Video: National Geographic profiles fursuiters on ‘Taboo’

Author: GreenReaper

Nat Geo sees fursuiting as a fit subject for Taboo, according to this three-minute preview:

The program spins furries as “people who enjoy wearing animal costumes in their adult life”, calling the behaviour “bizarre”, and quoting regular media commentator Dr. Sudeepta Varma:

Furries can be considered greatly taboo because we look at people dressing up in furry costumes as child’s play, and it’s something that should have been left in the past, and not brought into adulthood.

One fursuiter profiled on the show is Nuka (Courtney Plante), a social psychology graduate student at the University of Waterloo in Ontario.

When I’m Courtney, I’m shy, I’m nervous, I don’t like having a lot of attention on me . . . Courtney is the stressed-out grad student trying to work on a PhD. I prefer being Nuka – he’s mischievious and playful and silly, and when I’m in my fursona I don’t mind people looking at me, I don’t mind people looking at me, I’m OK with being the center of attention, I don’t feel so embarrassed to have people’s eyes on me.

If I got a pair of ears and a tail on, or if I’m wearing my collar, or I’m in the mindset of Nuka, I’ll run up to a group of people and be really enthusiastic, I engage with people a lot more.

Alkane Other furs appearing include Talarus (as Bebop) and fox/dragon/plant Alkane (Eric):

You think you’re a furry, you feel like a furry, you’re a furry. Like any other subculture, we come together because we have this common interest.

Also quoted is bioethicist Peter Singer (whose other views were touched on in a recent review):

It’s considered strange for grown men and women to dress up as furry animals because most adults can’t relate to people who want to do that.

The show estimates that there are “up to a million” furries, citing unnamed research to say that “up to 85% believe they’re not entirely human” (presumably that of Nuka’s collaborator, Dr. Kathy Gerbasi, whose team has regularly surveyed Anthrocon in recent years).

National Geographic Channel is a joint venture of the National Geographic Society and Fox/News Corp.

Update (20 Dec): Ocean – another fur included in the show – has given more background on the shooting of the episode (registration required), and reports that it will be about “double lives”, possibly also including footage of real-life superheroes and phone sex operators.

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Flayrah.com December 19, 2011 News from Flayrah fursuiters, Geographic, National, Profiles, taboo, Video 46 Comments 5,569 views

http://twitter.com/WoodyMutt Woody

And this, I fear… Is exactly why interviews should be given by those who’ve spent years working hard to make the fandom respectable. I am reminded of the girl on YouTube who beleives that we spend our days digging holes and picking berries… Also, 85% of us think we’re less than 100% human? SERIOUSLY?!?

Furry mongo

That’s the way I feel
http://www.facebook.com/people/Chris-Marshall/1393515108 Chris Marshall

Yes… Lets put in the perfect few who have been meticulously trained in bullshitting to the media about us on Television, that way when people do look into the fandom, they can subtype us all as insane even more so. Hiding everything about groups of people helps no one and in the end hurts everyone in the fandom.

We have a grad student in this program, a damn good grad student with prodigious promise. What do you have? We are here and fact of reality, we are weird, its time to get over that, stop trying to be things most of us are not, and enjoy the little life we have for it is the only one we have.

Zarpaulus

Doesn’t say when they’re showing it.

http://greenreaper.livejournal.com/ GreenReaper

9PM Eastern Jan 3, according to cloudchaser_s on furrymedia.

Tosca

Even that survey listed as a potential source only says that “23% of respondents considered themselves ‘less than 100% human’”. o.e I don’t know where they’re pulling that ‘fact’ from, but it seems like that statement’s only purpose was shock value. Greaaaaat.
http://www.youtube.com/TheIronweasle The Iron Weasel

Well looking at the preview, besides that one weird inaccurate fact this actually looks pretty positive.
Kostya

Really? After TLC’s show, now Nat Geo has to get in on the action. I just hope it’s done with at least some integrity. If they are already making up their own facts in the preview, however, I can only guess what else is in the episode. The show is called Taboo, so I’m not getting my hopes up for this to be a well made documentary about the fandom. Shows like this only care about the shock factor to get their ratings.

