You're using an awful lot of Alt-Right buzzwords in that first paragraph. That kind of makes me worry.

Look, the best advice I can offer is that you could easily start an SFW account for less fetishy thing and advertise it, see what interest that generates. I'd like to see some more non-fetish stuff, ya know? But hey, I can't stop you, do what you do man.

Alt-right? o_O

The guys most guilty of virtue signaling (we live in a christian nation, think of the children non-sense), identity politics (better a pedophile than a democrat) and violent hatred dividing the world right now. Trump and his ilk. Ya know, the Alt-Right guys who say "Just because we're elitists demanding concentration camps and media censorship, that doesn't make Nazis.... HEIL TRUMP!!".

I never said I supported Trump nore do I support Alt-Right thinking but I don't support Alt-Left thinking either. I try to remain centralist within these things but all the hostilaty from both sides gets tiring after a while.

Just wanted to be sure, though you have to know that there isn't actually an alt-left. It's just the Alt-Right doing their "Accuse others of what we're guilty of" thing trying to make literal Nazism seem like a good thing.

What is "Alt Left"?

Mostly these self proclaimed neo-Marxists or those who claim to be part of the group Antifa.

Antifacism isn't some sort of group, though. It's just being against facism.

You never heard of the Antifa group?

There isn't a group. Antifascism is what it sounds like. Everything surrounding it being an organized group is stuff that's been fabricated by the Alt-Right that surface supporters of the extreme right will take as fact upon seeing it for a fraction of a second. I am Antifa. A lot of people are Antifa. It isn't a group, it's an ideology that we don't want to be overseen by a fascist force, governmental or otherwise.

Antifa does exist as a group and it's anti-fascist in name only. Being against fascism and being in Antifa is two different things. Antifa is an radical anarcho-communist group that fights for socialism, Marxism, Maoism, and Stalinism. They've protested against free speech as well as expressing support for Sharia Law. They've broken into violent protests and have attacked innocent people. And their platform is based on horrible dictatorships that have destroyed the lives of billions of innocent people. They're not against hate and authority, they're just against ONE type of hate and authority, they just want to replace it with theirs. I'm a Libertarian/Classical Liberal, I hate Fascism but I also hate Communism and Antifa. I just want everyone to leave everyone else alone and live and let live. If you truly support liberty and justice for all, I'd recommend not defending Antifa, it's not gonna make you look well to most people.

Do you have -any- sources for anything you have here?

Look up articles on the Antifa group and Anarcho-Communism.
Look up the UC Berkeley riots.
Look up the March Against Sharia Protests.

Articles on Antifa-group mostly direct to blogs that are all run by right-wingers or alt-right supporters. UC berkeley and March against Sharia are legit, but two examples with no casualties versus people being run over in the street by the alt-right? How does that figure? White nationalist rallies, Unite the Right being full of nazi iconography?

Me badmouthing Antifa doesn't mean I support or undermine the actions of the Alt-Right. I think both groups are shitheads. That's the problem with modern extremist logic, "If you don't support my extremes, that means you support the other extremes." "If you're not a far-lefitst, you're a far-rightist." "If you're not a communist, you're a nazi." etc.

Fair enough, I can understand it. It sucks that we have literal nazis hanging around, though.

I don't know what to say for your last two paragraphs. But as far as that first one is concerned, just know you're not alone. I always prided myself on my "neutral" stance of life; to see points from both sides of the field. But it annoys me that for some that's not good enough either. Personally, I let people think what they want, believe what they want, identify with what they want, I don't care. But the moment you try to push your agenda on me because it doesn't match you 100%, that's when I get mad. And you won't like me when I'm mad.

Sadly we live in a world where everyone is offended by everything. While change and progression can certainly be a good thing, it's the way that some people go about that really gets under my skin. I'm not saying that the whole world needs to shape up and just accept everyone's ideals. But if people were less of dicks about it, then the world will be a better place. I mean, is it really so hard to keep your mouth shut? What ever happened to "if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all"?

And I'm sorry to hear about your father and to learn of your current stance on the fandom. But it's your life and your choice to make. Whatever you decide to do, I'm sure you'll pick the best choice for yourself and let nobody else tell you otherwise.

At the risk of stirring shit... The reason people get trampled when they "step out of line" is because they use all of the stupid, stupid words you've regurgitated in that first (third?) paragraph. Those are fucking "Kick Me" signs you put on your own back. Just keep your goddamn head down and nothing happens. Just because "reeee liberals/leftists" are saying stuff you don't like doesn't make it a good idea to try to counter them. Zip your lip, you'll be fine.

Also, people move on. It doesn't have a goddamn thing to do with politics. It might have something to do with how little activity your account has, though.

Perhaps you should move on, too. If you were... Naive enough to get a degree in a field you wouldn't have dared apply for because "OMG fursecution," I don't know what to tell you. The time to leave was when you graduated or probably before that.

I don't know why you made this journal. If you made it because you thought you'd get asspats... Well, no dice. I don't care about politics anymore, but if there's one thing I can't stand, it's WHINING.

