There are probably a lot of reasons why the fandom is not, er, as physically fit even as the general American population:
- It consists mainly of people whose primary hobbies are computers, gaming, sci-fi, etc., none of which are physically demanding. Conversely there's very little crossover of furry with any physically demanding activity (except possibly nature and outdoors... but for whatever reason that seems to be rare).
- Part of the reason for adopting a furry identity in the first place is dissatisfaction with one's own self-image and the desire to create an alternative one.
- The fandom is very accepting and there is less pressure to conform to the thin, athletic self-image that is promulgated as ideal by mainstream, popular culture.
Of course, this is just a statement compared to the overall population. Exceptions certainly abound, and I know plenty of outdoors-loving, athletic furries (as well as more than a few that do conform to the stereotype.)
I think that certainly is true. There are furs out there who generally subscribe to a healthy and fit lifestyle. Its evidenced by the existence of groups like "Healthy_and_fit_furs" here on LJ that I'm a member of.
When you go onto a MUCK or peek around Second Life, you don't see avatars or see descriptions that advertise "I don't take care of myself", you see cute, physically fit bodies, muscular bodies, or trim, slim ones. I think in all my years playing around on mucks, I've only seen one description that said "...And a little extra around the middle." and that was it.
Sometimes I think that this, in essence, does show an idealized form that they want to be in some way. So why not take some steps to achieve it in THIS body?
I'm not saying its a bad thing, after all thats the cool thing about furry: It's accepting of all kinds of people. It just seemed odd to me to be singled out by a friend for my innate athleticism. Not that I mind, it's something I'm proud of. ^^ But it sure did spark some curiosity.
Healthy_and_fit_furs?! Hmm I might have to join that. Good luck on that Triathlon! It sucks that I can't do too much high impact stuff like long distance running anymore without knee pain.
As far as one choosing a furry identity because of the dissatisfaction of one's self-image, that is possible. Though for me, I chose my "identity" because it was fun to have an alternate! I'm proud to be me. While I would like to be in better shape, I'm happy the way I am. I'm not overweight, but I'm not cut like I used to be back in High School.
Athleticism is a good thing! Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go out for a jog hehehe :D
I feel much the same way. I kinda feel that I've been a life-long furry even before I knew about the fandom itself. My main tiger identity is something that has grown and developed with me over years. Its fun and yeah! Im happy to say its a part of my life.
People have the right to live their lives the way they desire. Eating right, working out and enjoying the outdoors for me, is not only nice, but it gives me more energy to put back into things both furry an not. I don't see how that can be seen as an oxymoron or a negative by another fur.
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- It consists mainly of people whose primary hobbies are computers, gaming, sci-fi, etc., none of which are physically demanding. Conversely there's very little crossover of furry with any physically demanding activity (except possibly nature and outdoors... but for whatever reason that seems to be rare).
- Part of the reason for adopting a furry identity in the first place is dissatisfaction with one's own self-image and the desire to create an alternative one.
- The fandom is very accepting and there is less pressure to conform to the thin, athletic self-image that is promulgated as ideal by mainstream, popular culture.
Of course, this is just a statement compared to the overall population. Exceptions certainly abound, and I know plenty of outdoors-loving, athletic furries (as well as more than a few that do conform to the stereotype.)
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When you go onto a MUCK or peek around Second Life, you don't see avatars or see descriptions that advertise "I don't take care of myself", you see cute, physically fit bodies, muscular bodies, or trim, slim ones. I think in all my years playing around on mucks, I've only seen one description that said "...And a little extra around the middle." and that was it.
Sometimes I think that this, in essence, does show an idealized form that they want to be in some way. So why not take some steps to achieve it in THIS body?
I'm not saying its a bad thing, after all thats the cool thing about furry: It's accepting of all kinds of people. It just seemed odd to me to be singled out by a friend for my innate athleticism. Not that I mind, it's something I'm proud of. ^^ But it sure did spark some curiosity.
Reply
As far as one choosing a furry identity because of the dissatisfaction of one's self-image, that is possible. Though for me, I chose my "identity" because it was fun to have an alternate! I'm proud to be me. While I would like to be in better shape, I'm happy the way I am. I'm not overweight, but I'm not cut like I used to be back in High School.
Athleticism is a good thing! Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go out for a jog hehehe :D
Reply
People have the right to live their lives the way they desire. Eating right, working out and enjoying the outdoors for me, is not only nice, but it gives me more energy to put back into things both furry an not. I don't see how that can be seen as an oxymoron or a negative by another fur.
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