Kostya

Okay. I finally got to watch it, and I was pleasantly surprised with how they presented the fandom. I really was fearing something horrible, but it really was done with taste and integrity. I never thought I’d say it, but good job media. I do think this makes a well rounded image of what the fandom is really about.

sidein

“We see people dressing up in furry costumes as child’s play and it’s something that should have been left in the past [...]”

Really? What you do dictates how others should act? There is so much wrong with that statement. Hopefully the full episode contains less of this intolerance.

greaseyote

I think it’s pretty clear the he meant “we” as in “our society,” not himself personally. What he said is true, social norms still dictate that it’s not “appropriate” for adults to wear costumes, except maybe on Halloween.

Not that there’s anything wrong with wearing costumes, but a lot people are going to think something like fursuiting is incredibly weird, just because it’s not the kind of behavior they would expect from other adults.

And, that’s why fursuiting IS taboo. Taboos aren’t necessarily wrong or bad, but they are things make some people uncomfortable. And, fursuiting will remain taboo unless people stand up and break the taboo by showing the world that it’s just a way for people to have a good time.

Comradejoe2

Looks like the yanks are at it again.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001817208442 Kalira Amberscale

I’m really excited to see this. I have little reason to believe that Nat. Geo will turn this into a furry-bashing episode. They have a lot of integrity as an organization and I am truly excited to watch this on Jan. 3rd.

Besides the inaccurate fact about the 85% of furries who think they are less than human… anyone who’s attended a convention and has filled out those damn surveys knows how silly some of the questions are worded. In addition, it’s usually only con-goers who fill out those surveys, which doesn’t make for a very accurate representation of the furry population.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Derp-Derpder/1848114193 Derp Derpder

“Without people thinking I’m weird or strange”

…..naaahhh. With that costume on, who would ever think that?
Jkal

Here comes another CSI episode.
FURFAG_MCGEE

HAHAHAHAH FAGGOT!
guest

“part fox, dragon, and plant”

lol what a faggot
Kitsune_51

Ok it’s one thing to be proud of who you are, But like Kostya said about the TLC episode, thats an extream case. If your a weekend furry, why not? If this episode turns into a bashing, I am gonna get really pissed at Nat Geo.

I have a set up as well, and draw the stuff, But that dosn’t make me a freak does it? So what if some dude thinks it helps him to be furry. Like Soul’s Express your self, Be your self!

One big probelm I see is this, if they talk about all the bad parts of being Furry, errr, that could really hurt anyone involved.

http://twitter.com/RottenEggCreate CraftyAndy

but what are the “bad parts?” And why are they “bad?” because the majority say they are without any real legitimate reasons? Pssshhhh. Well anyways, the segment can be found on youtube, it;s really not bad at all.

Email

Sweet, more social retards trying to speak for the fandom as a whole.
Valentina Caicedo

Talking to the media is a terrible idea to start with. Take in mind these people speak for the community as a whole and what I see in the preview made me cringe (Most people that see this on TV will assume all furs are like so). On a show like taboo where it usually shows subjects that are not very normal I am surprised these people agreed to it. I guess if your ok with being called a weirdo/or what you do is taboo. No matter what this show will bring even worse press to the fandom. All in all people need to stop trying to see the positives in tv shows when there isn’t any. Just enjoy your hobby with your friends and do not show yourself on TV representing everyone in the fandom. Take in mind this is not a positive look for many furies out there.
nobody

What makes me the most upset is every furry that ever gets involved with the media always have really shitty fucking fursuits. These guys all look like retards.

Bluedook

that would partly be because those of us with decent fursuits and who value at least a shred of their credibility, in the normal world and within the furry community both, tend to steer clear of anyone who mentions the words tv, documentary and participant in the same scentence.

Sohawurst

I can’t even blame people for thinking furries are all retards, considering the effort some furries put into giving a wrong impression of the fandom on TV.

http://twitter.com/RottenEggCreate CraftyAndy

I got a good impression for you “Hey I’m andy, I dress up as a ringtail lemur and prance around entertaining people. It’s pretty fucking fun, I love acting like a fool for laughs. I also find it kind of hot too and it gives me a raging boner. Check please.” Am I supposed to feel ashamed or something? Grow a set of balls.

