I actually have a very different interpretation of anthropomorphism versus zoomorphism. It's more about what characters "are" rather than what they are becoming. For example, when I look at an anthro character, do I recognise them as human or animal? If I was friends with Nick Wilde, would I need to distinguish my human identity from his because we both have different physical features? Or do I recognise him as an animal and fundamentally different from me as an individual? For me, being a zoomorph is about recognising the inner humanity of anthro characters. They are animalised humans, not humanised animals.
At this point you might ask, how is this different from how non-furries look at anthro characters? The fact that most people are able to relate to the way that anthro characters move and emote like human beings is one of the main reasons why they are so universal in culture.
The difference is that as a zoomorphic furry, I recognise the character's humanity on more than just an intellectual level, but also on a romantic level and, yes, even potentially on a sexual level. If human identity was an umbrella that covers many different kinds of people, then my umbrella is larger still.
As for people who favour anthropomorphism... you know, I'm not going to give my impressions right now. I'm still quite ignorant about the specifics of other core-identity groups within furry fandom and I would feel bad for trying to speak for other people until I was confident I have my facts straight.
Hi Sonious,
I actually have a very different interpretation of anthropomorphism versus zoomorphism. It's more about what characters "are" rather than what they are becoming. For example, when I look at an anthro character, do I recognise them as human or animal? If I was friends with Nick Wilde, would I need to distinguish my human identity from his because we both have different physical features? Or do I recognise him as an animal and fundamentally different from me as an individual? For me, being a zoomorph is about recognising the inner humanity of anthro characters. They are animalised humans, not humanised animals.
At this point you might ask, how is this different from how non-furries look at anthro characters? The fact that most people are able to relate to the way that anthro characters move and emote like human beings is one of the main reasons why they are so universal in culture.
The difference is that as a zoomorphic furry, I recognise the character's humanity on more than just an intellectual level, but also on a romantic level and, yes, even potentially on a sexual level. If human identity was an umbrella that covers many different kinds of people, then my umbrella is larger still.
As for people who favour anthropomorphism... you know, I'm not going to give my impressions right now. I'm still quite ignorant about the specifics of other core-identity groups within furry fandom and I would feel bad for trying to speak for other people until I was confident I have my facts straight.