Lycanthropy and self-delusional beliefs on steroids.

[Paradox74]

I thought that I might as well share my thoughts on a petty issue that’s caught my attention from time to time. I’m just writing most of this from the top of my head and so I might add on in the near future. Also, it's late and I'm tired and so there might be errors in my grammar.

Since I’m interested in a lot of art and fictional literature that is within the “geek/eccentric sector” (anthros, Warhammer 40k, steampunk etc.), I occasionally run into some nuts who might have came fresh out of the local insane asylum. Take lycanthropes for example, particularly the brand where people honestly believe that they ARE a different species and this isn’t exactly the clinical lycanthropy (at least from what I’m reading).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Furries#Furry_lifestylers

Taken from the above link:

In their 2007 survey, Gerbasi et al. examined what it meant to be a furry, and proposed a topology in which to categorise different "types" of furries. The largest group — 38% of those surveyed — described their interest in furry fandom predominately as a "route to socializing with others who share common interests such as anthropomorphic art and costumes."[10] However they also identified furries who saw themselves as "other than human", and/or who desired to become more like the furry species which they identified with.[8][10] This distinction can be viewed in light of the findings of the larger Furry Survey, according to which a majority of furries consider themselves to be predominantly human, while about 6% do not consider themselves human at all.[11]

Look, I can understand the “I want to be a different creature” crowd, but these guys ignore the obvious reality. I can’t help but to feel a little bit of pity for the other 94% of the crowd being embarrassed by those whack jobs.
It’s basically a walk in the park when debating (if even possible) with the “I AM a different creature" crowd, but I guess you can call it preparation or initiation for beginner skeptics when it comes to being patient with Conspiracy Theorists, Flat-Earthers, Hollow-Earthers etc.

However, I still think that this particular belief of lycanthropy needs to be addressed (easy job for any of us, if you can stand people wearing animal costumes).

Comments and posts are welcome.

 

[Trent Wray]

That's interesting.

I honestly didn't realize it was a subculture to that extent.

As far as those who claim to be "something other than human" I'd want to know in what ways they meant it. Human might mean different things to different people, depending on the philosophical and/or subjective nature of it. It they believe they are actually a different species physically somehow, that is another story. But even then .... are they happy? Are they hurting anyone? Are they sucking our tax dollars while not contributing to society? Are they stalking humans as a food source? Are they fornicating with woodland creatures and spreading the love to the rest of us? If not, I say ... let them "have fur" if that's what blows their skirts up.

 

[Minarvia]

It doesn't bother me if what people like to do doesn't hurt anyone, but I wonder about that 6% group. Do the REALLY believe that they aren't human, or are they, like vampire and so-called goths, just want so badly to be different that they are trying to convince themselves? Are they lying or are they truly deluded?

 

[Staropeace]

Trentway, all of them arent harmless. Some theory that I covered referred to instances where folks...with lycantrophic delusions,actually were serial killers. A few cases come to mind...think one case of a horrific nature happened in Eastern Europe.

I imagine there are alot of vampire wannabys in places like New Orleans...Ann Rice country.

 

[Gate2501]

No way... A furry thread on JREF???











/wrists

ETA: I believe most modern furry fandom originates from Starfox! CURSE YOU SNES!

 

[JWideman]

It doesn't bother me if what people like to do doesn't hurt anyone, but I wonder about that 6% group. Do the REALLY believe that they aren't human, or are they, like vampire and so-called goths, just want so badly to be different that they are trying to convince themselves? Are they lying or are they truly deluded?

It's just wishful thinking. I haven't heard of any furries yet that wouldn't admit they were born to human parents, had human features, etc. At the most, they'd insist that their human body was an illusion. That's no more delusional than the belief in the soul.
It's quite different from clinical lycanthrope.

 

[Trent Wray]

Trentway, all of them arent harmless. Some theory that I covered referred to instances where folks...with lycantrophic delusions,actually were serial killers. A few cases come to mind...think one case of a horrific nature happened in Eastern Europe.

I imagine there are alot of vampire wannabys in places like New Orleans...Ann Rice country.

Oh def. there are bound to be some that take it too far and fancy themself needing to take victims. But do furries have a "history" of producing the dangerous types yet I wonder?

It reminds me of video games like GTA and the influence they supposedly have. I imagine it comes down to --- "Did the furry already have the tendencies to think they weren't human or were the tendencies introduced by the furrys?"

