Cool
ALL HAIL SIR EGGMAN!
NNNYYYAAAHHH
Like, I get that it would be mildly amusing if someone in the organization went to a random freelance or agency illustrator and went "hey, we want a cartoon kangaroo mascot for the Olympics, k?" and it turns out they unknowingly went to a furry. But it's not, like... mainstream newsworthy. At most it's something that'd be a fun curiosity to note on a furry "news" outlet or WikiFur or whatever.
But only when it's confirmed a Furry actually drew the art.I've been cringing at the clickbait articles recently that have hooted about how Australia "accidentally" commissioned fursonas/furry art for the Olympics---cringing because these media outlets probably think they're being edgy and cool, but they're just revealing that they're desperately out-of-touch (and horny to boot).
Nothing says "I'm in middle school!" like announcing to the world that you just figured out that anthro animal characters are furries and furries are anthro animal characters. Nothing says "The pervert is actually me!" by announcing to the world that the Australian Olympic Committee has egg on their faces because you think sexy thoughts when you see a cartoon kangaroo lift weights.
Next they'll tell us that Avatar: The Last Airbender "accidentally" created anime, ROFLMAO, Nickelodeon must be sooooooo embarrassed.
While I can see the logic in this (i.e. is it a person with animal attributes or an animal with human attributes?), one notion I disagree with is that the difference between "Furry" and "not furry" comes down to the anatomy of the character, and even something as trivial as whether they have plantigrade or digitigrade feet. It seems very superficial.Now, this may get a little weird, as I'm not good with words. Never been my strong suit, but I'm not trying to offend anyone, and I hope you can get what I mean based on the other side, OP and others. Forgive me if I misspeak, let me know how I can correct any terminology, but again, I don't mean to speak in a way that will hurt anyone or offend anyone.:
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I personally don't identify as a furry. I just don't believe I am in the lifestyle enough. And really, most my sonas are feral babies or some anthros who I draw for venting, uplifting or otherwise my own, enjoyment purposes. I know other who also say their anthro characters do not define them as a furry, and their primary commissions are refs of anthro commissions for people who do identify as furry.
Whether you believe that I am in denial or what, I believe this is our choice on what label, if we choose to use one, and how far we want to go into the fandom.
As for the comparison to Looney Tunes in the earlier threads of this topic, I do not believe Looney Tunes has furries in it, more so classic anthros with a twist (more so just an artist's point of view, but the debate could make me rethink it. SpaceJam in particular. The style is very furry-isk. Not a bad thing, just honestly, does seem like an art change from the original cartoons, but there were new artists added.).
Drawing any anthropomorphic animal shouldn't downright label someone as a furry, in my opinion. That's not to say I'm insulted to be called a furry. On the contrary, I am honored to be a part of this community, although I don't personally identify as a full out furry. I have had people who have called me furry, which is fine. I take pride, as I said, in any community I stand in, whether fully or not. Those who have called me a furry even for feral work, however, just showed their ignorance for being so demeaning towards a loving community who accepts almost anything (within reasoning). At one point, I did think I was going to label myself as a furry, but I just personally feel as though I'm an artist with a tendency to love the furry art style vs anthro for my characters if I do draw them upright than so much the lifestyle.
Another thing, I would call myself a furry, but I don't think I deserve the title, either. I cannot buy a fursuit, nor would I have the courage to wear it. Takes a lot of guts, and honestly, with my anxiety, especially with how hateful people can be, I'd be shaken up with any little altercation. Right now, off my pills, you can blow on me, and I'll rattle. I'm a mess. Other members? So strong, so proud and not afraid of it. Wearing their cute suits with pride. I couldn't call myself a full furry and have shame in my heart like that when someone scolds me, and I know I would because I am a child at heart who cannot help but cry a little when scolded. Just wouldn't seem fair to the community I represent. . .
Summary:
Maybe others can also testify, but I love the art style of furry animals vs some anthros. Much more cartoony, expressive and I love it.
I just personally cannot say I'm a full furry when I feel as though I cannot represent the full lifestyle and pride of the label.
Others may have different reasons, but these are mine.
Now Edit: Are they the same? Sort of. Anthropomorphic is just anything with human qualities, it's just the style in how you draw it. I do draw my art as furries. I just cannot identify as a furry, as I feel like I'd be misrepresenting a wonderful community. So yes, you're not wrong to say anthros are furries and furries are anthros. But for commission sakes, if the artist has a whole list like this:
May wanna choose the right one, i.e furry or anthro.
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Again, I know this maybe still may not make sense to some of you, but those are my reasons. I ask for no hate. None of this was supposed to upset anyone, and if I can reword it or change this to make sense and not hurt anyone, please do let me know how. I just wanted to say why I personally think this way, and why I may not want to label myself as something to not further upset anyone.
Furry in art vs anthro is what I meant. Anthros are different, refer to the image above. Furry as a lifestyle, if you choose to label yourself as such, feral OC or not, sure, you're a furry.
And I mean in art as well. What I'm saying is, whether the art (or character) is furry or not depends on the intentions of the artist and/or creator of the character in creating it, rather than the details of the character design.
I can respect this, even if I, myself, still would like a commissioner to be a little more exact. But yes, if you define your character as a furry and he is a feral, call him what you wish. It is truly what you are comfortable with.
