If you’re scared of sharks, just know you aren’t alone.
23rd of July is the beginning of shark week, and we’re taking this opportunity to delve into the fear of sharks.
Let’s face it the movie “Jaws” has made some irreversible damage to their reputation.
When “Jaws” was released in 1975 it was the largest grossing movie at the time.
The movie is actually an adaptation of the 1974 book by Peter Benchley.
The book portrayed sharks as “mindless eating machines” that “will attack and devour anything”.
However, for the most part of history, sharks were seen as harmless.
Once upon a time, the average person was indifferent towards the creature.
In fact, any horror stories about them were looked upon as legends.
But all this drastically changed once the book and the film were released.
After the film’s release, shark populations plummeted while people’s fear of them only kept growing.
Unfortunately, the movie led to real world consequences for sharks.
This meant that shark populations have declined by 70% in the past 50 years and that 30% of shark species are being considered at least ‘threatened’.
Dr. Christopher Neff created the term “Jaws effect” to highlight the way the blockbuster film has influenced people’s fear of sharks.
Due to the “Jaws effect” people believe many misconceptions.
Many believe that all encounters with sharks are fatal and that sharks intentionally attack humans.
Both the author and the director of “Jaws” have expressed their regrets on the negative impact their work has caused on the perception of sharks.
“If there is one thing I know for certain is that I couldn’t possibly write Jaws today. I could not turn this beautiful beast into a villain.” -Peter Benchley, Author of “Jaws”
“I truly, and to this day, regret the decimation of the shark population because of the book and the film.” -Steven Spielberg, Director of “Jaws”
We need to save sharks and not fear them!
They are a crucial part of our ecosystem.
They are considered as keystone species and without them, entire ecosystems would change and potentially even disappear.
It is important to spread the word in order to motivate others and yourself to protect this creature.
Are you a Shark Week Fan? Let us know.