And I know a little about the Vampyre subculture, after befriending a guy briefly in New Orleans (as you mention ) who was into the Vampyre Scene. This was about 15 years ago. I even watched part of a blood fetish "ritual" between him and some others once when I was at his house .... but I myself wasn't participating in any of it. It just happened to be something they all decided on and I stayed around just to see what it was all about. He was a really nice guy and quite philanthropic ... and honestly I couldn't see him hurting a fly outside of his "coven" or what have you and those who were part of his scene willingly. But that isn't to say that there obviously aren't those individuals out there.

And although it seems like I just revealed waaaaay too much about myself with that story, I really didn't LOL It was, after all, New Orleans, and I worked as a bouncer so I got to see A LOT of stuff that made that look like a tea party

 

[Staropeace]

A bouncer in New Orleans....I can imagine the stories you must have.

I managed a homeless shelter for streetpeople...I have a few of my own...lol.

 

[Trent Wray]

A bouncer in New Orleans....I can imagine the stories you must have.

I managed a homeless shelter for streetpeople...I have a few of my own...lol.

Oh my I can only imagine some of the stories you might be able to tell

ETA: I believe most modern furry fandom originates from Starfox! CURSE YOU SNES!

I can totally see that LOL !

 

[Nonpareil]

No way... A furry thread on JREF???











/wrists

I'll join you.

*bleeds*

Ah, sweet oblivion...

 

[sadhatter]

Oh def. there are bound to be some that take it too far and fancy themself needing to take victims. But do furries have a "history" of producing the dangerous types yet I wonder?

It reminds me of video games like GTA and the influence they supposedly have. I imagine it comes down to --- "Did the furry already have the tendencies to think they weren't human or were the tendencies introduced by the furrys?"

And I know a little about the Vampyre subculture, after befriending a guy briefly in New Orleans (as you mention ) who was into the Vampyre Scene. This was about 15 years ago. I even watched part of a blood fetish "ritual" between him and some others once when I was at his house .... but I myself wasn't participating in any of it. It just happened to be something they all decided on and I stayed around just to see what it was all about. He was a really nice guy and quite philanthropic ... and honestly I couldn't see him hurting a fly outside of his "coven" or what have you and those who were part of his scene willingly. But that isn't to say that there obviously aren't those individuals out there.

And although it seems like I just revealed waaaaay too much about myself with that story, I really didn't LOL It was, after all, New Orleans, and I worked as a bouncer so I got to see A LOT of stuff that made that look like a tea party

Yeah, had 2 exes that were furries, one male, one female. While said female was only a little off , the guy was batsqueak, balls out, tinfoil body suit, crazy.

I mean just to name a few things....

He stood outside my home in the pouring rain staring in a window after i stopped calling. For hours.

He tried to suffocate me, and seemed unable to realize how disturbing that was to me.

Upon first introducing him to my friends, he asked ( serious as anything) if they had killed anyone.

Now i could go on forever, but after i made it my duty to not exist to this guy. 6 or so years later he works in my job. And i thought, for a second, well he has a job, maybe he is functional now.

Not at all, at work....

Used to whistle. Literally for hours on end, popular tv and movie themes mostly.

Draw furried up pictures of an assistant sup, at work.

Beat himself to the point of injury in the washroom , sometimes while screaming at the top of his lungs.

Say....just .....wierd things. The type of things that would make icp blush, is the best way i can describe it.

Again, i could go on forever. Long story short some people at work found his website, and while i have no love for the guy, they took it too far and he had the breakdown to end all breakdowns.

Now the point of this tirade, other than just an interesting anecdote, is i wonder if it is furry fandom that attracts people who are strange, or if strange people are simply more attracted to furry fandom than most.

I mean i have no issue with even the sexual aspects ( being bi myself i cannot throw stones at others quirks.), but meeting him and some of his " friends" i cannot say i would hang out with any of them. And honestly a good portion of that is out of personal safety.

 

[Trent Wray]

Yeah, had 2 exes that were furries, one male, one female. While said female was only a little off , the guy was batsqueak, balls out, tinfoil body suit, crazy.

I mean just to name a few things....

He stood outside my home in the pouring rain staring in a window after i stopped calling. For hours.

He tried to suffocate me, and seemed unable to realize how disturbing that was to me.

Upon first introducing him to my friends, he asked ( serious as anything) if they had killed anyone.

Now i could go on forever, but after i made it my duty to not exist to this guy. 6 or so years later he works in my job. And i thought, for a second, well he has a job, maybe he is functional now.

