Revisiting Jaws: Who Are the Real Victims?
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Chapter 1: The Impact of Jaws
Can you name the five human characters who met their demise in the iconic 1975 film Jaws? With a quick search, you might be able to. These five unfortunate souls, along with a dog named Pipit, have likely had a more significant impact on public perception of the 500 species of sharks than any real-life victims ever could. But could you name those 500 species? Most likely, you wouldn’t even think to try.
This lack of recognition often leads to heightened feelings of victimhood in discussions of mass killings. This brings us to a crucial point: who truly suffers in Jaws—the great white shark or the humans it consumes? For the past five years, I’ve been leading a course at New York University’s Animal Studies Program titled The People Versus the Sea, and this question frequently arises during our mid-semester discussions.
As Jaws nears its 50th anniversary, it's essential to highlight that the fictional deaths of five individuals are trivial when compared to the staggering number of real sharks killed since Steven Spielberg, at just 26 years old, directed the film. A 2021 study published by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration revealed that since 1970, the global population of oceanic sharks and rays has plummeted by 71% due to an 18-fold increase in fishing pressure. This decline has pushed three-quarters of these vital marine species toward extinction.
It's no surprise, then, that my Gen Z students struggle to feel any sympathy for the five fictional characters consumed by a plastic shark in Jaws. Even Peter Benchley, the author of the original novel, has publicly expressed regret for the portrayal of sharks, acknowledging the 100 million sharks killed each year. One must wonder when Hollywood will finally start illustrating the extensive harm humans inflict on these mostly docile creatures.
Sharks have existed in our oceans for over 350 million years, but in less than one-thousandth of that time, humans have drastically reduced their populations. With countless victims that are seldom acknowledged, perhaps it’s time for a shift in perspective.
This video, titled "JAWS for GEN Z | SHARK BAIT - Official Trailer | MovieStacks," offers a modern take on the classic story, reflecting how contemporary audiences perceive sharks.
Section 1.1: The Shift in Perspective
It’s evident that the portrayal of sharks in media has lasting effects on public perception. As we analyze these narratives, the question remains: how do we reconcile the fictional representation with the harsh realities of shark populations?
Subsection 1.1.1: Understanding the Real Victims
Section 1.2: The Call for Change
As discussions about conservation and empathy for wildlife grow, we must consider the role that films like Jaws play in shaping our views. A balanced narrative could foster a deeper connection with these creatures.
Chapter 2: The Future of Sharks
In the video "JAWS Reaction & Commentary * Millennial Movie Monday," the hosts reflect on the impact of Jaws and the misconceptions surrounding sharks, offering insights into how society can shift its views for better understanding and preservation.