The Furry Fandom; Friend or Foe? Part 1
By Paul Dohse, TANC Publishing
TANC Publishing is a research organization that focuses on religious issues. My wife, Susan, and I founded TANC in 2011. Recently, we crossed paths with a movement known as the “Furry Fandom.” What is this movement, and why should we care to know about it?
Wikipedia is often criticized for not being a credible source for information along with the internet in general, but here, we have another example of something we wouldn’t know much about, if at all, without Wikipedia. In addition, we presently find ourselves in the Information Age which is a wonderful thing because information equals individual empowerment and freedom. Information is not the friend of those who oppose an open society. The idea of “experts,” and individuals considered to be an “authority” on any given subject has far less credence than it did in the past, and that’s a very good thing. In our day, expertism has been weighed in the balances and found wanting.
Hence, TANC seeks to compile information about a subject in one place and learn more about the subject through collective contributions by other individuals. The individual has the final word on what they will believe or not believe. No one should believe anything just because someone said it is true.
According to Wikipedia,
The furry fandom is a subculture interested in anthropomorphic animal characters with human personalities and characteristics. Examples of anthropomorphic attributes include exhibiting human intelligence and facial expressions, speaking, walking on two legs, and wearing clothes. The term “furry fandom” is also used to refer to the community of people who gather on the internet and at furry conventions.
Two things should be mentioned to start: this is no small fringe movement; activities and conventions are ample and thousands attend. Secondly, Furries aggressively and tirelessly defend their movement. This got my attention; if Furry Fandom is just a bunch of adults dressing up for fun every now and then like a yearly Halloween party, why all the fuss? Furry Fandom is much more than an excuse to throw a party; it is a culture complete with its own formal elements such as fursona, plushies, Yiff, etc.
ALL Christians should be aware of what Furry Fandom is for the following reasons: it confirms what we believe about human behavior and wellbeing in general, and it is, in fact, an imminent danger while its “fursona” conveys images that are disarming and seem harmless. And, the ramifications for children are absolutely huge. If 2 plus 2 equals 4, and it does, this movement poses a huge danger for children. Secondly, Furry Fandom relies heavily on playing the “misunderstood” card. In our (Susan and I) recent brush with the Fandom, our attorney said the following: “People are all over the map in regard to this movement.” Exactly. It’s like indicting Jell-O by nailing it to the wall. And frankly, that’s by design. Fandom gets a pass through a disarming persona and confusion of information.
But, the best judge of anything is what it does. We are going to look at what Fandom is, and what it does. A bear doesn’t eat honey 100% of the time, and not all bears eat honey, but that doesn’t mean they are not guilty of being bears, and that you probably shouldn’t have one for a pet.
Sure, there are Furries who look at their participation as a fun “hobby,” as Dr. Phil McGraw categorizes the Fandom, but that not only pertains to a very small segment of Fandom, but is an eggregiously misinformed perspective, if not outright ignorant. We will look at what the Fandom is basically, and how its ideology leads to other behaviors, and why we should be aware of those behaviors.
paul
Paul's Passing Thoughts 
Unfortunately I think I can figure out where this is going. Like you said, 2 + 2 = 4.
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The realities of Fandom are very instructive; dissecting this movement will serve us well.
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Good morning! I’d love to follow this article but could you include citing for both your referenced wiki page and picture being used? This will better create a more professional atmosphere and help others follow your research and fact-check.
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Dragon, I don’t need any lectures on professional writing as I am the author of several peer approved books by people with Masters and Doctorate degrees. Secondly, the series is in the introductory phase and I am speaking in general terms. Thirdly, people, for the most part, do not read footnotes or follow-up on references. Fourthly, fact checking can be accomplished in seconds by a Google search on almost anything. Fifthly, regardless of the fact that references will increase as the series progresses, blogs are informal to begin with. Sixthly, rather than refuting any point made in the article, you dismiss the whole article because it doesn’t meet some academic standard that supposedly prevents fact checking. In other words, your suggestion is disingenuous; your real motive is to discredit the articles as a way to deflect criticism. Seventh, as mentioned in Part One, the movement is hyper-defensive, and this has really caught my attention. And, I am pretty sure of why the movement is hyper-defensive; because it is guilty of many vile things.
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The Catholic Church is accused of many vile things well. And they have had many outlashes and loudly outspoken views against the minority that choose to participate in pedophilia… does it stop it? No. Does it prevent it? No. Does the Catholic church still thrive? Yes. There will always be problems with each thing that is popular. Literally anything can and will be sexualized (look up rule 34, followed by anything you want) . Leave the fandom alone, and leave your personal quarral with individuals out of the fandom.