I'm with Blazebeak here. Many fandoms aren't immune to this. It's perfectly understandable if you want to stay out of the political drama. As for your art, that's up to you. But needless to say, you would be missed if you decided to stop altogether, and I'm not just talking about your fetish stuff; many of us enjoy all of your art. On that note, you have artistic skills on your belt. You could take it to bigger places if you tried. I don't even have that on me.

And on the bright side, at least FA and Twitter haven't completely destroyed themselves like tumblr has...yet.

As for the community side... personally I never felt like I was a part of the "furry community". I did me and remained relatively unknown to people here despite being here for around a decade. It's best to not try to be part of some major clique. If you get a friend, talk to 'em. Maybe have a group. But that's as far as it should go.

Same here. I wouldn't necessarily call myself a 'furry', but I don't mind interacting with them and seeing what they have to offer.

This is good advice. Thank you for saying that. I know it isn't meant for me, but I am happy someone said that.

I somehow cant blame you. I sort of fell out of it myself cause i got tired of the politics. Its too much effort to fuck with it in any real engaging fashion when theres all this extra bs

Honestly, I can see where you are coming from. All you can do really is be there for those you love and strive for what you feel makes you happy. I wish I could tell you it is better everywhere else, but it isn't. There are people on both sides of any argument nowadays, be it politics or anything else (even down to basic things like entertainment or clothes, which I will never truly get) who take things too far. Honestly, I would say do what you feel is best, but think on it for a bit first. It is easy to get caught up in a rut now, but if this feeling you have persists, then it is time for you to move on and do what you want to do. Keep your friends close and enjoy your life. You still have your whole life to live, and no doubt many adventures and experiences to partake in. Don't let a few folks ruin something for you, but don't be afraid to move on of things get too toxic for you. Change is a necessary part of life, and it can bring a lot of good with it. I hope that things do work out for you and you can find at least some medium where you can let out your creative energy in a constructive way that you want. Good luck to you dude, I hope things pan out for ya.

the most disgusting part of this journal is some of the people commenting. it's nice to see so many people who either agree or have their own logical thoughts. i like the people that when you read them, sound calm and collected and pitch in with their own thoughts.

that one person though.... they are the EXACT GOD DAMNED thing that you said happens when you step out of line and don't conform to the group think. and that is what makes me angry. i used to think it was nice to do what you thought was best, but i lost several friwnds because of it, and honestly it only makes me more aggrivated when people get so obssessed with politics that they throw out being human beings to one another and just start at calling you names, branding you, or whatever the fuck else.

i agree with you i i would say almost every way, people have to always bring up what a good person they are because of the people they spend time with or help and it only sounds liek they feel they need to help them because they are helpless and incapable of helping themselves. the identity shit is everywhere, people care more about what you are than who you are, if you don't identify as a certain thing then you are cast out because peopel can't tolerate anyone that isn't the exact same.

to this day since i played the story in destiny 2 i always remember a conversation had between hawthorne and cayde where she says taht insecure people tend to spend mroe time around like minded individuals, and it's becuase they can't deal with a thought that might make them think theya re wrong or not perfect. some people just like the ability to think critically and that critical thought could change their entire world. and they arescared of that.

i kind of went on arant but i wanted to give my thoughts on these things that it seems like you have already started getting attacked/branded for. and in all honesty this stuff is kind of why i don't really watch many people anymore on here, oe fallow people on twitter. everyone has to be political about everything and nothing can be just keptas a safe place online where people can enjoy not interacting with the real world. i have had it where in literal days i've seen how politically retarded and obssessed they were with politics that i stopped watching them. their art isn't worth their stupidity. so i'd rather not see that shit too keep enjoying what they have that isn't political.

oddly enough thought i have also had thoughts that i belong in a different time becuase most of the people i know or hear or see all think in a specific way and hate anyone that isn't the same. it hurts to see so many people who would attack or just throw you away liek trash if they heard you actually speak out. some people say we are living in a better more openly afe time, but more people live in fear that they did when i was still in school. i may be and idiot, but i sure as hell am not stupid and i can see this stuff that others seem to lack the ability to. i think it all comes down to critical thought.

as for art stuff.... i don't honestly know, i've watched you and what you create since i was young and probably were one of the people i got into really enjoying the fandom for. i even rememebr some animations you did, and how much i adored watching the one with that green wolf girl, she was such a cute charcter and i loved to see her and duragan. if you feel it's time to move on, it will suck, but i can understand. i think honestly, even if noone cares, the thing you should worry about is just enjoying your art, wether you get a ton of people watching, or if not many care for it. you draw when you want and if people have a problem with that, then it's their fault.

i can say i haven't ben doing a good job at supporting the artists i like, but it can be ahrd sometimes. if nothing really catches my eye, i don't really have anything i think i could say.

why would alt right people do this?

my thoughts are on skype

I see you may be at your wits end...

Duragan, would you feel better if someone requested a commission from you, and would you be able to finish it by Christmas Eve or Day?