Not at all, at work....

Used to whistle. Literally for hours on end, popular tv and movie themes mostly.

Draw furried up pictures of an assistant sup, at work.

Beat himself to the point of injury in the washroom , sometimes while screaming at the top of his lungs.

Say....just .....wierd things. The type of things that would make icp blush, is the best way i can describe it.

Again, i could go on forever. Long story short some people at work found his website, and while i have no love for the guy, they took it too far and he had the breakdown to end all breakdowns.

Now the point of this tirade, other than just an interesting anecdote, is i wonder if it is furry fandom that attracts people who are strange, or if strange people are simply more attracted to furry fandom than most.

I mean i have no issue with even the sexual aspects ( being bi myself i cannot throw stones at others quirks.), but meeting him and some of his " friends" i cannot say i would hang out with any of them. And honestly a good portion of that is out of personal safety.

A stalking furry. Good god. Yet another reason for me to fear the cold dark night ...

So you never partook in furry-dom? Or should my questioning stop there .... LOL

All of a sudden I feel compelled to tell you that you should write a book I will read it LOL

 

[JWideman]

Yeah, had 2 exes that were furries, one male, one female. While said female was only a little off , the guy was batsqueak, balls out, tinfoil body suit, crazy.

I mean just to name a few things....

He stood outside my home in the pouring rain staring in a window after i stopped calling. For hours.

He tried to suffocate me, and seemed unable to realize how disturbing that was to me.

Upon first introducing him to my friends, he asked ( serious as anything) if they had killed anyone.

Now i could go on forever, but after i made it my duty to not exist to this guy. 6 or so years later he works in my job. And i thought, for a second, well he has a job, maybe he is functional now.

Not at all, at work....

Used to whistle. Literally for hours on end, popular tv and movie themes mostly.

Draw furried up pictures of an assistant sup, at work.

Beat himself to the point of injury in the washroom , sometimes while screaming at the top of his lungs.

Say....just .....wierd things. The type of things that would make icp blush, is the best way i can describe it.

Again, i could go on forever. Long story short some people at work found his website, and while i have no love for the guy, they took it too far and he had the breakdown to end all breakdowns.

Now the point of this tirade, other than just an interesting anecdote, is i wonder if it is furry fandom that attracts people who are strange, or if strange people are simply more attracted to furry fandom than most.

I mean i have no issue with even the sexual aspects ( being bi myself i cannot throw stones at others quirks.), but meeting him and some of his " friends" i cannot say i would hang out with any of them. And honestly a good portion of that is out of personal safety.

Some furries are like young children playing make believe. And like some kids, they take it to the point of where the make believe is more real to them than reality. It should be unsurprising that these furries behave in other juvenile ways as well. Of course, that doesn't make it any less disturbing.
One must keep in mind though that furries range from those who are simply fans of the art style to the freaks, and that most fall much closer to the "not so weird" end.

 

[sadhatter]

A stalking furry. Good god. Yet another reason for me to fear the cold dark night ...

So you never partook in furry-dom? Or should my questioning stop there .... LOL

All of a sudden I feel compelled to tell you that you should write a book I will read it LOL

No, i could never dig it, despite my love for skunks, its not that kind of love , lol.

Yeah it was quite a trip, i had told my friends about the guy and , really no one believed me. I mean i can understand why, but watching him stalk into my place of work , well that was quite the head **** 6 years later, lol.

And the vindication of watching them see him in all his balls out insane glory, well that was almost worth it.

I still remember the day someone came back from the bathroom looking like they saw a murder, it was him in his skivvies starring in a mirror. ( keep in mind i used to work at a fairly professional place, not the type of thing that normally goes on.)

Yeah, at age 18 or so , i wasn't the best person at judging if people were insane or not.

( btw, i believe i didn't mention i was 18 and he was around 26 or so. Though i only found that out 6 years later. )

So yeah, traumatized by furries, really. lol.

 

[Trent Wray]

No, i could never dig it, despite my love for skunks, its not that kind of love , lol.

Yeah it was quite a trip, i had told my friends about the guy and , really no one believed me. I mean i can understand why, but watching him stalk into my place of work , well that was quite the head **** 6 years later, lol.

And the vindication of watching them see him in all his balls out insane glory, well that was almost worth it.

I still remember the day someone came back from the bathroom looking like they saw a murder, it was him in his skivvies starring in a mirror. ( keep in mind i used to work at a fairly professional place, not the type of thing that normally goes on.)

