In previous chapters, the attempted reformation of the Fandom by the Burned Furs, attempts directed squarely at Mark Merlino, reveal in vivid detail the beginning characteristics of the Fandom. Merlino passively or actively condoned all the characteristics protested against. As documented in the Burned Fur manifesto, a New Age-like anthropomorphic spirituality was prevalent in the movement and is even more prevalent today. Furries routinely refer to their true identities being found in an animal.

As noted in psychological studies that will be looked at closer in this book, the goal is not to become an animal, but to incorporate more and more animalism into the humanity of furries. This is because animals are not all hung-up on human barriers. Beagles relieve themselves on fire hydrants in front of all without giving it a second thought. If a beagle wants to mate with a poodle in someone’s front yard, the pair give the desire no second thought. Gee, if only humans were like that. After all, look at how hung-up we are about many things resulting in unnecessary expenditures for things like bathrooms. Humans spend a lot of money to prevent indiscretions; otherwise known as “hang-ups,” and being “overly serious.”

The list on this perspective can go on and on. Dog’s are man’s best friend and infinitely loyal. Pets never argue with you, and we can even speak for them with no protest by the pet. If only humans were more like that. This is where there is a fine line between philosophy and religion; anthropomorphism, in its most ancient forms, was a rejection of the human race. What better way to reject humanity than ascribing to being more like an animal? Biblicists point to the Apostle Paul’s indictment of humanity at its earliest stages: “they worshiped the creature instead of the creator.” We are speaking to an anti-humanity ideology. Remember, anthropomorphism personifies nonhuman objects, which includes animals, but does not exclude any nonhuman objects like trees, rocks, water, and clouds. People who worship trees are not nuts, they just think trees are better than humans, and if God created humans, He couldn’t be much better. Hatred for humanity will find a contending meaning in anything but humanity. After all, what else is there in the material world? The extreme depends on the degree of disdain. Never underestimate the power of preference by default and what one will do in choosing it.

As noted earlier in this book, the first fanzines of the Fandom were the Vootie APAs. Their stated manifesto was very clear: “No humans (or human logic) allowed.” Characteristics of the Fandom’s beginning followed as detailed by the Burned Furs: any behavior considered abnormal by society at large was vigorously pursued by furries including plushophilia (sex with stuffed animals), zoophilia (bestiality), necrophilia (sex with a corpse), and a list of behaviors becoming and unbecoming of animals who don’t typically masturbate in elevators. Countercultures are such because humans are responsible for culture.