Course:CONS200/2023/The lasting effect of the movie “Jaws” on public perception of sharks
The movie "Jaws," released in 1975, depicts a story about the classical men vs nature storyline where the killer shark must be captured to save humans. This film significantly impacted the public's perception of sharks. Sharks were portrayed in the movie as man-eating monsters, and public perception quickly shifted. The stigma around sharks worsened after this movie due to the overwhelming fear this movie struck within humans, which heightened media attention to shark-human relations. Consequently, this strengthened the general public's unfavourable opinion of sharks. It is important to note that the movie's portrayal of sharks is inaccurate and does not reflect how most shark species act in the wild. After much research, it is evident that shark behaviour in the natural world is not aggressive, nor has an interest in harming humans or a vendetta, as depicted in Jaws. Sharks are intelligent and innocuous creatures that are a vital part of the marine ecosystem, which is why improving human and shark relations is essential. [1]
Shark Information
Overview
There are around 500 sharks, 143 of them endangered. They vary in sizes with the smallest being the size of a human hand (dwarf lantern shark) and the largest being 12 meters long (the whale shark). Sharks being around even before dinosaurs (400 million years ago), they are one of the most diverse cold blooded elasmobranch fish (is made out of cartilage and therefore does not leave fossils). They travel alone and have a sixth sense that can smell blood from hundreds of meters away.[2] Angelo Balanos, scuba diver instructor in the Bahamas has swam with over 200 sharks in his life. He talks about how “scared” they really are of humans. With encountering mostly nurse sharks he explains that if you swim fast at them they “run away”.
Stigmas
A perception and certain mark associated with a particular thing (person, circumstance…etc.). With sharks, people believe that they are huge, blood-thirsty monsters that have scary teeth and have a hunger for humans. When thinking about it, we do not see other marine life, like killer and sperm whales, being talked about in a negative light since they too can kill humans.[3]
Dolphin vs shark
Sharks are perceived as vicious fish and dolphins are seen as cute and innocent, but that’s not the case, dolphins are violent even more so than sharks by travelling in large groups, having sporadic emotions as well as pose interest to getting closer to people. They torture their prey before eating it and they attack the babies of other dolphins. When it comes to mating, the male dolphin is very violent towards the female while with sharks normally the female attacks the male.[4]
Sharks vs. Lightning
It is a common perception that lightning is rare. The WWF (World Wide Fund for nature) who works in the field of wilderness preservation and the reduction of human impact on the environment, debunks this theory using statistics. They partnered with Florida Museum to create a whole site dedicated to debunking common perceptions. They made a comparison of shark attacks against the number of lightning fatalities in the Coastal United States from 1959-2010 and what it shows may surprise you. The lightning fatalities came up to a total of 1,970 and the shark bite fatalities came to a whopping 26. They also tracked the shark bites that did not cause fatality which was 974, both the shark data combined does not even come close to the lightning fatality data.[5]
Reproduction and history
LPI (living plant index) shows us the decline of shark abundance throughout the years. Its most exponential drop being the 1970’s which mainly occurred because of overfishing and illegal fishing. The underlying factor that affects sharks that study shows are “like human disturbances and climate change place pressure on these species – but overfishing is by far the largest threat, and relative fishing pressure (which takes populations into account) has increased 18-fold since 1970, the study found. Sharks in particular are fished for their meat, fins, gill plates and liver oil – they were so heavily hunted during the peak of overfishing in the early 2000s that between 63 million and 273 million sharks were killed every year, the study found.” This means reproduction is declining.[6] People might think that with certain regulations placed that their population would start rising, but in 2018, Shark Advocates International, (a nonprofit group dedicated to shark conservation) conducted a test to see reproduction rates and were sad to see “one catastrophic decline after another popped up on a screen.” This is caused by a lack of fisherman sensitivity since they mostly use sharks to lure other fish and end up using them for too long and they die, fisherman do not avoid shark hotspots which makes them entangled in nets. They do not invest in more shark-friendly gear. These are all put in place because they “have financial incentives to keep the sharks”.[7] It is also important to note that Asia had a large part of the shark decline population. “In Asia, shark fin is a prized ingredient for shark fin soup, long viewed as a status symbol at Chinese dinners and banquets.” The death of sharks seem to not have decreased since even before the movie was released, Hong Kong was found in the 1960s to have doubled shark fin imports, contributing to the decline in shark population.[8]
Endangered or not?
