I asked the question that started this discussion because I
hoped I was wrong about `furry fandom' having a dark side that I
have not encountered in other hobbies and their conventions.
Though I didnt know the term until discovering others on-line in
December, Ive been a life-long furry-fan through SF&F, so I was
not taking lightly the question "What have I gotten into?".
`Of course', one is `supposed' to outgrow cartoons and fantasy
characters, so attending conventions devoted to them, and
possibly dressing like a favorite character is sure to draw
attention from the general public. That is part of the `price of
admission'. But the public does not instantly think SEX! upon
seeing a commercial for Lion King on Ice, because it is a clean
show, and so are the tie-in products.
Radio amateurs, stamp collectors, orienteers, RC modelers- all
very dedicated and serious about their hobbies and conventions
have no hint of scandal and dont attract bad press. Anyone can
bring their family without a second thought, because they dont
hold conventions with openly sold smut, and they insist any
sexual activity be kept off-scene and secret.
So why does furry-fandom not only permit such convention sales
and activities, but welcomes vocal fringe groups almost designed
to attract bad press and condemnation?
Is it all about money- regardless of damage to the fandom's
reputation? Some `clean artists' have told me they think so.
Maybe more time is needed. Maybe the problems will disappear
with maturity. Maybe discussion helps. Maybe I shouldnt take
it seriously. Thanks for the comments! NB
I asked the question that started this discussion because I
hoped I was wrong about `furry fandom' having a dark side that I
have not encountered in other hobbies and their conventions.
Though I didnt know the term until discovering others on-line in
December, Ive been a life-long furry-fan through SF&F, so I was
not taking lightly the question "What have I gotten into?".
`Of course', one is `supposed' to outgrow cartoons and fantasy
characters, so attending conventions devoted to them, and
possibly dressing like a favorite character is sure to draw
attention from the general public. That is part of the `price of
admission'. But the public does not instantly think SEX! upon
seeing a commercial for Lion King on Ice, because it is a clean
show, and so are the tie-in products.
Radio amateurs, stamp collectors, orienteers, RC modelers- all
very dedicated and serious about their hobbies and conventions
have no hint of scandal and dont attract bad press. Anyone can
bring their family without a second thought, because they dont
hold conventions with openly sold smut, and they insist any
sexual activity be kept off-scene and secret.
So why does furry-fandom not only permit such convention sales
and activities, but welcomes vocal fringe groups almost designed
to attract bad press and condemnation?
Is it all about money- regardless of damage to the fandom's
reputation? Some `clean artists' have told me they think so.
Maybe more time is needed. Maybe the problems will disappear
with maturity. Maybe discussion helps. Maybe I shouldnt take
it seriously. Thanks for the comments! NB