There are many different subcultures in the world. They include people who differ in their behavior and appearance from the majority. In an effort to stand out from the crowd, they are looking for like-minded people. So subcultures are created.
Subculture Examples
- Musical - these movements are associated with certain areas of music. For example, hippies were fans of rock music and had long hair and pacifist looks.
- Online communities - associated with the advent of new technologies. Their number is constantly increasing.
- Sports - attract fans of various sports, such as football, to their ranks.
- Art subcultures - come from a passion for any kind of art besides music. A vivid example is the role-playing movement, which is closely associated with science fiction and fantasy. Animation of Japan gave birth to otaku, whose representatives are passionate about pop music, manga, anime, dramas and more.
In Russia, as well as around the world, the furry movement has recently spread. Who is it? Learn from the article.
Furry community
Translated from English, “furry” means “furry”. This name is due to the fact that representatives of this subculture are fond of anthropomorphic animals. Basically, human habits are attributed to predators and rodents, whose body is covered with fluffy fur. For example, foxes, rats, cheetahs, lions, wolves. Because of this, they began to be called "fluffy" in English-speaking countries.
A feature of the community is that people strive to embody the image of an anthropomorphic beast in themselves or their work. Many identify with their chosen character.
Anthropomorphic animals are representatives of fairy-tale characters who combine the bright qualities of a beast and a person. They act like people.
Who is referred to as furry?
The subculture unites those who identify with anthropomorphic creatures and those who create images of their favorite characters. Among them, contradictions may arise regarding belonging to one subculture. Sometimes they do not recognize each other at all. However, it is worth considering in more detail who is united by the community in question.
Furries (subculture) include:
- Admirers of art and animation works in which anthropomorphic animals participate. For example, “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”, “The Lion King”, “Gummy Bears”, the novel “Redwall” by B. Jakes.
- Artists who like to draw fictional characters. They also produce furry art.
- People who perceive themselves as characters in animated and artistic works.
A representative of a subculture may possess one or all of the qualities listed above. In any case, it can be classified as "fluffy."
History of occurrence
It is believed that the community originated in the United States in the 80s of the twentieth century. Today, furry (subculture) exists in many countries of the world, including England, Canada, Germany, Japan, Australia, Russia. In different countries, the number of representatives of "fluffy" is different. For example, in the USA there are more than 100 thousand people.
The appearance of a subculture is associated with enthusiasm for animated films in which the characters are presented in the form of anthropomorphic animals. For example, the Disney Robin Hood is created in the image of a cunning fox.
The community has become widespread thanks to the worldwide Internet. Fans and like-minded people can communicate, share creativity, make appointments, create thematic sites.
Furry creativity
Fans of this trend are fond of various types of creativity, with the help of which they embody the idea of ​​unity with nature and their favorite character. Among them are many artists, scriptwriters, illustrators, sculptors, musicians, writers.
Not everyone has the same level of skill, so beginners seek to acquire as many similar products as possible. Furry comics, dolls, pictures are very popular.
Among the works of this direction there are also works of a military orientation. Very popular among them are furry militarism, who live in a world of war and apocalypse.
Representatives of this subculture distribute their works on special sites. Very often they are not inferior to professional publications.
Furry Costumes
To achieve perfection, it is necessary to completely transform into a beloved anthropomorphic animal. To do this, special costumes are called fursuit.
In many countries, furries use their costumes in everyday life. They go for walks in them, ride motorbikes, play basketball. Many of them perform at children's events, entertaining everyone present.
In different cities, meetings of representatives of one community are held, they are called furrents. They all have fun, get acquainted, participate in contests of costumes and drawings.
How furries support an image without a suit
Most “fluffy” do not seek to stand out from the crowd in everyday life. They don’t wear a suit for work or school. However, even without it, many maintain their image. To do this, just apply one of the methods:
- change the hairstyle - when discoloring the ends of the hair, the image will resemble a fox;
- makeup - will emphasize the necessary details in the form of large eyes, animal nose, cat's mustache;
- details of clothing in the form of a tail, ears, paws will add an image of realism.
For greater realism, the tail can not only be pinned to clothes, but can be passed through a small hole in pants or a skirt. Although most often it is hung on a belt. What to use in order to match his anthropomorphic hero is decided separately by each furry.
Subculture in Russia
In our country, this direction is not very popular yet. The direction of furry (subculture) is only beginning to gain momentum in Russia. Those who consider themselves part of the community are only a few thousand. Well, those of them who walk in special suits are few.
Unlike the United States, the furry movement in Russia arose from an internal attitude. Its adherents believe that the path to excellence lies through combining the best qualities of an animal and a person. The connection must take place both in the soul and in the body.
They show their aspirations in creativity (furry art). Many of them compose poems, sing songs, draw ideal characters.
Meetings of Russian-speaking furries began to be held in Russia since 2001. Often you can hear how they are called "Russfurrences."
What furry representatives think of themselves
All furries have a different attitude to their hobby. For some it’s a way of life, for others it’s a game.
Here are some basic postulates:
- Furry is the meaning of life, in which an inextricable connection with nature is felt. In the image of the beast (real or mythical) there is a sense of harmony with nature.
- This is a regular game. Same as paintball. For war games, people dress up in camouflage, take weapons and hide with them in bushes and buildings. However, they are not soldiers, and furries are not animals. They play something unusual to recognize themselves from an unknown side.
- Furry is a state of mind in which the shackles of everyday life are broken. Man has the opportunity to show all his positive qualities, complementing them with the characteristics of the beast. All this is embodied in works of art and in art.
- Many are attracted by nature and the sense of peace that it gives. It is better to sit alone in the image of a beloved cat than to crowd among a mass of people in a disco.