An old journal from DA, but I see no reason why it still is not a good read! I was/do truly explore the term "furry" and why so many hate the label! Enjoy the read!

So I love delving into peoples innermost personalities and quirks, in a way I LOVE to study people. Their expressions, distinct personalities, general traits, good habits, bad habits, kinks etc. It's probably why I enjoy astrology so much, meeting and talking to new people, and why I've been doing these adult commissions. Most people, when they learn of someone's kink or fetish immediately label the other as; sick, freak, grotesque... The list could go on and on, and "furries" are no exception. The internet is fascinated with them. Most people labeling them as "animal rapers" and using the term furry not as a simple "oh your into__" but more in the same way that the word "nigger" is used to offend those of African descent. It used in a derogatory manner in a lot of cases. Even some of you, here on my DA, are the same way. I want to explain what it really is though, give a little background and maybe open some tightly closed minds.

History

Yes, furries have a history, this is not some "underground" fetish to recently arise thanks to the internet. How many times have you seen animals used to represent things: logos, companies, religions. They are used symbolically all the time, and much longer than recently. Astrology used animals to represent 7 of 12 signs, and an 8th is half animal. Native Americans, Inuit and throes of other early civilizations used "totems" as an integral part of their culture. To pass into adulthood you needed to be told or given your totem. In some places animals were used as status symbols if you had the right ones.. Aztec warriors called jaguars were a highly prized role in their culture. They went as far as to dress up as a jaguar in the hoped of gaining a jaguar's cunning, ferocity, and stealth in battle. Celts too believed such things, often running into battle in only animal furs (mostly naked) believed it would lend them their totem animals attributes. Dressing up, playing the animal counterpart... sound familiar?

What is a furry really

Originally the term was used to described anyone who liked anthromorphic art or art of animals with "human-like" stature and personality ((werewolves coming to the fore front of one's mind)). It has since come to mean something much different and included much more than it originally did. Now furry is generally a term for those who use animal characters to role play (both through the internet and "fursuiting in real life), represent themselves via their art, and the like. These characters are often called "Fursonas" ( a "furred" or animal persona). Taking on the physical, emotional and personality traits of their real life counter parts. It's generally a harmless way to recreate yourself; like choosing to be a superhero in your own art world instead of boring, plain , and normal.

The fetish

This is where people's problems arise. Most older furries tend to engage in a more "adult" version of the above. Role playing in adult situations, "acting out" such roles in full body suits of their characters and the like. Most who do not understand the genre tend to label them as animal rapists and in the act of bestiality. This is where you couldn't be more wrong. Think of a fursona as more of a "mask". A face to hid behind, as most people consider animals "flawless" and innocent of evils. Doing as they were born to do, no stress or stings tying them to bills, stress , etc. Those who commit to this fetish are hiding, or acting behind the mask of their character, finding it in way to be more appealing to them. I could list thousands of reasons why they do it, good and bad; however why is not the question here. Like any person the why is a variable always different and changing; but these people should not be wrongly labeled. Arguably they may be more prone to zoophilia or even bestiality, but there is no proof of that. Like saying the sun makes people take of their shoes, two things completely irrelevant, yet one is used to explain the other.

I kind of hope this helps you understand the genre and the term furry. Things aren't always what they seem, but if you at least stop and take the time to ask someone why they like something or explain their behavior, you might just learn more than you thought you would.

And like always, I do not think you have to like or agree with what anyone else does, as no one share all the ideals and behaviors of anyone else. All that is asked is that people learn to try to understand their fellows and keep open minds and hearts.

One of my favorite quotes, which I'll use to wrap things up,"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain an idea without accepting it"- Aristotle.