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Anon, those in a group that cover for the rest of the group, even if a minority, are as guilty as the “few bad apples.” And, what makes you think I have a personal quarrel with a furry?
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Because this article was shared by a person you have a legal matter with. Who also is a furry. This is article could be considered slander an/or deformation, not only to the individual, but to a group of people as well.
Also added, please site the area where you got that photo from. If the people are unaware you have used their picture in an article relating to the content, you could have another lawsuit. This is implying that those individuals participate in said activities. This could damage their personal reputation. Also if this photo was taken by a photographer and you used it without permission, you could be in more trouble for stealing property
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Ruin their reputations? As Furries, or their anonymous identities? Or, the other Furs that use the same costume?
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You sure doing this because you were involved in a recent legal matter regarding a child. You tried to get the child taken away from the parents. One of the reasons you presented was that they were furries using the basis that furries can be sexual deviants.
Furthermore using the picture of the two furries without consent for the article could be considered deformation of character for the owners of those costumes. It implies that those two individuals participate in the activities you have mentioned, which could ruin their reputation. This has gone viral and they will see it. Just warning you.
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A. No such information was “presented” in court. B. In regard to threats of legal action, again, BRING IT. C. I have only begun to shake the Furry tree.
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You tried getting a child taken away from the parents in a court case. One of the reasons being that they were furries and sexual deviants. Your doing this to try to build a case. An uncited case base on accusations and stereotypes.
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SAY WHAT? Trust me, your information is not good.
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You can ruin thier reputation in the furry community, and the personalized charachter that is unique to those people. They are tailored to those individuals.
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Fursure.
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Matthew 5:38-40 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’[a] 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well.”
You turn away from Jesus the more you spread YOUR hate and YOUR convictions onto the world. Jesus was about love and acceptance. That is why Jesus was followed by people like Mary Magdalen. You cannot force people to change, you show them love and acceptance and they may change on their own.
You do not follow the path of Christ, you follow the path of Satan when you spread hate.
In the name of Jesus Christ , I pray you find peace forgiveness and serenity in your heart and you let the grasps of Satan leave your heart and soul. That you are forgiven for the sins you are commiting in his the name or Christ. So you may one day enter the gates of Heaven a Saved Soul
In Christ name we Pray AMEN
Signed,
Ms.Loretta Smith-Brown.
Sub Vice Minister,
The New Church of Jesus.
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Another blogger with a vendetta against furries lol half the FB groups are laughing at how bad this article is
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Dragon. You said you are really big on fact checking, so, you have the screenshots of the criticism? I will take 3, if you have them (and I don’t think you do), not counting you.
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Kill yourself
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Every culture has its deviants. It’s not just in the furry fandom. Look at the Catholic Church and it’s rampant Pedophilia problem. If thats not ‘deciancy’ I don’t know what is. You call yourself a christian, yet you go around espousing hatred and judgement.
Matthew, Chapter 6:
[1] Judge not, that ye be not judged.
[2] For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
Just know, that your ‘crusade’ about furries isn’t going to make you more accepted in any community except for those who are looking for people to hate, to ridicule – basically the small minded individuals who get off on bullying those around them because of either a superiority complex or a inferiority complex that causes them to make people around them insignificant to boost their own sense of self.
Also, most furries are not sexual deviants. Thats a small group within our culture that gets media attention. Also, the funds raised at our conventions goes to charities – like childrens cancer research and hospitals. To be bluntly honest, ‘Paul’, the furry fandom was actually founded on Christian ideals of accepting others and not judging others.
When you attack someone for their beliefs, you step from the path of Christ. If you truely want to learn what furry is, then I suggest talking to furries – not just reading the random things on the internet or Wikipedia. Just like, if you want to learn Christianity, you speak to a Christian, correct? So, i’m sure you’ve got my email right here. Contact me with questions, i’ll answer them. I’ve been a member of the community since ’95, back when the AOL was THE service to use, so I’m pretty sure I can be called an ‘expert’.
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Based on comments from the “furry” community I think it is reasonable to say that we are on to something here. This series seems to have struck a nerve. Thanks for the validation everyone!
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I am a good GOD fearing Christian woman, this series does not follow the teaching of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Christ never tried to cause strife or strike nerves. He spoke truths that resonated with the soul. This is not the work of Jesus. This is the work of the devil in your heart. If you are a true child of the Lord. Then CAST Satan out of your heart and rebuke him. Do not go down this path of hate.
I now leave you with a prayer.