To me politics and the fandom need separating. A lot of this crap comes from America and social media and the fandom is about art. Sure people within the fandom are posting this rubbish but then you can always block and ignore and my muted words list on Twitter is a mile long (I can share it with you, if you like,) I don't even bother with Facebook any more, thankfully mastodon hasn't been affected in this way and seems much nicer, at least on the server I'm on.

What I would do if I was considering leaving (and I have thought about it a number of times) would be to take a piece of paper and divide it into two columns, positive and negative. In the positive column list all the good things which you like about the fandom, the reasons you joined perhaps, friends, art, creativity and anything else. The same with the negative column listing things you don't like about the fandom whatever they are such as some of the things you've outlined above. Have a good look at this list and consider if it is worth leaving, or if you should stay.

If you do stay maybe you should have a look at how you interact with the fandom, you could even get a new name and identity, or it could be to double down on keeping the stuff you don't like out of sight so you don't have to think about it.

To me this is one of the issues with social media, everyone and every topic crammed into one place, looping and cycling around, the very feedback loop formula social networks use to grow content just work to amplify the worst things and then there's the people who just do it to look popular, get RTs, likes and follows and don't actually care about the subject at all.

Hope to see you soon in meat space anyways. ^_^ *Hugs.*

Oof, sorry to hear about your family situation..

Also.. nahh, don't let a vocal minority fool you into thinking that they're the majority of the furry fandom.

The caliber of people you're talking about are the ones who are very much ready to break friendships, harm people's reputation, or fire people from their jobs just because they don't have agreement on political opinions. They'll twist their words and your words to deem themselves right. They'll get vicious and attack you as a person, instead of attacking your ideology.

Instead of leaving the fandom, avoid these toxic people. If they chase you, block them. You don't need them in your life. Besides, wherever you go, there's going to be these kinds of people.

And ultimately, let's face it; Are you advocating violence? Self-harm? Illegal things? Are you shaming other people, bullying anyone? Absolutely not, so you have every right to speak your mind.

That being said, you can't expect the metaphorical wild cat to not tear up your sofa, so it's best to avoid public journals or comments on FA to minimize toxic contact. Those aren't the correct place for politics anyway. Go to forums dedicated to that thing, or friends on a chat server, whatever it is. Just don't let yourself get bullied into shutting up about your opinions completely. Don't live that lie.

Let me restore some of your hope as well. I know a few furry friends who are very much left wing in their view, don't approve of Trump AT ALL, but are totally fine with me disagreeing with them on many things. very chill, amicable people. And after that, we can talk about oversized cuties because nothing wrong happened. You want to surround yourself with these kinds of people, who can separate an individual from his opinions, regardless of their own opinion. Someone that you can agree or disagree on various morals and values, and not get hated for it as a human being. How about that?

As someone who is particularly left leaning, I would like to apologize for the behavior of some other people with beliefs such as myself. How you feel and what you believe are perfectly valid.

I kind of had to come to terms with my own beliefs and how other people might not agree and I realized myself that I, personally, do not want to be a hateful, toxic left-wing nutjob. I was almost that person after Donald Trump was elected president and then I realized that I didnt want to be that way. I realized that branding people an enemy is not a good way to reconcile with others and build rapport with people. I dont wana be divisive or hateful. I think a lot of people with more conservative leanings are genuinely good people that only really have different idea bout how things should be done. Maybe different people have different ideas about how things should be done but I know we all generally have the same values. I expressly shy away from making brash assumptions about conservatives and get annoyed when other lefties say rude things about republicans.

One person I love very much has more conservative beliefs than I do and he might approve of the US President. And you know what? It doesnt matter because I still love him. Because sometimes the relationship matters more than trying to be right or standing my ground. Sure it annoys me, as a Mexican-American, but I can live with it and I can at least talk to him about it. And he can respect that I get where he is coming from with all his concerns and really listen to him.

I am not trying to go on and on about how I am better than other Left-Leaning people, I just want you to know that people like me exist and we value you. I really hope more people treat you with respect. Maybe i don't entirely agree with you but I respect you and I know that what you believe does not come from hate or bigotry. And honestly, talking to people with dissenting opinions or points has actually improved my worldview. I still consider myself sort of a liberal but i am alot more moderate and It is because of having my views challenged and seeking the truth. I still hate the President of the United States, but i don't want to automatically brush off people who don't.
I hope that you can try to understand where some of these other more defensive liberals are coming from though. Some people are just concerned at the way things are going, such as the people of my blood, the Mexicans. However, despite how much they might genuinely care about what they are standing up for, you dont need to put up with them bashing you, they should know better.

I remember when i used to look through your gallery like ten years ago back on Deviant Art and I really loved and still appreciate your art style and your presence. I think it would be a shame if you felt like it was time for you to leave the fandom . However, I hope that whatever you do, You find peace and happiness.

I dont know what I could say to help with the way you are feeling but I want you to know that I hear you and I understand where you are coming from and I hope others can do the same towards you.

Merry Christmas