Sharks as a whole are not endangered species but 25% of their species are. They are endangered when getting caught in fishing gear whether that be by accident or for their fins, a delicacy in Asia.[9]
Other shark endangerment related to human activity is climate change and how it changes the water temperature to a warmer one (he warmer waters are affecting shark behaviour, causing them to migrate to areas they have never been seen before), affecting, birth rates, death rates, prey to feed on, but most importantly, their habitats. Another trouble we cause harming these 4 factors are plastics. Sharks can eat the plastic which causes them digestive problems as well as being entangled in it. This can also be applied to their prey and therefore if dead by other means than the shark eating it, there would be less food for the sharks.[7]
There are some encouraging signs for specific species – the white shark, which had seen a population crash in the 20th century, is now showing signs of recovery in several regions thanks to government bans and policies, the report said. Hammerhead sharks are also rebuilding their populations in the Northwest Atlantic, due to strict quotas in US marine territories. [8]
The Movie Jaws
Summary
Directed by Stephen Spielberg in 1975, Jaws is a classic film set in a New England beach town. When a girl decides to go skinny dipping in the ocean, she is brutally attacked by a terrifying great white shark. Police chief Martin Brody investigates the case of the missing girl and realises that it was a shark attack, so he pleads to the mayor of Amity to close the beaches. The mayor denies his request since the fourth of July is approaching, and he is afraid that the tourists might leave if they make the shark attack public. Days after, a little boy and his mother get attacked in front of the whole beach, and a bounty is set in place for whoever kills this beast. Marine biologist Matt Hooper, the police chief and Quint, the ship captain, set off on a battle to hunt down the shark in a battle of man vs nature. Brave Brody manages to fight off the shark and concocts a plan to throw an air tank into the shark's mouth. Brody aims successfully and the shark's head explodes all over the sea. Brody and Hooper, who is shockingly alive, celebrate the defeat of the sea monster. [1]
Perceptions about sharks before vs. after the movie came out
Jaws forever changed the perception of the public towards sharks. The movie turned sharks into terrifying creatures that hunted the ocean and whose enemies were humans. When Jaws was released, very little information was known about sharks, and when the movie was released, there was an outstanding response of fear and excitement from the audience. The combination of an enticing soundtrack that is still known and recognized year after and gory scenes created the perfect recipe for dread [10]. In 2005, Stephen Lovgren wrote for National Geographic about the decline of shark populations in the USA due to fishers' trophy hunting [11]. In the public psyche, sharks were an enticing price to be shown off as a sign of bravery and self-worth. The media had a massive role in tainting sharks' reputations; more and more attacks were being published with headlines that spread fear and hysteria. Before Jaws was released, there were few shark attacks, but the public seemed to care and notice when Jaws was aired. After the movie was released, a decline in the shark population began. George Bussel illustrates that "the movie helped initiate that decline by making it sexy to go hunt sharks." [11] The media took advantage and used startling headlines to sell more. Stories of shark attacks were being blasted on the front pages of magazines and newspapers, which only increased the public fear and trophy hunting. [12]
Cultural Impact