Yeah I'm actually "fortunate" enough to see this almost daily at work (hospital)

Yeah, at age 18 or so , i wasn't the best person at judging if people were insane or not.

( btw, i believe i didn't mention i was 18 and he was around 26 or so. Though i only found that out 6 years later. )

So yeah, traumatized by furries, really. lol.

"Life is but a walking shadow ... it is a tale told by a skeptic, full of sound and furry ... "

 

[Paradox74]

Yeah, had 2 exes that were furries, one male, one female. While said female was only a little off , the guy was batsqueak, balls out, tinfoil body suit, crazy.

I mean just to name a few things....

He stood outside my home in the pouring rain staring in a window after i stopped calling. For hours.

He tried to suffocate me, and seemed unable to realize how disturbing that was to me.

Upon first introducing him to my friends, he asked ( serious as anything) if they had killed anyone.

Now i could go on forever, but after i made it my duty to not exist to this guy. 6 or so years later he works in my job. And i thought, for a second, well he has a job, maybe he is functional now.

Not at all, at work....

Used to whistle. Literally for hours on end, popular tv and movie themes mostly.

Draw furried up pictures of an assistant sup, at work.

Beat himself to the point of injury in the washroom , sometimes while screaming at the top of his lungs.

Say....just .....wierd things. The type of things that would make icp blush, is the best way i can describe it.

Again, i could go on forever. Long story short some people at work found his website, and while i have no love for the guy, they took it too far and he had the breakdown to end all breakdowns.

Now the point of this tirade, other than just an interesting anecdote, is i wonder if it is furry fandom that attracts people who are strange, or if strange people are simply more attracted to furry fandom than most. [/U]

I mean i have no issue with even the sexual aspects ( being bi myself i cannot throw stones at others quirks.), but meeting him and some of his " friends" i cannot say i would hang out with any of them. And honestly a good portion of that is out of personal safety.

I think that strange people are much more attracted to such subcultures because they can gain a new identity or something of the like. They might have felt excluded from mainstream society (sometimes it's for good reasons, such as your personal encounter with your ex) and so have gained an interest in such fads like vampires, furrys or just about anything else within that area.

 

[Minarvia]

A stalking furry. Good god. Yet another reason for me to fear the cold dark night ...

Unless it is a pretty woman wearing a mink?

 

[Minarvia]

No, i could never dig it, despite my love for skunks, its not that kind of love , lol.

Yeah it was quite a trip, i had told my friends about the guy and , really no one believed me. I mean i can understand why, but watching him stalk into my place of work , well that was quite the head **** 6 years later, lol.

And the vindication of watching them see him in all his balls out insane glory, well that was almost worth it.

I still remember the day someone came back from the bathroom looking like they saw a murder, it was him in his skivvies starring in a mirror. ( keep in mind i used to work at a fairly professional place, not the type of thing that normally goes on.)

Yeah, at age 18 or so , i wasn't the best person at judging if people were insane or not.

( btw, i believe i didn't mention i was 18 and he was around 26 or so. Though i only found that out 6 years later. )

So yeah, traumatized by furries, really. lol.

Oh. My. Goodness. I almost can't believe that. That would make a good book. Or interview. I've never seen one myself. Too creepy. Especially ones who wear costumes with really super over-sized heads. (SHUDDER)

 

[Minarvia]

.
I managed a homeless shelter for streetpeople...I have a few of my own...lol.

That is quite a career. I can't even begin to imagine what you saw. The strangest things I ever saw were some of the corpses and a murder case in progress while I was interning as a Funeral Director. But that was easy.

A homeless shelter? Thank goodness for people like you. I don't think I could help people who are truly mentally disturbed to the extent some of those people are.

 

[Minarvia]

I think that strange people are much more attracted to such subcultures because they can gain a new identity or something of the like. They might have felt excluded from mainstream society (sometimes it's for good reasons, such as your personal encounter with your ex) and so have gained an interest in such fads like vampires, furrys or just about anything else within that area.

It could be strange people, or at least lonely people. Either they feel they don't fit in (a genuine few, imo) or they don't want to (most, imo) and want to feel special and different and show they world that they aren't like "the rest of you." Especially those you see on TV pierced half to death and trying to look scary.

Others, who are so obsessed that they do body implants, tongue splitting, etc, I think really want or need to become something else. But where the heck do they get the money? This type of "morphing" surgery isn't cheap.