Editing 471: Aversion Fads

{{comic
| number    = 471
| date      = September 3, 2008
| title     = Aversion Fads
| image     = aversion_fads.png
| titletext = Hey, are you friends with any hamsters? This kite needs a passenger.
}}

==Explanation==

A "{{w|Furry fandom|furry}}" is a person interested in {{w|anthropomorphic}} animal characters – fictional animal characters that, for example, walk and talk like humans. A common stereotype is that furries role-play their "fursona" ("furry" persona) by dressing up in animal costumes, as demonstrated by the furry in this comic. There are [https://en.wikifur.com/wiki/Furry_stereotype numerous other stereotypes] as well, often of a {{w|Sexual fetishism|sexual nature}}, so furries are frequently the target of criticism on the Internet.

In this comic, [[Cueball]] and his Cueball-like friend encounter a furry, and react negatively according to the stereotype. In response, [[Megan]] kindly invites the furry to help with her kite. Megan explains that, while she too thinks furries are strange, she opposes the hypocritical treatment they disproportionately receive from others who are likely just as strange, and therefore defends furries, given the opportunity.

The furry appreciates Megan's support, comparing it to {{w|Aesop}}'s fable of {{w|The Lion and the Mouse}}, in which a lion spares a mouse from being eaten; the lion later becomes caught in a trap, so the mouse repays the earlier favor by chewing through the cords of the trap to free the lion. This simile is meant as a genuine expression of gratitude and indebtedness from the furry, but the joke is that Megan rebukes this specific comparison, as she assumes the furry will be sexually aroused by the animal {{w|Bondage (BDSM)|bondage}} in the story.

In the title text, Megan asks if the furry has any hamster friends as potential passengers for her kite. She likely means a {{w|Hamster|literal hamster}} – a rodent that would be small enough to fly on a kite. (This may be a reference to comic [[20: Ferret]], which also involves a small, flying mammal.) However, this being a furry, she could also mean a human with a hamster "fursona," although this would be too heavy to fly on a typical kite.{{Citation needed}}

===Further Explanation Regarding Furries===

The term "{{w|Furry|Furries}}" can mean a lot of things, though all related, involving stylized artwork of animals (typically anthropomorphic cartoon or anime animals). We will be looking at a specific definition here, the most commonly criticized, the people who create an animal persona (fursona) version of themselves. These furries often create "fursuits" (costume versions of their character) and roleplay and cosplay their character while wearing their fursuits. Sometimes they will wear partial fursuits, which can consist of any part of the fursuit, such as ears and tails. Contrary to popular belief, furries are not bestial, and there is a distinction between the furry fandom and the furry sexuality. Unfortunately, it appears that Randall has bought into the media's stereotype of furries, assuming furries are all entirely sexual. It should be noted that while less than 1% of furries are bestial, around 90% of the furry fandom does partake in the more sexual aspect of the fandom, directing their fetishism primarily towards cartoon anthropomorphic animals, often incorporating far weirder fetishes into the sexuality (such as paw fetishism, coprophilia, vore, and macro/micro). This isn't to say the furry fandom is entirely comprised of the furry fetish. Many fursuiters who publicly fursuit are doing it moreso to show off the cuteness of their character, and to cuddle with other furries, rather than be an exhibitionist of their fetish. It should be noted, however, that at furry conventions, there are individuals who do wear fursuits with zippers at the crotch (known as murrsuits) for the obvious use. Said people rarely wear their murrsuits in public, and if they do so, their character usually wears clothing. If you see a fursuiter in public, kindly do not react as the people in this comic have reacted, nor react how [[Megan]] reacts assuming they're partaking in their fetish and that any mention of animals will turn them on. It is no different than publicly cosplaying, and while a bit childish, is almost every time, not a sexual thing for the furry, who even if a sexual furry, will typically keep their fetish to themselves, other furries, and furcons. Instead, try asking them for a picture, or completely ignoring them. Unfortunately, the media often misrepresents and misunderstands things {{Citation needed}}, and have done so with the furry fandom, too.

==Transcript==
:[Two Cueball-like guys stand together as a young guy dressed up with small ears and a tail approaches.]
:Cueball: Oh God, a furry. Don't let it touch you.

:[The furry hears someone call out to him.]
:Off-screen: Hey, kid.

:[Megan is seen preparing a kite to be flown.]
:Megan: Forget those assholes. Come help me.

:[The furry begins to help Megan set up the kite.]
:Furry: Thanks. So you're cool with furries?

:[The two are now standing far apart, the furry with the kite and the line going over to Megan.]
:Megan: Well, I think your fetish is weird as hell. It just bothers me how you're this designated Internet punching bag among people who are otherwise down with weird fetishes. So I stick up for you when I can.

:[The kite is now successfully up in the air, and Megan pulls the line with both hands moving backwards.]
:Furry: Well, thanks. I owe you one.
:Megan: It's no big deal.

:[Megan stops some distance from the furry holding the line with one hand. The furry lifts one hand up apologizing.]
:Furry: No, this is like the lion and the mouse.
:Megan: ...Listen, can we pick a comparison less likely to turn you on?
:Furry: Sorry.

{{comic discussion}}

[[Category:Comics featuring Cueball]]
[[Category:Comics featuring Megan]]
[[Category:Multiple Cueballs]]
[[Category:Furries]]
[[Category:Comics with color]]