SharingJoy with OthersAh Nao is a “furry” (兽迷). At Super Furry Fusion, the bigge-组卷网

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Sharing Joy with Others

Ah Nao is a “furry” (兽迷). At Super Furry Fusion, the biggest furry party in China, Ah Nao dressed up in an animal suit, performed on stage, met friends and played games. “It was the happiest time I’ve ever had,” he told TMPost.

Furries are fans of animal characters from movies, books and video games. They enjoy wearing animal costumes and role-playing. They also draw or write furry artwork and stories. “People are like families in this community and we can really be ourselves here.” said Ah Nao.

Many young people, especially those born after the year 2000, have created all kinds of similar communities based on niche (小众的) interests. These can include hanfu, voice acting, and even pen spinning.

Hui, another young person born after 2000, is the head of a community called “Home to Pen Spinners”. In this community, people share videos of their performances and learn more difficult tricks from each other. Earlier this year, Hui led two Chinese teams to the sixth Pen Spinning World Cup. Sixteen teams from 11 countries, including the US, Japan and France, took part. The Chinese teams won sixth and seventh places.

“Young people have a strong need to build their identity (身份认同感). In these communities they can have a sense of belonging and find better ways to express themselves.” wrote Yu Tao, a PhD in cultural studies at Heilongjiang University.

“People group together based not on birthplaces, family background or any other factors, but simply on the same interests.” Yu wrote. As Chi Benben, another furry, told TMPost, “The circle welcomes everyone. Some furries feel inferior (自卑的) in day-to-day life, perhaps because they are fat or disabled in some way. But they can all make friends and have fun here.”

【小题1】What do “furries” do?