Okapij Johnstonio
Active Member
Hello, everyone!
So right now, I am enrolled in this cultural anthropology course at the College of Charleston. As a part of this large project, I have to observe and interview any group in which I am unfamiliar with. I decided to take a look at the Furry Fandom, because while I have had encounters with furries before, I know next to nothing about you guys! I have been reading through the forums for a while, and I can say that I have learned a lot of interesting, insightful things about this community.
I have to "interview" several people as a part of this project. I decided to post questions here on the forums so that it would be easy to access, re-read, and so that anybody can answer if they want to. Of course, you do not have to answer all of these questions!
However, if anybody is interested in a live interview (either over the phone or via Zoom), that would be super great! I can ask these questions live and perhaps just have a more genuine, open discussion if anyone is willing.
Here are the questions:
1) When did you join the Furry Fandom, and why? Did anyone introduce you to the fandom?
2) When and why did you join the Fur Affinity Forums? What draws you to this website over other platforms?
3) Why did you choose your specific animal(s) to represent your fursona(s)? Do you identify with the animal? Is it based upon a real pet you have or had? Is it just for a "cool" or "cute" aesthetic?
4) How long did it take for you to feel comfortable expressing this part of yourself to others? Does your friends or family know that you are a part of the furry fandom?
5) What has the furry fandom offered you? Self-discovery? Confidence? New connections?
6) Do you only use your fursona as an online avatar? Do you own a fursuit? In other words, in what aspects of life is your fursona involved in?
7) If you have a fursuit, have you ever gone out in public wearing it? How did this make you feel?
8) Have you ever gone to a furry convention? What was the experience like?
9) There was one thread I had found discussing the possible hierarchy within the furry community, where fursuiters and good artists seem to be the most "admired" or "at the top." How true is this statement? Do you feel as if there is a hierarchy within the fandom?
10) What is the reasoning behind anthropomorphizing the animals? Is it for aesthetic? It it easier to relate to? Is there some sort of sexual nature to it?
11) (This question is intimate, so feel free to skip it over) For you, do anthropomorphic animals serve as some sort of fetish? Has the fandom affected your sexuality in any way?
12) How do you take part in the community? Do you just talk on the forums? Do you roleplay or tell stories with your characters? Are you an artist? Do you craft fursuits?
13) There are many misconceptions about this fandom. How do you feel about these misconceptions (that you are aware of)?
I apologize if this post is too long or ignorant in any way! Anyone, please feel free to answer all or most of the questions, and feel free to ask for clarification! Thank you!
So right now, I am enrolled in this cultural anthropology course at the College of Charleston. As a part of this large project, I have to observe and interview any group in which I am unfamiliar with. I decided to take a look at the Furry Fandom, because while I have had encounters with furries before, I know next to nothing about you guys! I have been reading through the forums for a while, and I can say that I have learned a lot of interesting, insightful things about this community.
I have to "interview" several people as a part of this project. I decided to post questions here on the forums so that it would be easy to access, re-read, and so that anybody can answer if they want to. Of course, you do not have to answer all of these questions!
However, if anybody is interested in a live interview (either over the phone or via Zoom), that would be super great! I can ask these questions live and perhaps just have a more genuine, open discussion if anyone is willing.
Here are the questions:
1) When did you join the Furry Fandom, and why? Did anyone introduce you to the fandom?
2) When and why did you join the Fur Affinity Forums? What draws you to this website over other platforms?
3) Why did you choose your specific animal(s) to represent your fursona(s)? Do you identify with the animal? Is it based upon a real pet you have or had? Is it just for a "cool" or "cute" aesthetic?
4) How long did it take for you to feel comfortable expressing this part of yourself to others? Does your friends or family know that you are a part of the furry fandom?
5) What has the furry fandom offered you? Self-discovery? Confidence? New connections?
6) Do you only use your fursona as an online avatar? Do you own a fursuit? In other words, in what aspects of life is your fursona involved in?
7) If you have a fursuit, have you ever gone out in public wearing it? How did this make you feel?
8) Have you ever gone to a furry convention? What was the experience like?
9) There was one thread I had found discussing the possible hierarchy within the furry community, where fursuiters and good artists seem to be the most "admired" or "at the top." How true is this statement? Do you feel as if there is a hierarchy within the fandom?
10) What is the reasoning behind anthropomorphizing the animals? Is it for aesthetic? It it easier to relate to? Is there some sort of sexual nature to it?
11) (This question is intimate, so feel free to skip it over) For you, do anthropomorphic animals serve as some sort of fetish? Has the fandom affected your sexuality in any way?
12) How do you take part in the community? Do you just talk on the forums? Do you roleplay or tell stories with your characters? Are you an artist? Do you craft fursuits?
13) There are many misconceptions about this fandom. How do you feel about these misconceptions (that you are aware of)?
I apologize if this post is too long or ignorant in any way! Anyone, please feel free to answer all or most of the questions, and feel free to ask for clarification! Thank you!