FA 108 Toxic Popularity

On this week’s show we open with a discussion of the sexualization of animals, and the various forms such sexualization can take (zoophilia, bestiality, zoosadism). Guest host Klik Wolf joins us to discuss our main topic, toxic popularity — we talk about how the desire to become popular can turn some well-meaning furs into people they don’t want to be. We close with advice about becoming more dominant in bed.

Viro: Welcome back to Feral Attraction! Joining me as a guest host this week is Klik Wolf. Klik, why don’t you take a moment to introduce yourself?

Klik: Hello, I'm klik Wolf. I'm an aspiring indie game dev and adult performer and I've been in the furry fandom for over 8 years but have just recently started getting involved in the community.

Introduction topic

What forms can sexualization of animals take?

Zoophilia

Taking a sexual interest in animals

Fantasizing about animals or animal parts in a sexual way

May include feral art / roleplay

Bestiality

Having sexual contact with an animal

Zoosadism

Torturing an animal for the purpose of sexual gratification

What are the ethics of having a sexual interest in animals?

Should we be tolerant of non-offending zoophiles?

What are the ethics of thought crimes?

What is the legality?

Sexual contact with animals is illegal in many jurisdictions, including most of the United States

Hawaii, Kentucky, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Vermont, West Virginia and Wyoming are the only states that lack explicit anti-bestiality laws

Toxic Popularity

What is the purpose of fandom?

The furry fandom was created to be a place where anyone could be accepted and supported, a fandom where people could forget about shallow ideas like popularity and enjoy the company of others without worrying about social pretenses. Unfortunately, many furs don't feel like this is the case.

How does popularity in the fandom actually work?

What tends to get social media attention

Often, things that are quite impersonal

Positivity

Memes

Relatable sentiments

Fursuit pics

Humor/Puns

Smut

Porn

What tends to make people avoid you

Often, things that are quite personal

Drama

Negativity

Contrarianism

(unless you’re popular specifically for being a troll)

Neediness

Desperation

Awkwardness

Inappropriateness

Cliques

Many groups of friends in the fandom are essentially by invitation only

It can be frustrating to attempt to befriend someone who is part of a clique

The value of a clique lies in there being an “outgroup” of people who supposedly “aren’t worthy” of being in

You do not need to internalize the message that you “aren’t worthy” just because a particular clique seems closed off to you

What are the downsides of popularity?

Haters

Some people will be envious of you and will take a dislike to you, or even work to sabotage you

Extra scrutiny

Lots of eyes and ears on you means people notice your mistakes (microaggressions, moments of weakness/anger, etc.)

Tone policing

Can feel like you need to wear a mask, not be “human”

Prejudice

People who know you by reputation can form first impressions of you without you ever actually meeting them

Can create a sense of paranoia

Emotional bandwidth

Fan interactions / fan service can become extremely draining and allow little time/energy for personal/intimate relationships

How do you want to show up in the fandom?

Why do you want to be popular?

Attention?

Sexual partner selection?

Influence?

Legacy?

Power?

What would popularity actually bring you?

Weigh pros/cons