You Are Still Human Inside

Canid Prejudice and Discrimination

The Reality of Canid Prejudice

From the moment people began contracting Canis, there was great variety in how people reacted. Most people were simply confused, and uncertain. Some were afraid for themselves and loved ones. Others found it uncomfortable to be around those who had changed.

As time has passed, and people have worked to find normalcy again, many non-canid people have grown accustomed to, and accepting of those who have changed. Many people are openly supportive of the canid people in their life. Unfortunately, the reality of life is that not everyone will share the same views, and some people will express their views in hateful, or even violent ways.

After changing, many canids further discover that some individuals close to them possess negative attitudes towards those who have changed. Whether it is a parent, a sibling, a partner, or a close friend, this can be very difficult. Do your best to be yourself, to show that although your appearance has changed, you are still human inside. Many people will have confused responses to someone they care about contracting Canis, and will be unsure how to react. Many of these people grow more accustomed to it over time. Sharing your feelings in a calm manner, and sharing information about your condition can help people come to understand your situation better.

Some individuals, however, choose not to be tolerant towards canids. In some cases, this can be as casual as rude jokes, and in others, as serious as domestic abuse. Your friend or sibling may defend it as "just teasing." In more serious instances, some may be convinced that you deserve to be hurt verbally or physically.

No matter how you became a canid person, you do not deserve to be hurt. Whether you changed from the original cancer treatment, you contracted Canis accidentally, or you intentionally became Canis, you do not deserve to be hurt. Many people like you did not choose this. Even if you did, even if you became a canid due to acting in some way deemed irresponsible, you do not deserve to be harmed.

Standing your ground

Even if you feel beaten down by what you have had to face, you can begin to cause change. You can stand up against people who tease you, who bully you. Many people will back off. For others who won't leave you alone, or in more sincere situations, there are resources that you can seek to help protect you. For canid children and adolescents, school counseling offices will have resources for this. For adults, you can find further information, including fighting prejudice in your workplace here. For those facing difficult family related situations, whether its from a parent, a sibling, a spouse, etc, you can find more information about counseling, child protective services, and more here. You do not have to face this alone. You are not weaker for needing other people or organizations to protect you.

Many of these situations will be very complicated, and difficult. Very few people will act prejudiced or abusive at all times, and you may be afraid of escalating a situation by seeking outside help. Some people may genuinely try to be kind to you, but struggle. You may feel that you are hurting them by seeking counseling, or separating from someone. Even if you love someone, and you understand and forgive them for their mistakes, it does not mean you have to trust them. If someone repeatedly harms you in any way, despite you communicating your discomfort with their actions, do not hesitate to get help.

It is up to you to use your best judgement in negotiating complex situations like canis prejudice within families or your workplace. Free hotlines are available to give advice, resources, and general emotional support as you seek to resolve these problems.

Do not perpetuate conflict and hate

In difficult situations, strive to show the high ground when conflict arises. It can be easy to become heated, to angrily fight back against those that hurt you, but seeking to keep calm, to find common ground, and act rationally, will help you prevent bad situations from becoming worse. Other people may choose intolerance and hatred, but you do not have to act as they do.

You may feel inclined to cut off people in anger the moment they show signs of prejudice. You may feel extremely justified in declaring a family member, friend, or coworker "canist" and refusing contact with them. This is understandable. You are free to choose who you associate with. No one, however, will be perfect - including other canids. Many canids in fact, have discovered that they have differing views on their situation, and it can lead to conflict.

You cannot cut off someone from your life the moment they make a mistake. If everyone did this, no one would be able to be around anyone else. Eventually, someone will, intentionally or unintentionally, hurt your feelings. Communicate to them your feelings. Be firm in standing up for yourself. If someone continues to hurt you, do not hesitate to get outside help. Sometimes this may result in you having to remove someone from your life.

Those moments of extreme harm are very real. Much more often however, you will deal with every day prejudice. Many people may not realize what they are saying hurts your feelings. You may have to learn patience with some of these people. Focus on their positive efforts to be kind to you. Seek to respond to them carefully. Show them that canid people can be reasonable in these situations.

Some canid individuals have chosen more violent means of protesting prejudice. This reflects poorly on the entire canid community. So many individuals will defame canid people as being "animalistic," while many studies have shown no measurable difference in behavior between canids and typical humans. Do not give ammunition to those who would seek to separate you from other human beings, just because you look different.

You can do it

If you feel afraid, or otherwise anxious, you are far from alone. Some can stand against bigoted people fearlessly, others may struggle under the pressure more. But the millions of canids around the world, know how you feel. While many seek to demean or even hurt you, restrict your rights, or laugh at your expense, many other people will be there to support you, protect you, and stand by you.

You may feel down about yourself because you feel you should have a thicker skin. Maybe you feel embarrassment because you chose to become a canid, or even just because you enjoy it, and others don't understand.

As time goes on however, your life can get better. Choose to be around people, canid or not, who make you feel comfortable to be yourself. You might choose to leave spaces in real life and online where you don't feel at ease.

In the end, always remember that you can seek out help. A world of angry strangers is no match for a friend who cares about you.

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