Interpretation of Furry culture.

The following text is my interpretation of Furry culture based on what I have seen looking from the outside in. As well as my ideas behind using Monthly themes.

This month's theme might seem strange to more then a few of you but when it was suggested to me, it sounded like a opportunity to learn something. I'm a curious person who does not like to dismiss an idea or belief just because I don't understand it or it is not my own. It can be very enlightening to hear a different persons perspective even if you don't agree with them you can still understand where they are coming from and why they think that way. Which can be a fascinating experience in itself. 

I have known about Furries it for ages now but I never paid too much attention. Some amazing art and wonderfully detailed costumes but that was where it ended for me. I looked at the artistic value and not the emotional one. I think they have been the bud of the joke for a while now but after looking at it a little closer there seems to be a beautiful message of acceptance and self exploration hidden there. As, I see it that people us Fursona's (a animal/human hybrid digital avatar) and physical Furry suits to help express themselves in ways that they are too afraid to or feel that they can not due to physical limitation that is outside of their control. 

The key trait in the Furry community, at least from what I have seen is 'fun'. These is an argument that 'cute' and 'freedom' also seem to be key elements. Through their self expression one can liberate themselves from a life that they might feel trapped in and find acceptance and joy by dressing up and being some one else for awhile or maybe even dropping your guard down and being your true self.

If this sound familiar it is because I see a few similarities between the Furry community and  BDSM community. To say they are the same would be oversimplifying things but they share a few themes and ideas. Even the idea of using latex to transform yourself and cast off the worries and cares of your normal life is very similar to the idea of dressing up as a Furry animal of your choosing to leave your worries behind. 

I can understand why some one would want to use a mask, costume or an online persona to give yourself the courage to express yourself without fear of judgment for how you feel inside. Once you start to understand why people are attracted to certain kinks you start to see the beauty in it and how it helps people. When done right there is something special hidden just below the surface that most people can relate to in some way. You don't need to have the same likes as others do but you can get a certain amount of joy knowing that others are free to express themselves and are having fun.

I feel like this has gone on for some time and I don't want to ramble. It would be ignorant of me to assume that I completely understand the Furry community but these are my thoughts. I hope that you found this interesting and I didn't make a fool of myself, feel free to let me know or ask any questions in the comments. 

So, during this month I want to try and learn some new things and also artistically try to show some appreciation to any Furry loving people out there. I don't think I have the skills to do that perfectly but I at least want to try. 

Thank you and stay safe out there and try to have fun, how every you can.