Jaws became one of the most famous and classic movies because of its iconic music, indelible performances and effects. It was a suspenseful thriller that became a hit at the box office and set the bar for blockbusters. Jaws was a game changer, breaking the mould of traditional Hollywood filmmaking. In June 1985, Jaws earned a staggering amount of $482,947,378 dollars worldwide at the box office [13]. It also managed to earn 15 wins in the film industry as well as 20 nominations. In 1976 Jaws won an Oscar for best sound, best film editing and a golden globe for the best motion picture [14]. Jaws is more complex than just a straightforward thriller movie. Its opening sequence gave the public a shocking and terrifying image and changed modern cinema. Universal Pictures and the directors decided to release the movie at the beginning of the summer, which was strange and shocking at the time. People did not go to the movies in the summer because they spend their days outside in the sun doing fun activities. However, everything changed when Jaws was released. Spielberg became one of the most famous directors who invented "summer blockbusters," In the first 38 days of its release, Jaws sold 25 million tickets. People would line up around the block to see the movie, which single-handedly made summer one of the best seasons for movie releases. [15]
Decline in shark population as a consequence of Jaws
Shark populations began to decline consistently after Jaws was released. In Half a century of the global decline in oceanic sharks and rays, Pacoureau researches shark populations using the 1970s as a starting base. In his research, we can observe how since 1975, when Jaws was released, there has been a considerable decline of around twenty-five percent of the shark population. This can be linked to the ongoing trophy hunting of sharks due to miss information from the media and Jaws itself. After that, shark populations kept decreasing, with some species in critically endangered status. [11] The IUCN Red List has also published a graph illustrating the reduction of the shark population on their website and has assessed white sharks as a species in a globally vulnerable state. [16]
Shark Deaths
Trophy Hunting
The movie Jaws created a fandom that was excited and enthusiastic about the thrilling story of capturing sharks. The audiences became infatuated with the idea of seeking and capturing sharks to mimic the thrill and terror of the movie[17]. There is data that the shark populations, especially in the United States, where the movie was filmed, declined substantially as trophy hunting sharks became a popular hobby [18]. Trophy hunting is a form of hunting for sport, where the animal is then displayed in a manicured state. Most of the hunting of sharks was inspired by Jaws, but some of it was due to the perception that Jaws gave to sharks. The audience saw sharks as horrific and murderous creatures, encouraging them to kill sharks to feel safer [19]. Trophy hunting can strongly affect species populations like sharks, especially when they are already at risk and vulnerable[20]. For example, after a significant, fatal shark attack or a series of attacks, government authorities will push for hunting and will try and track down the shark in order to kill it, which is referred to as “shark control” when in reality it does more harm than good[21]. “Sharks first represent a threatened group of animals before being a source of risk” which perfectly describes the two opposing views of sharks where sharks need protection, but humans want security [22]. In 2014 the IUCN Red List reported that of 1041 species of sharks, 249 are threatened, mainly due to overfishing and hunting showing that these vulnerable and overexploited marine animals are at high risk of extinction and the misconception of sharks' behavior is still present today[23].
Shark Deaths vs Other Modes of Death
Sharks have always been misunderstood and seen as violent, leading most people to be hesitant in oceanic waters [24]. What people don’t realize is that sharks aren’t interested in humans as prey, and they are actually very harmless. Statistics show that spiders, cars, diseases, and choking on food all caused far more deaths than sharks [25]. In 2015, six people were killed by sharks whereas all of the previously listed causes were in the hundreds and thousands [26]. Shark attacks are extremely rare, and humans are most likely mistaken as animals, meaning they weren’t the original target. Shark attacks are bound to happen if you are interfering with their home, or preventing it from their normal behavior which is the humans’ fault, not the sharks [27]. Additionally, winning the lottery or an Oscar is more likely than being attacked or killed by a shark [28]. The dangers and perceptions of sharks are completely blown out of proportion further adding to the misconstrued views of sharks not just being seen as animals, but also as sources of horror and terror.
