Statement of Purpose
BEING THAT:
1. Over the past few years, anthropomorphic fandom has come to have numerous fringe groups associated with it, many of whom have little interest in the appreciation, promotion and production of anthropomorphic art, stories, costumes, etc.2. These groups engage in behavior and activities that would be considered by non-members of anthropomorphic fandom (and indeed, many members of anthropomorphic fandom) as socially embarrasing, having dubious moral and legal status.
3. Any call to these groups to alter their behavior to something more socially acceptable in a public forum have been repeatedly shouted down, being buried under such labels as 'elitist', 'fascist' and 'hatemonger'.
4. Anthropomorphics enthusiasts that do not fit under those categories are becoming increasingly disenfranchised and are singled out as pariahs when they point out the fandom's problems.
AND ALSO BEING THAT:
1. The above events have given the fans and producers of anthropomorphic art an image that is socially embarrasing at best and career-destroying at worst.2. The hopes and dreams of success, even in modest independent fields, that many anthro artists and writers hold are in jeopardy because of the numerous problems with the fandom.
IT IS PROPOSED THAT:
1. WE SHALL institute ourselves as a monkey wrench in the gears of mainstream fandom--not to destroy it, but to improve it. If all else fails, and improving the fandom seems impossible or a waste of time, then we shall institute ourselves as an alternative to mainstream fandom.2. WE STRONGLY DISCOURAGE the support of acts such as bestiality, plushophilia, fursuit sex and other things seen as "wrong" by non-fandom individuals (known by fans as "mundanes"). It will be easier for non-fans to sympathize and identify with anthro art if these elements are, if not eliminated, then pushed to the far outer fringes and rendered irrelevant to the fandom at large.
3. WE LEAVE the concept of "furry lifestylers" up to debate. It is generally stated that this facet of mainstream fandom is not a part of this 'counterfandom', but the aspects of the "lifestyler" contingent are not as problematical as the acts mentioned in point two.
3. WE ENCOURAGE aesthetic, cultural and philosophical diversity. While this may lead to potential inter-group conflict, it will also inspire much-needed debates and exchanges of ideas.