Fear Of Fur
Want to learn more about Fear Of Fur? Discuss and find out how to overcome your the phobia through different treatment options and examples.
Fur has been used for centuries for a variety of purposes. It has trimmed the robes of kings, and covered the satin evening gowns of Old Hollywood movie stars. Prized for its warmth and its softness, fur was often used by trappers as currency to barter for other items. Some people fail to appreciate the texture and properties of fur, and they take pains to avoid it in their daily lives. When an aversion to fur becomes a phobia, it is called Doraphobia.
Why Do People Fear Fur?
Doraphobia can develop for many reasons, but often, it begins because someone feels angry about the fact that an animal was skinned for its fur. Vegetarians and animal rights activists believe fur is a symbol of many things that are wrong with our culture: to them, it is an illustration of consumerism and a status symbol for the unenlightened. To someone who believes animals should be left alone and not used to satisfy the appetites and vanity of human beings, the sight of a coat or other item made of an animal’s fur can be almost unbearable.
Of course, fur was not always chosen for reasons of vanity. In past centuries, it was necessary to human survival. These days, however, many fine substitutes for fur are available. For this reason, the wearing of fur coats and other articles of clothing that feature fur is generally frowned upon. Fur is not in fashion, and Doraphobia is rampant.
A powerful illustration of the modern aversion to fur can be found in the dramatic protests staged by PETA.
PETA makes sure the mass media is aware of the use of fur by today’s fashion designers. Some common offenders, in their view, are companies like Fendi, Burberry, and Blackglama. PETA have thrown red paint on people wearing fur coats, to symbolize the blood that has been spilled to produce the garments. They have also disrupted runway shows with their protests. It could be argued that every PETA member is Doraphobic to some degree, although they may not suffer from the panic symptoms that usually accompany a phobia.
In the animated Disney classic, 101 Dalmations, Cruella De Vil longs for the skins of puppies so that she can make their pelts into a coat. She is a true villainness, and her desire to kill cute little puppies and wear them is the opposite of Doraphobia.
Doraphobia may surface for other reasons than concerns about animal rights. It can happen because someone is repulsed by the look and smell of fur, and the feeling of touching fur. To some, fur is ugly and off-putting. It can also remind the phobic person of the animal’s traits and behavior. For example, a bear skin may be frightening to someone because they can envision the animal as a living being when confronted with their pelt.
Taxidermy is the art of stuffing dead animals in order to make them appear alive. To some people with Doraphobia, the sight of taxidermy is appalling and upsetting. They will avoid museums and other places where they use of taxidermy is common.
Animal attacks can trigger Doraphobia. Some people who have suffered maulings cannot bear to be around fur that triggers their traumatic memories. They find it difficult to even pat a dog or interact with any animal that has fur. Even the sight of a fur coat will be a painful reminder of their attack.
Symptoms of Fear of Fur
The symptoms of fear of fur are similar to those experienced during a panic attack. Nervousness, terror, nausea, and dizziness are common when the Doraphobic person is confronted with fur. Rage or digust may also be present in those whose aversion to fur stems from their compassion for animals.
Overcoming the Fear of Fur
Treating this phobia may require therapy and anti-depressants. If the fear of fur is triggered by past trauma, it may take time to resolve issues related to fur and move forward.
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