Ausup

Don’t worry, though – from what I’ve seen from the people who ACTUALLY watched the whole segment (and, surprise, that excludes pretty much everyone who bashed it in this section) it was pretty well received. NatGeo itself did a pretty good job, specially if you compare it to the media’s previous attempts to accurately define what being a furry is all about (not really their fault since even furries themselves have endless flamewars trying to consolidate their vision of the furdom as the absolute truth).

But yeah, just check around FA, you’ll see pretty much everyone supporting this. I don’t recognize anyone in this section, and as far as I’m concerned some might even not be furries (actually, if I said some of the stuff they said I’d would rather not be a furry, rather than, y’know, being a hypocrite who does his best to dismerit his own brothers), so chillout – apart from these couple of trolls the people that actually matter loved it ^^
Farthammer

Yes, we’re very ashamed of you.

http://twitter.com/wildbilltx Wild Bill TX

There’s still too immature young furs who think furry is the greatest thing in the world and they must tell EVERYONE about it. It just doesn’t work because most mass media are still out to exploit furries for ratings and will make you look like an idiot.

I’ve only seen the trailer so I’m hoping this show will also focus on the creative art and positive aspects of the fandom instead of just about the weird and sexual sides.

But if “Taboo” is a really bad show Nuka will get the same kind of shitstorm Chewfox got after she went on Tyra. And it wont help him land a future job in in psychiatry if an employer finds this show running a background check.

http://www.facebook.com/people/Chris-Marshall/1393515108 Chris Marshall

I just said this to Woody and I love retyping things so I will say it to you in hopes you get it. If you hide who you are, then you are fake. We should not hide who we are to the media and try to be something we are not. This new re-imaging of furry to be PG friendly might be good for some, but it is not what the fandom was always about and should not be its main goal. Because of this insane push to be seen as “normal” or “good” we have instead oppressed many other furs in the fandom. What was once a place welcome to people we see in this documentary, has now become a cesspool of hipsters, popufurs, and idiots who push for this pathetic race to make us what we are not; to boaster their reasons for being in the fandom, at the expense of good people. Sure its one thing to wave around things that go well out of the bounds of reason, but being a furry, is not one of them. Being socially awkward is not one of them.

As for the “kids” I have my reservations about them being a old school “therion” furry. However, despite that what makes them “the worse people to represent the fandom”? I have seen far stranger things for adults than the young ones in the fandom.

By demanding people lie so that you can feel better about your reasons in being a part of the group you decided to join, rather than allowing all aspects of our people be shown, you do nothing but hurt the fandom. It is pathetic that a community that once stood for diversity, tolerance, and acceptance has not become a new bastion of idiocy, ignorance, and exclusion. If there is anyone in the fandom that misrepresents it, just take a good look in the mirror.

I havent fought for over seven years for LGBT equality and being a part of a fandom that used to celebrate diversity, to turn face and start telling others to hide who they are. We are here, we are queer, and damn it we should be proud of that.

Farthammer

How about: “I need to live like a normal human being in order to keep a job and have people treat me with the last amount of bias due to my appearance as possible?”

http://twitter.com/RottenEggCreate CraftyAndy

How is telling people about it the worst thing ever? Who the hell made it that way anyways? To some including me I do think it’s the greatest thing ever. I’m aware most are not interested in it. So be it, no skin off my dick.
What are these people to do exactly? Lie? Hide? Be ashamed of themselves? No thanks society tries that to anyone that’s different be it star wars fan, homosexual, or a male who likes to dance, let alone someone who loves to pretend to be an animal, or even thinks they are one. I know the fun, creative aspects dominate the fandom and it is the broad appeal for the majority of people I understand that. But so many condemn any mention of things that we allow that it’s hypocritical. This isn’t a religion, you can’t have a persecution complex. You have to say, yeah so what, because there is nothing anyone can really do beyond giving their opinion about it. Someone who thinks a grown adult dressing in costume is weird in a bad way isn’t going to change his mind about it no matter how “Barney” like the setting is. I don’t see much to bitch about in terms of beliefs when Christianity and agnostic beliefs still dominate this world. And when it comes to sexual aspects drawn or real…I don’t care with who, how many, with what, as long as it isn’t non-consensual (that includes all children and animal cubs) I don’t care and society should learn not to either because down to it’s core it’s inconsequential to the grand scheme of things. Fuck em.

