I think that essay misses the point slightly. Yes, there are anthropomorphic characters in mainstream culture but that has always been the case. Why has the furry fandom only emerged in the last few decades when anthropomorphic characters have been around for thousands of years? Either something else has influenced people to become furry, perhaps the proliferation of tv shows with anthropomorphic characters, or some restrictive influence has disappeared. If those shows are why people are becoming furs then it would be better not to say mainstream culture as the influence, as that has always been available, but perhaps a greater access to it. Nowadays most houses will have access to a TV, something that was not available beforehand.
"If all mankind minus one, were of one opinion, and only one person were of the contrary opinion, mankind would be no more justified in silencing that one person, than he, if he had the power, would be justified in silencing mankind."
~John Stuart Mill~
I think that essay misses the point slightly. Yes, there are anthropomorphic characters in mainstream culture but that has always been the case. Why has the furry fandom only emerged in the last few decades when anthropomorphic characters have been around for thousands of years? Either something else has influenced people to become furry, perhaps the proliferation of tv shows with anthropomorphic characters, or some restrictive influence has disappeared. If those shows are why people are becoming furs then it would be better not to say mainstream culture as the influence, as that has always been available, but perhaps a greater access to it. Nowadays most houses will have access to a TV, something that was not available beforehand.
"If all mankind minus one, were of one opinion, and only one person were of the contrary opinion, mankind would be no more justified in silencing that one person, than he, if he had the power, would be justified in silencing mankind."
~John Stuart Mill~