In the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus, I ask you to cast satan out of this mans heart. Let him find the peace in your embrace Jesus . May he find the love that is awaiting him and may he be blessed and bless others
In your name we Pray amen.
Signed,
Ms.Loretta Smith-Brown.
Sub Vice Minister,
The New Church of Jesus.
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“Christ never tried to cause strife or strike nerves.”
Um….ok
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Oh child, you seek the your justification to spread hate for the time when the Lord drove out defilers of the temple. The people who were robbing the poor. The lord taught more about love then he did about anger hate or violence. It is with Devils gaze you are set to see and use what could be considered a fault in the lord message. What you bring up only attempt to lower the Lord from his status above.
I pray, Lord who art in heaven. Cast the devil from this mans eyes so he can see the foolishness of what he says. May he be turned back on to the path of our Lord and Savior. Amen
Signed,
Ms.Loretta Smith-Brown.
Sub Vice Minister,
The New Church of Jesus.
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SVM, While you are having one of your daily chats with God, ask him if I am saved as well. Let me know.
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What I find particularly interesting is that of the over 4000 articles that this blog has published over the course of 11 years covering various and sundry subjects that THIS is the article that seems to have provoked you to comment. That says more about you than it does those involved with this ministry. So please, keep running your mouth, keep giving us ample fodder for future articles, and by all means keep helping our click rate go higher! Thank you!!!
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I’m a furry, and work with my church. I work at vbs, in my costume, I walk in the parade with my costume for the church. This fandom has helped so many people and has actually saved lives. It’s so sad to see an automatic pass of judgement in an entire group because of a small percentage of people who belong to it. There have been plenty of “Christians” who have murdered, stolen, and raped….look at the #1 catholic stereotype. Should we hate all Catholics and condemn them?
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Wolf: Yes. Because life is like places to swim. Such places are teaming with all kinds of sea life, but if a particular spot is known for shark attacks, we don’t swim there, even though the sharks may be few. It only takes one attack to end your life. Furthermore, I am sure that you are aware of what Christ said about Leaven. It only takes a little to Leaven the whole lump, so…. Moreover, it is not true that deviants in the Fandom are a minority, they are actually the majority, and this will be well documented in the future articles.
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Because I am writing on the Furry Fandom? Wow. So, it would seem that criticism is the cardinal sin of our day.
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To Paul,
You say you are a child of the lord. Yet you mock a woman of the lord and her prayers ?! Has satan taken so hard a grip on your heart that you cannot see you mock the very faith you are to preach for ?
Jesus help you child, every man woman and child has a direct line to the lord and it is prayer. The Lord also made us with eyes to see, and ears to hear and wisdom we took from the garden. To know what is right from wrong.
You do not spread the word or works of Christ our lord.
I pray that he will set your soul free from the grip that satan has on your heart, mind and body.
Signed,
Ms.Loretta Smith-Brown.
Sub Vice Minister,
The New Church of Jesus.
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This strikes a nerve because it generalizes everyone in the fandom. I work with my church as a furry, I walk in the parade as a furry for the church. I entertain at VBS. I go to conventions, I get plushies made of my Charachter, and pay artists.
For me I dont communicate real well face to face. But in my costume I feel invincible. I’m more active, I talk more. And I have no problem meeting new people.
I went to the Ohio Renaissance festival, and met an Autistic kid, maybe 7. She loves animals. and hates people. She cant talk to people, but she could talk to us. Someone gave her the head and paws of the costume they were wearing because she loved it so much. We went back the next year and the child mother was a vendor there. And thanked us. Her mother said she her daughter for the first time stayed down in the shop and was able to talk to customers normally, while she had on the costume. Before her encounter with the fandom she wouldn’t have done that. She now marches in the parade at renfair.
There has been so many good things come out of the fandom, millions raised just for charity.
You want to say that all furries do bad things fine… but for the same reasons I dont like the Catholic Church…. after all… all priests are pedophiles right?
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Wolf: You make the point for me concerning how I will be framing the future articles; the Fandom provides for personal needs that are unhealthy alternatives for dealing with life. That’s the social and mental health aspect while other needs are merely unsavory urges.
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Because this article was shared by a person you have a legal matter with. Who also is a furry. This is article could be considered slander an/or deformation, not only to the individual, but to a group of people as well.
Also added, please site the area where you got that photo from. If the people are unaware you have used their picture in an article relating to the content, you could have another lawsuit. This is implying that those individuals participate in said activities. This could damage their personal reputation. Also if this photo was taken by a photographer and you used it without permission, you could be in more trouble for stealing property
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In regards to your threats of legal action: BRING IT.
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I never mentioned anything about having any type of urges.