Zeriara

otherkin
Whatever43443

I have never seen any of these retards around..? Seriously these are either actors or Nat Geo found some of the most pathetic furries we have ever been blessed with. How the fuck can you be part tree?

http://www.facebook.com/Opossum.Queen Emilee Anne Rowland

You must be new here.

Ausup

Statistically speaking, about half the people in the comment section are incapable of backing up their arguments with logic. Putting it in a way they would understand – they’re complete and absolute retards. o.o

People complaining about the plant dude? Think back when you were a fourth grader. Remember imagination? Oh wait, you probably killed that with porn, chronic daytime television and a fruitless attempt to make daddy proud of your D+ average in school.

I wonder what the general idea of “a good impression” for furries is on television – maybe an orgy involving all sorts of dildos would better portray the furry community instead of, you know, charming, creative characters enjoying a playful night of bowling.

Oh wait, wait.. I know what it is – they looked happy! That’s probably enough to attract the anger of some of the commenters here because, by reading some of them, you cannot possibly dismiss the stench of misery coming from probably unfulfilled lonely lives – it’s what you usually get by being a negative lazy asshole.

So what if some furries give us all a bad image now and then? Does that mean we should never try to make up for that? Sure, why not? Let’s all be coward, basement-dwelling socially crippled enigmas – because we all know how much people love what they don’t understand ^^

I can appreciate the concern of people about the way channels portray furries (and by this I mean the nice, polite and intelligent people who posted comments, and didn’t just bash their faces on their keyboards while shouting “L0L, NOoBZ, FAaGZORZ”. These guys should go back to lurking on subforums while the grown ups talk o.o).

The truth is any impression will be both negative and positive inspite of how the channel decides to weight this. I agree the chances of this going bad are pretty big, but those are usually the chances when a bunch of determined people who have faith in something try to do something about it.

If we decide to cower because of what the media’s done a couple of times in the past they’ll have succeeded in their mission – they’ll have demoted us to a ‘private’ existence, where we do not threaten the ‘normalty’ of the world, and therefore cease to reach out and touch people’s lives, people who might be looking for something like this and never knew it existed.

Fear is not the right emotion here. We should be congratulating the people involved for having done such a good job portraying the fandom, even under biased circumstances, because I can tell you one thing – between watching that episode and reading the comments left in this section it’s pretty clear what really hurts the image and integrity of the fandom.

Tc5_scorch

You know, if they would chose normal looking people with halfway decent fursuits instead of retard shitboxes then your whole comment would have some legitimate merit. But seriously, the suits were terrible, the people behind them were wierd looking and scream social retardedness, and Nat Geo made it look like we’re all this wierd.

I know of an individual in the fandom that works in a law office making a good amount of money. He is clean cut, socially adept, very well spoken and intelligent and has a really nice fursuit that doesnt look like ass, and actually wears the thing in public to Vegas and Hollywood. Where are people like this guy?
Nowhere to be found, because the media isnt interested. He is too boring and unexciting for this kind of show. But that would be the kind of representation the fandom needs, not a bunch of long haired college students that probably killed any chance at a job by doing this show.

Ausup

Okay – get in touch with every single fur who took part in that show and ask them if they were personally contacted by National Geographic.

The bowling event that’s depicted, for instance, was an OPEN event. WHOEVER wanted to show up could show up. So what you’re saying is that while we had a lot of people who fit the “perfect furry example”, people who decided, for whatever reason, not to show up.. what you’re saying is that these people are exempt from fault, and that instead we should punish the ones who did show up for not fitting some ridiculous standard that has just now come up?

