Sarah ManavisVerified account

I have mixed feelings about this article It’s awesome to see media outlets challenging stereotypes when they cover the furry fandom, but I don’t think, “we’re not just weirdos, we’re RICH weirdos” is a particularly accurate or apt message? https://www.newstatesman.com/science-tech/social-media/2019/02/lives-worlds-richest-furries-who-fuel-the-one-fur-cent-what-is-a-rich-furry …

I think it’s awesome to emphasize that furries come from all walks of life and many are part of highly skilled professions that you might never expect in that particular aspect this article is great

But I have a lot of worries about the fact that the media has repeatedly used “they have a lot of money, and they spend a lot of money” as a point to legitimize us when they do that, it ensures the spotlight will only ever be put on the few wealthiest amongst us

and the way the rest of the world looks at us has an impact on how we look at ourselves, and the way our community functions money may be one means to achieve popularity and social “success” in this fandom, but I don’t think we should be encouraging that mentality

My concern, between this and the fucking “fursuite” thing from a bit ago, is really just about elitism within the fandom, and how the media might feed into it I don’t judge people for making a lot of money, I do judge them for thinking that those who make less money are inferior

However, it’s important not to conflate “elitism in the fandom” with “things cost more now” imo it’s a good thing that fursuits cost more nowadays. The craft has advanced immensely, now the artisans who specialize in that craft are finally starting to get fair pay for their work

elitism isn’t just “I can afford something that you can’t” without any judgments, it’s “I can afford something that you can’t, haha, that makes me better than you”