For those who don’t know, Fugglers (short for “Funny Ugly Monsters”) are those plush toys that have oddly shaped bodies, mismatched eyes, and teeth so realistic that it is disturbing. Half creepy and half cute, or so they say. While they have garnered a cult following, we need to remember to ask ourselves: Where is the line between discomfort and commodity?
When asked about why she has such a large Fuggler collection, Senior Dayoina Singh replied, “Beauty can be found in almost everything. It’s like how some people enjoy things that others just seem to hate.”
She is correct in the sense that beauty can be found in almost everything, because it definitely can. However, my main issue isn’t the fact that they are “ugly”, but it is their freakishly realistic teeth.
Their teeth very closely resemble human teeth to the point that it is uncanny. When I see one, I feel chills running down my spine. The eyes, sure they are odd, and the shape of their heads and bodies may be strange, but those are fun and easy details to overlook. However, the teeth are where I draw the line. They are too humanoid for comfort.
Perchance the reason Fugglers have gained such a huge following is because of how they play with that feeling of discomfort. Many people like our very own Dayoina enjoy the strange, slightly unsettling things; The plush toys that are different from the cute ones that people like me are used to. In this day and age where plushies are expected to be adorable, the Fugglers really do stand out. Regardless, while some may enjoy their unique charm, I still can’t get past those absolutely disconcerting teeth.