Conservation
Conservation of Sharks: Pre Jaws
Sharks before the movie were viewed as harmless. When people started to go in waters, even then they were unseen and very few spotting. Actually, before Jaws, sharks weren’t commercially valuable, there was very little money or support for research.[29] When World War One rolled around, the U.S. military feared sharks. They thought sharks posed a threat and therefore developed a chemical repellent called "Shark Chaser". They sold many products of this repellent even if many people deemed it not to work and ineffective. Their environmental impact was unacceptable even if it did not cause any direct harm to sharks, it was a form of oppression on the species.[30] In the 1950’s, people still had barely any knowledge of sharks, only a handful of researchers were working with or studying them. This can also be known as the "dawn of shark biology" where there were no shark fisheries in North America, and anyone wanting to study or conduct research on sharks could acquire a specimen. [31] Even with the rise of discovery, in the 1960's people started noticing sharks more often, this was only further pushed to the public after shark propaganda was released. The propaganda consisted of city police triggering "several bursts of machine gun fire, aiming into the water for the benefit of photographers."[29] But then from the early 1960’s to the mid- 1970’s a lot had changed. One, generous funding of research on shark attacks and the use of sharks for military purposes was granted more frequent which then caused a rise in popularity of recreational shark fishing and the development of marking tags that could be used to identify individual sharks. It wasn't used for conservation until later, but instead to continue with the advancement of the shark repellent. All in all, conservation was non-existent before the movie. Maybe Jaws made sharks more terrifying but it has brought more protection services than before the movie was released.[31]
Conservation of Sharks: Post Jaws
Conservationists blame the movie Jaws for the severe and concerning decline in shark populations as the movie urged people to get rid of these "violent, murderous animals" out of fear. The movie Jaws took over the media, and it was filled with different ideas and modes of killing these vicious sharks that the movie portrayed. Shark fishing, commercial fishing, trophy hunting, and shark tournaments became the new hobbies of Jaws' fearful audience[32]. Although shark populations declined immensely after the creation of jaws, some people were interested in the conservation of sharks. Peter Benchley, the author of Jaws, was infatuated with saving sharks even after making such a grotesque book, and he inspired many people to become conservationists and oceanographers. The people who saw Jaws as an inspiration instead of a threat managed to earn money from the government to perform in-depth research on sharks' decline and monitor shark populations[33]. It is evident that there are still people implementing procedures in the hopes to protect sharks by creating laws and management policies that will conserve shark populations. Another example is a control program called “La Reunion” which enforced new laws to keep shark populations intact thinking that by creating an international law, people would be obligated to respect and protect shark species. However, due to the negative response that follows shark attacks, it has been hard to maintain these efforts[34].
Another action causing sharks to sit on the cusp of extinction is the demand for shark fin soup. Shark finning is banned in the United States but still occurs in several seas, causing an increase in shark deaths for an average of 100 million deaths per year. Overall, after the movie Jaws appeared in the theatres, people have been fearful of sharks ever since, causing them to do harmful things to these creatures. However, shark finning, meshing, and hunting are slowly coming to a halt after conservationists were inspired to manage the protection of sharks and keep their populations rising. [35]
Shark Devices
Contrasting Portrayals: Shark Cages in Jaws vs. Real Life
The movie 'Jaws' includes a dramatic scene where a shark cage is used as a protective device to prevent the shark from attacking humans. However, in reality, shark cages are primarily used for observing and studying the beauty of sharks in their natural habitat, serving as a safety measure for both the researchers and the sharks.
Sharks cages are typically made of solid metal bars and mesh screens that allow unobstructed viewing while protecting the diver from the sharp teeth and powerful jaws of these apex predators. [36]The cages are designed to be lowered into the water and anchored in place, providing a stable platform for researchers to observe and collect data about sharks.
One of the main benefits of using a shark cage is that it allows researchers to get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures without interfering with their natural behaviour. By observing sharks in their natural habitat, researchers can gather valuable data about their behaviour, habitat, and interactions with other marine life. This information can be used to inform conservation efforts and to develop strategies to protect these critical species.
In addition to their scientific value, shark cage diving has become popular tourist activity in many parts of the world. Tourists can experience the thrill of being in the water with sharks while maintaining a safe distance. This type of eco-tourism can provide an economic incentive for local communities to protect shark populations and their habitats.
Risks are still involved despite the safety measures that are taken when using shark cages. Sharks are powerful and unpredictable animals, and accidents can happen even with the best precautions in place. Researchers and tourists must approach shark encounters with caution and respect for the animals.
The Dual Purpose of Barrel Floats: From Hollywood to Real-Life Shark Tracking
The 1975 thriller "Jaws," directed by Steven Speilberg, has left a lasting impression on the world of cinema. It is a film that has captivated audiences for decades and has cemented its place in popular culture. One of the movie's most memorable and thrilling scenes is when the orca boat crew deploys a barrel float to track the sharks' movements. This scene has become an iconic moment in film history, referenced and parodied in countless movies and TV shows.
Interestingly, barrel floats serve a much different purpose in the real world. They are primarily used for scientific research, specifically to study the behaviour of marine animals, including sharks.[37] Researchers can track the animal's movements by attaching a barrel float to a shark and gathering valuable data about its behaviour and habitat.