If the fandom is really interested in showing to the world how “normal” people in it are, then maybe the “normal” people should step up. But no. Instead we’re going to insult and demean the members that DID step up, creating this endemic fear of the media amongst furries.. and then what’s your plan? Turning around, after crucifying these people, and asking from volunteers?

The people who’ve offered nothing but negative criticism to these guys should step up, then, and show how “upstanding” furries behave and dress like. Oh wait – fursuiting is mostly about money. The furs with less financial stability in the fandom can’t afford the better suits, so what do they do? Some buy what they can afford, some decide to try it themselves.

I know some of those guys made their own suits, and I remember people commenting about how the show lacked the ‘creative aspect’ of the furdom. Well, damn son, if showing the suit you made with your own hands as a means to express yourself is not a good example of “the creative” aspect of the furdom then what is? Maybe scolding them for trying? That seems to be a pretty good trend going on whenever someone tries to make us look good.

Here’s the bottom line: Instead of burning them at stake like witches for having suits you consider subpar, or an attitude you don’t consider deserving of the high-ranking normalty that is the ‘common fur’, how about showing them some support? Because if the guys who were determined and passionate about the fandom are ALWAYS treated like this, then explain to me HOW THE FUCK do you expect Hollywood lawyer boy to think “Hey, maybe going on TV is a good idea!”? o.o

http://twitter.com/RottenEggCreate CraftyAndy

Sir, you are my hero today. I couldn’t of responded better.
Danny Pearce

In a way, I feel that the many arguments going towards individuals having fursuits as the main ‘representatives’ of the fandom as something that is much like soccer moms to minivans. The fandom has such a large diversity that to simply categorize furries as ‘adults with costumes’ would hold the same effect to people dressing up as Santa Claus during the holiday season.

We have much more to offer, such as the artists (who, in their own respect, are also as diverse as the fandom itself), the musicians, ‘lawyers’, and the many other sub categories that exist. Even before owning a fursuit, I felt welcomed to the fandom as a simple computer programmer. Not having a fursuit didn’t make me any less of a furry then than having a suit to call my own now.

With the prior post about fursuit costs, likewise can be said with living expenses. Just because someone has a ‘simple’ suit does not mean they are socially inferior to those who can afford much higher quality suits. Like artwork, fursuits are as vast and different as there are colors in a rainbow, and because there are different fursuit designers out in the world, this diversity of fursuits and quality go hand in hand as well, and likewise can be said about pricing. With that stated, I would like to include that money can’t also buy having fun in an expensive suit either.

Ultimately, having seen the TLC rendition of a documentary on the fandom and not yet the one of Nat Geo, I was not really too badly hurt by it at all. I feel the producers did their best to keep both sides of the argument leveled out and the ending (if you did see it) really helps to conclude that being a furry has no social negativity or can be viewed as a bad thing.

With that, I am really satisfied with Ausup’s origional comment and returning argument. While I have yet to see the Nat Geo’s rendition and only basing on a before and after feeling with the TLC one, Ausup really proves a point in that the idea sounds bad, but credit should be given to those who did participate and, at the same time, gave their best opinions and explanations with the positions they had.
Danny Pearce

In a way, I feel that the many arguments going towards individuals having fursuits as the main ‘representatives’ of the fandom as something that is much like soccer moms to minivans. The fandom has such a large diversity that to simply categorize furries as ‘adults with costumes’ would hold the same effect to people dressing up as Santa Claus during the holiday season.

We have much more to offer, such as the artists (who, in their own respect, are also as diverse as the fandom itself), the musicians, ‘lawyers’, and the many other sub categories that exist. Even before owning a fursuit, I felt welcomed to the fandom as a simple computer programmer. Not having a fursuit didn’t make me any less of a furry then than having a suit to call my own now.

With the prior post about fursuit costs, likewise can be said with living expenses. Just because someone has a ‘simple’ suit does not mean they are socially inferior to those who can afford much higher quality suits. Like artwork, fursuits are as vast and different as there are colors in a rainbow, and because there are different fursuit designers out in the world, this diversity of fursuits and quality go hand in hand as well, and likewise can be said about pricing. With that stated, I would like to include that money can’t also buy having fun in an expensive suit either.