And what part about doing something that makes you happy, more active, more social is unhealthy? Especially when you aren’t doing harm?
By your logic the everyone in the catholic church should be put out and strung up, and should be scrutinized and not allowed to practice for what the minority does.
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“And what part about doing something that makes you happy, more active, more social is unhealthy? Especially when you aren’t doing harm?” You continue to make my point. Furry Fandom offers unhealthy solutions to life’s problems. Dressing up in a fursuit is not a valid cure for Demophobia and other phobias that are usually the result of unhealthy lifestyles or unresolved guilt. And, again, in regard to your Catholic Church argument, enablers are just as guilty as the perpetrators. There are two kinds of Catholics: the perpetrators and the enablers.
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Your purposely trying to shame a fandom because you lost a court case with someone in the fandom. And trying to make it look as bad as you can
And Mental health is so much more than medicating a child to the point the can deal with it. Coping mechanisms are something that most psychologists recommend. Finding healthy non medicated outlets that encourage social interaction are praised actually.
And how does it endanger kids? It actually provokes creativity. All of those characters are someone’s personal design. Many take up art that otherwise wouldn’t have picked it up. Kids are encouraged even if their work stinks. Often more experienced artist will redline over it to try to teach them how to draw. All of those outfits are hand sculpted and sewn, many of those makers its thier full time job doing something they love.
Make a wish foundation has even partnered with the fandom. And brought smiles to dying kids thru the fandom.
And by the way it’s a fandom… not a movement. Same as Star Wars, Disney, and star trek. All of which have meet ups, conventions, and followings. All of which have their deviants.
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“Your purposely trying to shame a fandom because you lost a court case with someone in the fandom.” Um, interesting perspective that such situations are a competition of some sort. I think the mentality that someone “won” is telling. Secondly, most children are pretty special and encouraging them to be something else or someone else instead of focusing on their own uniqueness depletes self-esteem. It’s a really, really bad idea. Also, instead of person-building on the child’s uniqueness, they are encouraged to invest time in a contra-reality character that does not exist. Again, it’s a depletion of the child’s self-esteem. Parents who groom their children with the Fandom are projecting their own unhealthy way of coping with their own self-esteem issues. Sad, very sad. NO, Trekkers are a hobby, not a sub-culture.
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And there is so much more than medicating someone until the can cope. Coping mechanisms are encouraged by most psychologists.
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Fulfilling “urges” is not coping.
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For someone who claims to have a master’s, you would know that no school, college, or professional setting would EVER accept Wikipedia as a viable source for anything. A matter of fact, common sense rule #1 don’t believe everything on the internet or TV.
You seem to be like a pitt bull, latching onto one singular Target and shaking it to death, refusing to let go, even if it is the wrong target. This is a prime example, along with numerous other articles on your site, to be ignorance protecting ignorance. Even if you are wrong, and proved so, you won’t let go even if it makes you look like a bigger fool in the process.
Calling yourself a “Research Group” is laughable, without noting your references, or backing up what you have with hard facts, you have no credibility, and do nothing but blow smoke.
The harder you defend something, the more you believe in it, like your narrow-minded views you cling so tightly to, you fight till the last breath. By your own logic, you are defending your “wikifacts” because you are hiding something. You know because the harder you fight the more you hide.
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Um, trust me, future articles will include a massive list of news reports regarding the decadent and perverted behavior of this group, and its particular danger to young children. And yes, references will include my firsthand experience with this group. And yes, I have only begun to shake the tree.
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Will you also list the news articles and videos praising the fandom. Research is not biased.
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I might, or I might not. WHAT isn’t my research focus, but rather the WHY.
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Well, those positives are reasons behind the why. People are in the fandom for many reasons. Some positive some negative. Again research cant be biased. only opinions. If this is an opinion based article it should not be part of a research group.
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Agree. No citation. No approvals. No creditability. Any college will discredit the use of wikipedia. I wasnt allowed to use it as a source for anything. Anyone can edit wikipedia
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Anything cited on Wiki can be affirmed in seconds by other means. I know, the information age can be a bitch.
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The more adamantly you defend something the more your hiding eh? So this whole blog is nothing but you hiding something? Because from everything I have seen on here it’s a lot of hyper-defensive keyboard warriors looking for something to complain about with access to the internet. Any “Research Group” whose basis for a topic is a wiki page, needs to learn about the internet and do real research. Not everything you see online or in TV is true.
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What are we defending? Among other things (or people), children. You seem to have a problem with that.
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Your not defending anyone, nor have you presented any reason that they truly cause harm.
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Stay tuned.
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