Anthropomorphism in Reality

[Baradiel]

As much as I like the idea, it would just create conflict and misery for the anthros. The first few would be kept in labs for their entire lives, to be tested on. If they were ever allowed to leave and integrate into society, it would be hell for them!

Even if anthros had exactly the same intelligence and such, the amount of persecution would be ridiculous! Human beings have a tendency to hate other human beings because of simple things like skin colour or religion. What the hell would happen if anthros became a reality?! There was a time when black people were considered little more than animals by whites. If some people(?) were literally part-animal, "normals" would tear them apart!

For it to happen, humanity needs to advance technologically to create anthros in the first place, and ethically/morally to tolerate and accept them. Since the first will probably happen, I cannot see the second ever happening.

 

[Kpt._Rob]

I'd be pretty pissed - that's a massive ethics violation.

in what way? just curious

Creating an intelligent human-animal hybrid is cruel to (and violates the rights of) said hybrid. That's some Island of Dr. Moreau or Fullmetal Alchemist shit, man.

It's worth noting that those are both fictional situations in which the entities involved didn't really have any say in the matter. I would note that first off if something like this were to come about, it would probably work as something which altered the human structure, so there would be no need to involve a living animal. After that, as long as the person involved wanted it, is there really a problem?

I can see how something that allowed people to alter themselves in such a way could have appeal to any number of groups, some more obvious (no need for me to go into details), but some less obvious ones as well. How about construction workers with skin like a rhino to keep them safe on the job, mechanics with the pliable flesh of an octopus to reach tight areas, or safety inspectors with eagles eyes to spot problems which might not be immediately apparent to the rest of us?

Science fiction often serves a somewhat more conservative purpose than many of us realize, and not without some good reasons. It is important to be wary of the power of science, as well as of how that power can change people. But at the same time we shouldn't be, by default, afraid of scientific advancement. Should we? Personally speaking, I think that I would be very excited about the potentials of a science of this nature. Not that I wouldn't be skeptical of it at first, of course. But still, I would try to keep an open mind to its potentials.

 

[ShindoL Shill]

I would react to it by purposing an even better question.... why?

No seriously, what would we gain in the process? I guess other than simply for the sake of science there aren't any practical applications for it...

lets say we get anthropomorphic dogs. instead of having to follow rescue dogs we could just make the anthro dogs the rescue team (if they had human intelligence, which i suppose is a part of anthropomorphism)

Well, then what must be taken into account is then: would it cost less to create then creatures for a specific job (like you mentioned) as opposed to a human being (like a firefighter or similar employment)... Of coarse, there are certain things that anthropomorphic creatures could do that a normal human being could not, but again, is it worth the cost. The the value of the goal exceed those costs?

we made cars to get places faster, and they cost quite a lot depending on quality. it would be cheaper to keep it like this, but we might get faster/simpler rescue operations through the investments.

 

[Angel Molina]

we made cars to get places faster, and they cost quite a lot depending on quality. it would be cheaper to keep it like this, but we might get faster/simpler rescue operations through the investments.

well, from there on out, it would just be speculation i suppose... really, not much else to say other than, personally I would be a little bit uncomfortable with the whole thing (just like the rest of society I'm sure) but eventually most people would get use to it just like everything else (i.e. computers, internet, GMOs, video games, etc.).

Edit: err... forgot to mention, and also there will always be percentage of people who would oppose it. I mean, there are people (and groups) who willingly choose not to use electricity even to this day.

 

[Kahunaburger]

@above: mostly my issue is re: the creation of anthropomorphic animals vs. trans-species surgery. Whatever people want to do to their bodies is their own business, but bestowing sentience and a wide range of medical conditions on an unconsenting creature is pretty messed up. As I said, Island of Dr. Moreau.

 

[Jfswift]

As far as someone modifying their own body I wouldn't care too much really. I can see why anyone would want to do that as they'd gain superior strength, hearing, reflexes, etc. (then again that might annoying since they could be tough competition in the job market.). However, I'm not so hot about modifying animals. I think that would be wrong, not to mention it could lead to possible dangerous scenarios if they suddenly added another sentient being to the world.

 

[Cid Silverwing]

I would jump all over this with glee. Good bye, inferior human physiology!

 

[Zantos]

Are you kidding? Didn't you see how that turned out in Splice?!? Well neither did I, but the trailers made it look like it didn't turn out very well. Well, that one trailer I saw.

I'm more a fan of mechanical/cybernetic upgrading anyway. I think it looks wicked!