Ultimately, having seen the TLC rendition of a documentary on the fandom and not yet the one of Nat Geo, I was not really too badly hurt by it at all. I feel the producers did their best to keep both sides of the argument leveled out and the ending (if you did see it) really helps to conclude that being a furry has no social negativity or can be viewed as a bad thing.

With that, I am really satisfied with Ausup’s origional comment and returning argument. While I have yet to see the Nat Geo’s rendition and only basing on a before and after feeling with the TLC one, Ausup really proves a point in that the idea sounds bad, but credit should be given to those who did participate and, at the same time, gave their best opinions and explanations with the positions they had.

http://twitter.com/RottenEggCreate CraftyAndy

Where is this imaginary lawyer son? And what do you mean by “normal” looking. Please link me to a picture or two of “normal” looking college kids. Since when has furry become some elitist high scaled club where your shoes must shine and your pants better not be jeans? I’m always boggled by people like you. What is your ideal furry Taboo episode?

Dasa

In a way I can see what Scorch is saying. The people in the video.. sure, they had a good time and what have you but if you look at the way they were depicted, and the impending rage that will build against them because they went to the media, it is to be expected that individuals of the fandom would rather prefer an exclusive elite few club.

I know the individual in question.. the supposed ‘star hollywood lawyer.’ It sounds like the guy is referring to myself, Dasa on FA. Vegas and Hollywood gave it away, really, as I believe I am the only person in the southland that is involved with kaw. Yet, I dont work in a law office, I work within law enforcement as nonsworn personel. Regardless, Im not really sure why he would choose me to represent the fandom either, I am mostly cynical and admittingly a troubled alcoholic.. so much for good media representation, huh? But it comes to my next point.. initial appearance. These individuals featured all seem to be pretty nice people that just want to enjoy themselves. Im cool with that, they had fun and did their best. Not everybody can afford a suit from Syber or Mixed Candy or anything.. but should it matter? I own a Sokitwopaw suit, as well as a MixedCandy suit and you know what? I dont wear them ever. Too much trouble, I prefer my supposedly lesser quality suit my friend made over the two big name ones because its simpler and much easier to wear. Im going off on a tangent but as it is, initial appearance? People think I am a little strange and treat me differently when I am in my simpler suit, vrs when I am in one of my others. I think thats where the problem lies.. initial appearance.

You have one side that wants everybody to wear Emporioum de Armani or Prada and the other side that would prefer jeans and a tshirt to represent them.. its all politics, really. Outside influence such as the media can really sway public opinion, and I will admittingly say that it would be nice to jump in front if the media rocking my one (and only, previously used and damaged) Prada suit.. it would be moot and pointless because even though I look the part I guess somebody supposedly thinks I fit into, it isnt who I am nor who I want to be known as. Appearance isnt everything.

I am babbling really, but I think this documentary was well done and very objective, and I thank those that appeared on it for not catering to those who are too scared to enjoy what they want to enjoy.
Dasa

In a way I can see what Scorch is saying. The people in the video.. sure, they had a good time and what have you but if you look at the way they were depicted, and the impending rage that will build against them because they went to the media, it is to be expected that individuals of the fandom would rather prefer an exclusive elite few club.

I know the individual in question.. the supposed ‘star hollywood lawyer.’ It sounds like the guy is referring to myself, Dasa on FA. Vegas and Hollywood gave it away, really, as I believe I am the only person in the southland that is involved with kaw. Yet, I dont work in a law office, I work within law enforcement as nonsworn personel. Regardless, Im not really sure why he would choose me to represent the fandom either, I am mostly cynical and admittingly a troubled alcoholic.. so much for good media representation, huh? But it comes to my next point.. initial appearance. These individuals featured all seem to be pretty nice people that just want to enjoy themselves. Im cool with that, they had fun and did their best. Not everybody can afford a suit from Syber or Mixed Candy or anything.. but should it matter? I own a Sokitwopaw suit, as well as a MixedCandy suit and you know what? I dont wear them ever. Too much trouble, I prefer my supposedly lesser quality suit my friend made over the two big name ones because its simpler and much easier to wear. Im going off on a tangent but as it is, initial appearance? People think I am a little strange and treat me differently when I am in my simpler suit, vrs when I am in one of my others. I think thats where the problem lies.. initial appearance.