Barrel floats are typically made of durable materials that can withstand the harsh environment the harsh marine environment. They are attached to an animal using a tag, which transmits data to a satellite or a receiver on a nearby vessel. The data collected can include information about the shark's location, depth, and movement patterns.[38] Scientists use this information to better understand the behaviour and habitat of these apex predators and can inform conservation efforts to protect them.
In recent years, technological advancements have led to the developing of even more sophisticated tracking devices that allow researchers to collect more data. For example, some devices can now measure water temperatures and salinity, providing insights into how sharks navigate different ocean environments.
Conclusion
The movie "Jaws" is undoubtedly a classic film that has captivated audiences for decades, with its thrilling storyline and iconic soundtrack. However, the film has also had unintended consequences, especially regarding the public perception of sharks. The movie's portrayal of sharks as bloodthirsty predators have led to a negative stereotype that persists today. The truth is that sharks are an essential part of the ocean's ecosystem, and without them, the entire system could collapse.
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/56/White_shark.jpg/300px-White_shark.jpg)
Sharks are apex predators, meaning they are at the top of the food chain. As such, they play a crucial role in regulating the populations of other marine animals, keeping the ocean's ecosystem in balance. Without sharks, other marine animals would overpopulate and wreak havoc on the ecosystem, ultimately leading to the collapse of the entire system. Furthermore, sharks' presence indicates a healthy ocean, as they prefer to live in areas with abundant prey and clean water.
Despite their importance, sharks are still among the media's most misunderstood and misrepresented animals. The negative portrayal of sharks in movies and television shows has perpetuated myths and stereotypes that are inaccurate and dangerous. These myths have led to fear and a lack of understanding of these incredible animals, which has resulted in the unnecessary killing of millions of sharks each year.
However, technological advancements have allowed scientists to understand better sharks' behaviour and their importance to the ecosystem. For example, using barrel floats has helped researchers track sharks' movements and gather data on their behaviour. This technology has enabled scientists to develop conservation strategies to protect these animals and their habitats.
It is crucial to remember that media representation can significantly impact public perception, and as such, it is essential to approach it with care and responsibility. While "Jaws" may have been a fictional story, it really impacted how people saw sharks. Today, raising awareness about these animals' true nature and their critical role in the ocean's ecosystem is more important than ever. By doing so, we can work towards protecting them and their natural habitats, ensuring a healthy ocean for generations to come.
References
Please use the Wikipedia reference style. Provide a citation for every sentence, statement, thought, or bit of data not your own, giving the author, year, AND page. For dictionary references for English-language terms, I strongly recommend you use the Oxford English Dictionary. You can reference foreign-language sources but please also provide translations into English in the reference list.
Note: Before writing your wiki article on the UBC Wiki, it may be helpful to review the tips in Wikipedia: Writing better articles.[39]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 IMDb. "Jaws". IDMb. Retrieved March 6, 2023.
- ↑ Almeida, L. "Learn our top 10 facts about sharks". WWF.
- ↑ University of Florida. "Contributing Factors". International Shark Attack File.
- ↑ Zubaria. "Are Dolphins Worse Than Sharks?". sharkinfo.
- ↑ University of Florida. "Lightning Strikes". International Shark Attack File.
- ↑ Pacoureau, Nathan. "Half a century of global decline in oceanic sharks and rays".
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Einhorn, Catrin. "Shark Populations Are Crashing, With a 'Very Small Window' to Avert Disaster". The New York Times.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Yeung, Jessie (2021 January 28). "Shark and ray populations have dropped 70% and are nearing 'point of no return,' study warns". CNN. Check date values in:
|date=
(help) - ↑ Shiffman, David. "Shark conservation and management policy: a review and primer for non-specialists". ZSL.
- ↑ A., Nosal (2016). "The Effect of Background Music in Shark Documentaries on Viewers' Perceptions of Sharks". PloS one.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 B., Francis (2012). "BEFORE AND AFTER "JAWS": CHANGING REPRESENTATIONS OF SHARK ATTACKS". The Great Circle. Archived from the original on
|archive-url=
requires|archive-date=
(help)|archive-url=
requires|url=
(help). Missing or empty|url=
(help);|access-date=
requires|url=
(help) - ↑ K., Melnick (2022, December 19). "7 years later, Spielberg says he regrets impact 'Jaws' had on sharks". Washington Post. Retrieved March 6, 2023. Check date values in:
|date=
(help) - ↑ "Box Office history for Jaws". The Numbers. Retrieved April 11, 2023.