 

[McMouse]

you know.. as a furry i would love this, the idea of being more animalistic would be truly a dream come true, but I've also had this discussion a few times in the community. where most furries are true to the stereotypes, IE "dur dur imma living animal i B one no matter what". and the sad part is I'm close to joining them but i assume each fur would live for about a week before some religious maniac would kill them for being an abomination to god (or what ever deity).

the scientific/environmental mutations that would cause this also seem like something the scientific community would baulk at. so yea, i would love to be the image in my mind, but i'd also love to live to hit 30. and i can be happy the way i am. and if this was for New lives, i'd just be sad that i missed out haha.

 

[Heartcafe]

I'll only agree if they give me wings. So I don't have to sit 1238471923 hours in traffic.

 

[mcnally86]

Are you kidding? Didn't you see how that turned out in Splice?!? Well neither did I, but the trailers made it look like it didn't turn out very well. Well, that one trailer I saw.

I'm more a fan of mechanical/cybernetic upgrading anyway. I think it looks wicked!

The Dr. Guy tried to date it, but as it turns out it was a dude.

I would jump all over this with glee. Good bye, inferior human physiology!

Wait humans are inferior to a made up creature? You would need to use your inferior self to generate enough money to afford the operation.

A furry genocide would be in order. Can't give such creeps those kind of opportunities.

inb4 mod wrath.

Its ok though they don't have human rights.

 

[mcnally86]

you know.. as a furry i would love this, the idea of being more animalistic would be truly a dream come true, but I've also had this discussion a few times in the community. where most furries are true to the stereotypes, IE "dur dur imma living animal i B one no matter what". and the sad part is I'm close to joining them but i assume each fur would live for about a week before some religious maniac would kill them for being an abomination to god (or what ever deity).

the scientific/environmental mutations that would cause this also seem like something the scientific community would baulk at. so yea, i would love to be the image in my mind, but i'd also love to live to hit 30. and i can be happy the way i am. and if this was for New lives, i'd just be sad that i missed out haha.

Not necessarily religious. Your not telling me some old lady isn't going to be scared into a heart attack by their new neighbor with fangs. Especialy if he makes a baby eating joke. Then you know a whole furry on human war breaks out. Ironically the humans make furry commandos to combat the furries.

 

[Master_Fubar23]

DeviantArt would have a whole lot less traffic.

So true lol but if I can get a neko I'm alllll for it

 

[Durgiun]

''I'm so gonna pay a furry hooker, get my friend drunk and have him have sex with her.''

My friend is a furry-hater so it would be a laugh riot for me.

 

[McMouse]

you know.. as a furry i would love this, the idea of being more animalistic would be truly a dream come true, but I've also had this discussion a few times in the community. where most furries are true to the stereotypes, IE "dur dur imma living animal i B one no matter what". and the sad part is I'm close to joining them but i assume each fur would live for about a week before some religious maniac would kill them for being an abomination to god (or what ever deity).

the scientific/environmental mutations that would cause this also seem like something the scientific community would baulk at. so yea, i would love to be the image in my mind, but i'd also love to live to hit 30. and i can be happy the way i am. and if this was for New lives, i'd just be sad that i missed out haha.

Not necessarily religious. Your not telling me some old lady isn't going to be scared into a heart attack by their new neighbor with fangs. Especialy if he makes a baby eating joke. Then you know a whole furry on human war breaks out. Ironically the humans make furry commandos to combat the furries.

honestly not sure if your being sarcastic or not but i completely agree with you, my point is we wouldn't last very long, and likely die painfully

 

[Marik2]

Lets say that scientists find a way to create anthropomorphic animals and trans-species (i suppose that is the most appropriate term for it) surgery (as in human-anthro change).
How would you react?

LOL that reminds me of this episode of Batman Beyond

 

[Worgen]

ehh, I doubt it would be as neat as the pictures make it out to be, really Ill bet humans would just find something to be really racist again besides skin color

 

[Varanfan9]

I would get a tail and nothing else. Why? Cause screw you I want a tail.

 

[Blue_Mage]

Someone asked me if I could be one animal, what would it be? I said eagle and when he asked why I told him it was so that I could finally have sex with eagles.

 

[CM156_v1legacy]

''I'm so gonna pay a furry hooker, get my friend drunk and have him have sex with her.''

My friend is a furry-hater so it would be a laugh riot for me.

Ahah yes. Get someone drunk so they agree to something they would not consent to were they sober. Haha. Oh wait

Spoiler

Also, people often have reasons to be "haters". While I cannot speak for your friend, I can speak for myself and say that I have my reasons.

OT: Couldn't the money on this research be better spend elsewhere? I mean, really. Rather than cure cancer, we're doing THIS?