You have one side that wants everybody to wear Emporioum de Armani or Prada and the other side that would prefer jeans and a tshirt to represent them.. its all politics, really. Outside influence such as the media can really sway public opinion, and I will admittingly say that it would be nice to jump in front if the media rocking my one (and only, previously used and damaged) Prada suit.. it would be moot and pointless because even though I look the part I guess somebody supposedly thinks I fit into, it isnt who I am nor who I want to be known as. Appearance isnt everything.

I am babbling really, but I think this documentary was well done and very objective, and I thank those that appeared on it for not catering to those who are too scared to enjoy what they want to enjoy.
Dasa

In a way I can see what Scorch is saying. The people in the video.. sure, they had a good time and what have you but if you look at the way they were depicted, and the impending rage that will build against them because they went to the media, it is to be expected that individuals of the fandom would rather prefer an exclusive elite few club.

I know the individual in question.. the supposed ‘star hollywood lawyer.’ It sounds like the guy is referring to myself, Dasa on FA. Vegas and Hollywood gave it away, really, as I believe I am the only person in the southland that is involved with kaw. Yet, I dont work in a law office, I work within law enforcement as nonsworn personel. Regardless, Im not really sure why he would choose me to represent the fandom either, I am mostly cynical and admittingly a troubled alcoholic.. so much for good media representation, huh? But it comes to my next point.. initial appearance. These individuals featured all seem to be pretty nice people that just want to enjoy themselves. Im cool with that, they had fun and did their best. Not everybody can afford a suit from Syber or Mixed Candy or anything.. but should it matter? I own a Sokitwopaw suit, as well as a MixedCandy suit and you know what? I dont wear them ever. Too much trouble, I prefer my supposedly lesser quality suit my friend made over the two big name ones because its simpler and much easier to wear. Im going off on a tangent but as it is, initial appearance? People think I am a little strange and treat me differently when I am in my simpler suit, vrs when I am in one of my others. I think thats where the problem lies.. initial appearance.

You have one side that wants everybody to wear Emporioum de Armani or Prada and the other side that would prefer jeans and a tshirt to represent them.. its all politics, really. Outside influence such as the media can really sway public opinion, and I will admittingly say that it would be nice to jump in front if the media rocking my one (and only, previously used and damaged) Prada suit.. it would be moot and pointless because even though I look the part I guess somebody supposedly thinks I fit into, it isnt who I am nor who I want to be known as. Appearance isnt everything.

I am babbling really, but I think this documentary was well done and very objective, and I thank those that appeared on it for not catering to those who are too scared to enjoy what they want to enjoy.

Elle

Good greif, I know all the people in this program personally as I am part of their local Furgroup, though I am a Therian.

Nuka himself emailed & asked the NatGeo folks to change the inaccurate numbers of those who believe that they are half human half animal, they did in the end product.

In regards to those complaining about the quality of fursuits, I bet your first one was not exactly the best by far, some people can not afford several hundred or indeed several thousands for their suit, would you really hate on another person for how they dress, where are we, high school?

These guys are all Canadian, not american as one poster mentioned, though I myself am Scottish, but that’s besides the point.

The fandom is supposed to be about expressing oneself, being a dreamer, being part of a culture that encompasses so much more than just one ideal & some of you posters here are nothing but bitter haters.

I don’t & won’t ever own a fursuit because I do not need one to be who I am, plus I am claustrophobic, but my husband very much wants one, but a high end one from Lion of the Sun, that will take a lot of working on his ideas & a lot of time to save the money up for it.

The idea that only certain people should be portrayed as Furries/Fursuiters is stupid, where does it say that Furries are carbon copies, that we all have to be alike, think alike or believe alike?

We are who we are.
Rodaxoleaux

More than 50% of furries view themselves as not being fully human… Yeah, they just made that up on the spot. Great. More close-minded idiots looking at us as freaks because of half-assed statistics and downright stupidity.