kristinawood.com ~ View topic

Royal Member of BonBon Joined: 07 Sep 2006 Posts: 1000

Having been pondering the meaning of extinct species, royal member demographics, and Symphony's topic on the characteristics frequently ascribed to varying species, I got to pondering (again) on how or if species relates to an equivalent of human ethnicities/race.

Do you think differing species relate to different ethnic backgrounds? For example, the lovable Violet Berry is a raccoon. Raccoons being a North American native makes me guess that she is an American, probably one of many American descended from indigenous peoples rather than imported settlers. She's a more assimilated version of dear Johnny Sixkiller, perhaps, descended from east coast peoples rather than the west like coyotes. I now imagine her having something of a wild time traveling before finally ending up in Bon Bon, far from her home, but happy and carefree like she always dreamed.

I like having subtle clues like the origin of one's species having bearing on one's roots and parent culture, being a quiet hint of who you are and where you come from. But I often get the impression that many people want to leave behind the baggage of human race behind, or simply find it irrelevant. Think species unique to an area would be analogous to peoples that come from that region?

Rank: Artist Joined: 06 Jan 2009 Posts: 816

I think it's a very good post, Kommy.

I notice that people indeed use a tiny bit of the bg of their chara included.
To me this is another difficult post to reply with my limited english. But I get where your coming from.

I supose indeed Violet is American like you described.

My chara's not from earth at all she's more from the universum itself and it's roots are in there because I'm not (don't take it offensive) into Christianity, Budism or any religion for that matter ^^;; I just believe in the cosmic powers I supose. Those that are linked with the Gods of Ancient Egypt.

So indeed roots can be found in the character/species people use.
Interesting though :p

-K

Royal Member of BonBon Joined: 30 Aug 2008 Posts: 1521

I know I for one kept in mind the heritage of species into account when creating my character. I know Avery Caldwell is a Bengal tiger as well as a Bengali military officer. For Samuel, he isn't directly from Sumatra, though his grandfather was born there. His grandfather later traveled to India, which is where the sword he wears comes from. His father later joined the Dark Order and more specifically the Order of Shadows, and later decided to move to England, where Samuel was born.

Rank: Super Veteran Joined: 06 Oct 2008 Posts: 1159

Well, I can see what you mean. I made James from Alaska, originaly. But the main thing is, if each carecter was from a different spot in the world, whouldnt we be seeing more of the same one, rather then a large range? Also, if that carecter had gotten use too a certin tempiture, whould he/she really be able too ajust that easy too a new one? I mean, carecters like Henk, do they need lots of sun because hes a snake, and snakes are cold blooded? Who knows. But its a interesting thought.

Royal Member of BonBon Joined: 30 Aug 2008 Posts: 1521

Too many of the same kind? Aren't wolves/foxes/vixens the majority of the royal members? As far as adaptation to climates, there really wouldn't be an excessive challenge for most fursons, as the natural fur helps regulate body temperature better than human skin.

As far as variations in species range, though, people have often migrated throughout history, could we not expect that certain species may have also traveled great distances? Not to mention many environments are prone to a diverse wildlife population already. Mix in that Bon Bon itself is a tourist attraction, it's rather possible that Bon Bon would share more of a diverse population than other places.

Rank: Super Veteran Joined: 06 Oct 2008 Posts: 1159

Royal Member of BonBon Joined: 13 Apr 2008 Posts: 2620

Royal Member of BonBon Joined: 07 Sep 2006 Posts: 1000

Royal Member of BonBon Joined: 06 Feb 2007 Posts: 648

I come and go on this point. Sometimes, especially when the "popular stereotype" part of me kicks in, I really like the concept of "localizing" species. And indeed, for some species, particularly the Australian ones, it's really hard to separate species from origin.

At other times, most commonly when the concept of ugly prejudice comes in, I'd just as soon discard the whole concept of nationality or origin and assume, so to speak, a flat world. Wink

Royal Member of BonBon Joined: 13 Apr 2008 Posts: 2620

I think that the more common an animal is in the furry community, the less likely you are to see the species influence the character in a substantial way. Take lions or tigers, for example. Those are pretty common, and for that reason I don't think really mind if the characters aren't African or Asian respectively. It's probably because I'm so used to seeing them used for characters that have a more "Western" look and background. But pick an uncommon animal like a platypus or koala bear, and it would just seems wrong if such characters aren't Australian.

Royal Member of BonBon Joined: 18 Aug 2007 Posts: 1606

That get me thinking, wouldn't that make me South American then sense fruit bats are based there?

Rank: Super Veteran Joined: 23 Nov 2009 Posts: 4436

Eh, I'm a Siberian Tiger, but who's to say he wasn't born in Ireland?

Rank: Super Veteran Joined: 30 Sep 2009 Posts: 9138

then me being a cheetah are from africa.

but my furson was born in england/london and is.

half english from his father's side
and half australian from his mother's side.