right now is creating a quickly growing group of fans for adult-themed anthropomorphic art. Furry artists online are breaking and challenging the old attitude that "funny cartoon animals are just for kids". Why can't fictional anthropomorphic animals be placed in adult and serious situations? The Japanese broke this taboo years ago, but we still have it in America and I think it's one of the bigger reasons why Furries are so misunderstood.
The next decade could be a real interesting time for the fandom.
As far as shame goes though, I like to take a balance of pride and modesty. I hide my porn, and I don't go around talking about it to people who aren't interested or would otherwise not want to know. Like in my first real job, I didn't bother telling any of my co-workers that I was bisexual, it wasn't something they needed to know. But when I was approached and asked in earnest, I told them about it. I mean if there was a beating on the way I might of lied, but that's a case by case sort of thing.
Though I would be lying if I said I've never skirted the issue. When taking a group of non-furry friends on a road trip to a con, I didn't want them going into the con with me [they actually came to see something else in the same area], and I when asked I told their parents we were going to "sort of an Anime Convention". When I look back on it, I wish I hadn't let my perceptions of the fandom keep me from showing them that part of my life. Especially considering how open minded they were about seeing it up close.
And maybe sometimes saying "it's what sells" is simply an excuse. Maybe the artist just really likes to draw porn. But saying that their hands are tied makes them feel more comfortable. Not that there's anything wrong with liking to draw porn.
I do however fear what stupid furries will do to my reputation. People that take drugs to "become the real animal" while in fursuit, the pedos and the dog humpers put furries in a bad light. The only thing that anime has in that regard is folks that like loli.
The difference in the furry fandom and every other fandom is the publics ability to interact with them. There are shit tons of anime on american tv, star trek shows and movies, fantasy shows and movies and comic book shows, movies and well comics.
There is nothing for furries like this. We used to have star fox but the creator of that ditched the series because furries freaked him out. I bet thats why there wasn't another anthro disney movie as well. Furry in the mainstream is dead because of the negative stigmas I have stated before.
The mainstream may not like us now or think we're a big joke, but remember they didn't like Punk Rock or Hip-Hop when it was new and underground. And look how much of it's been incorporated into things like TV commercials and other kinds of popular music.
Furries are pushing the envelope at what anthropomorphic characters can do, while just like the anime and sci-fi fandoms did creating a huge fanbase for it at the same time.
If Hollywood ever figures out what to do with adult anthro characters and create a successful TV show or movie the perception of the fandom will change quickly.
1)Miyamoto has just confirmed a new star fox game
2)there is animal movies coming out because a few guys that work for John Lasster (owner fo disney now) are furries, including roy and walt are pre furries because they enjoyed animals
anyway, the guy for star fox is a douche anyways, even back then. Games are great, creater is shit, just like the guy who did Avatar, ok movie and stuff, but horrible director
I agree with you 100%
very well thought out and said.