- ↑ "Awards won by Jaws". IMDB.
- ↑ Mark, Kermode (May 31, 2015). "Jaws, 40 years on: 'One of the truly great and lasting classics of American cinema'". The Guardian.
- ↑ Rigby, C. L. (2022). "IUCN Red List: White Shark Status". ICUN Red list. Retrieved April 11th, 2023. Check date values in:
|access-date=
(help) - ↑ Francis, Beryl (01 January 2012). "Before and after 'Jaws': Changing representations of shark attacks". Check date values in:
|date=
(help) - ↑ Francis, Beryl (01 January). "Before and after 'Jaws': Changing representations of shark attacks". Check date values in:
|date=
(help) - ↑ Francis, Beryl (01 January 2012). "Before and after 'Jaws': Changing representations of shark attacks". Check date values in:
|date=
(help) - ↑ Creel, Scott (2016). "Assessing the sustainability of African lion trophy hunting, with recommendations for policy". Web of Science.
- ↑ Neff, Christopher (2014). "The Jaws Effect: How movie narratives are used to influence policy responses to shark bites in Western Australia".
- ↑ Giraudeau, Geraldine (2017). "The Recent Shark Control Program of La Réunion in the Context of the International Legal Framework". The Journal of Territorial and Maritime Studies.
- ↑ Giraudeau, Geraldine (2017). "The Recent Shark Control Program of La Réunion in the Context of the International Legal Framework". The Journal of Territorial and Maritime Studies.
- ↑ Chapman, Blake (2017). Shark Attacks. CSIRO Publishing. pp. 1–3.
- ↑ Chapman, Blake (2017). Shark Attacks. CSIRO Publishing. pp. 44–46.
- ↑ Chapman, Blake (2017). Shark Attacks. CSIRO Publishing. p. 44.
- ↑ Chapman, Blake (2017). Shark Attacks. CSIRO Publishing. p. 49.
- ↑ Chapman, Blake (2017). Shark Attacks. CSIRO Publishing.
- ↑ 29.0 29.1 Francis, Beryl (2012). "Sharks Before and After Jaws". JSTOR.
- ↑ Martin, Jennifer (February 2016). "Seeing Jaws: The Role of Shark Science in Ocean Conservation". JSTOR.
- ↑ 31.0 31.1 Castro, José. "The Origins and Rise of Shark Biology in the 20th Century" (PDF).
- ↑ Sabatier, Etienne (2018). "Changes in Media Portrayal of Human-wildlife Conflict During Successive Fatal Shark Bites".
- ↑ Francis, Beryl (2012). "BEFORE AND AFTER "JAWS": CHANGING REPRESENTATIONS OF SHARK ATTACKS". The Great Circle.
- ↑ Giraudeau, Geraldine (2017). "The Recent Shark Control Program of La Réunion in the Context of the International Legal Framework". The Journal of Territorial and Maritime Studies.
- ↑ Francis, Beryl (2012). "BEFORE AND AFTER "JAWS": CHANGING REPRESENTATIONS OF SHARK ATTACKS". The Great Circle: 44–64.
- ↑ Apps, Kirin (2018). "Turning wildlife experience into conservation action: Can white sharks cage-dive tourism influence conservation behaviour?" (PDF). Marine Policy. 88: 108–115.
- ↑ Tibbetts, John (January 2017). "Making moves" (PDF). bioscience. 67: 7–13.
- ↑ chappel (2015). "Tracking sharks without teeth: a non-invasive rigid tag attachment for large predatory sharks" (PDF). Animal Biotelemetry. 3: 1–7.
- ↑ En.wikipedia.org. (2018). Writing better articles. [online] Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Writing_better_articles [Accessed 18 Jan. 2018].
This conservation resource was created by Course:CONS200. It is shared under a CC-BY 4.0 International License. |