Years ago, I read a short story about a flu-like disease which ravages humanity and causes us to sprout profuse amounts of hair like our ape/chimp/monkey cousins. The story, IIRC, was written in the late 50s or early 60s, so it was before the WHO had taken an aggressive stance against new diseases. Anyway, the story detailed not only the outbreak of the disease, but also the aftermath. At first folks did everything they could to rid themselves of their pelts, but eventually folks began to enjoy having fur, and even after a cure was developed for the condition, folks decided that they wanted to keep their fur.
I got to thinking about this tonight and I wonder if such an illness were to strike today (assuming it could escape quaranteen) if we’d like to have pelts. To be honest, I don’t know if I’d like having a pelt. I keep my hair pretty short as it’s easier to deal with, but at the same time, seeing a redhead totally covered in fur would be, um, “interesting” if you know what I mean…
So, what would Dopers do if they suddenly found themselves as hairy as an ape? Would you shave it all off or be natural?
I remember that story! I can’t remember who wrote it, but as I recall, I really liked it.
I think it would be pretty cool, myself. Of course, I’m assuming we’re talking about nice, soft fur, like a cat has. Not, coarse, bristly fur, like some critters.
for some reason i am reminded of the smash broadway musical cats. would we still have to wear clothes over our fur? if not, i think i could be hip to the idea
As soon as I read the thread title I thought of the story referred to in the OP: Hyperpilosity, by L. Sprague de Camp (which BTW actually first appeared in Astounding, April 1938, but has been anthologized numerous times since then). Great story; I remember there was one character who anticipated the eventual response of the public and invested in a company that made currycombs.
I think I’d rather like it, but then I have a fondness for fur.
I shave my chin/face every couple days because if I don’t it gets too uncomfortable and hot. I don’t think I could tolerate having thick full body hair. Particulary during the summer.
Now, maybe if I lived where it was freezing cold all year…
Seriously, though, I’d imagine clothing would change a bit. Not only would we need less of it, but it’d need to be more baggy/roomy in order to be comfortable. Those who are hairless might not be aware, but wearing tight clothing when you’re kind of hairy can get itchy and uncomfortable over a long period of time. I can imagine that if we had as much hair as you’re talking about, it’d be a royal pain.
