by Michæl W. Bard ©2006 Michæl W. Bard

   There’s an odd thing about being a member of a sub-culture. It’s fear. Fear of being ridiculed. Fear of hatred and abuse.
   We all have it. I have it. You have it. Furries in general have it.
   Why else call non-furries ‘mundanes’? Or have rigid rules against reporters at furry conventions?
   Now, I don’t consider myself a furry, but I respect you, and don’t hold your beliefs against you. My ‘fursuit’ I call a costume—to me it feels safer. I tend to hide the components from friends, to not mention it, to not describe it, and not even to ask for help.
   That is: I hide it, to minimize conflict and the aforementioned ridicule.
   And yet, there are times that I’ve mentioned it. And every single time, there has been eagerness to help, and interest in it.
   So, what does all this mean?
   I’m shy, perhaps too shy, and that may be colouring my beliefs of ridicule and hatred.
   Anyway, by and large I’ve found that individuals are nice people. As long as you don’t make them hate you, they won’t hate you back. Look at any of the many stories of the reactions of ‘mundanes’ to fursuit wearers. There can be strange looks, but there is often admiration, laughter, or just a friendly wave.
   In other words: People in general aren’t the enemy.
   News reporters are, of course, a different thing entirely. News is not about truth; it is about ratings and sensationalism. Don’t expect any reporter to tell a story about people who play in their spare time and pretend to be something else for joy and amusement of themselves and others, because that does not make ratings. Describing these same people as sexual perverts and general deviants, does.
   Yes, there are some furs with more… interesting… private habits. As long as they keep it private, and all parties are willing, I have nothing against them. Nor will 99% of people in general.
   So, what does this all mean?
   Be proud of your beliefs and your joys. Be cautious who you tell about it, but don’t be afraid. If a person is a friend, then they are almost certain to respect, and likely support, your beliefs. At the very least they won’t ridicule them.
   And, if they do, then maybe they aren’t really your friend.
   Be wary of the media, of people looking for their 15 minutes of fame, but don’t hide what you are amongst friends.
   And good luck!