Jaws, the movie that changed the way we see the sharks

In many ways, Jaws (Steven Spielberg, 1975) changed the world. In the film, marked the birth of one of the most acclaimed filmmakers of the twentieth century. Also, its release practically invented the concept of summer blockbuster. With a modest budget of $ 9 million, achieved worldwide revenues of 470 million. It is considered one of the 100 most important films in cinema history and is preserved as part of the film collection at the Library of Congress. However, his greatest legacy does not seem to belong to the world of filmmaking, but its effects still felt today in the way we perceive the sharks.

For traditional Shark Week (Shark Week), Discovery Channel has produced a piece that will premiere today on how Jaws changed the way humans see these creatures. Admittedly, we have felt more of a horror and aversion to the sea after seeing the tape. In the book Demon Fish , writer Juliet Eilperin explains that this film had a crucial impact on the social construction of these fish have. On the one hand there is the fear that infuses the creature depicted in the film as a ruthless, calculating murderer. In fact, some critics agree that the success of Jaws is in good way on their end, when the white shark is settled as a representation of pure triumph over evil.

In turn, Jaws had a significant impact on the public interest in sharks. The years subsequent to the premiere of the film were a golden age for the study of these animals. However, the bad press they left the movie still stands today. Considered deadly and dangerous creatures, shark attacks are often triggered massacres to "clear threat" of the seas, no matter the environmental cost. Although most of these unfortunate incidents are treated accidental encounters, humans still sees sharks as an enemy.

The numbers also show that the population of oceanic whitetip sharks has dropped sharply in the second half of the twentieth century. Coincidence? According to the figures, a third of sharks are in danger of extinction. Then there is the practice of fishing, fueled by the desire to "dominate" a species capable of killing a human. With the technology available, it is becoming easier for anglers to fish one of these animals just for the satisfaction. Interestingly, only 6% of sharks have an inclination to attack humans. In the U.S., is 40 times more likely to be hospitalized for an incident involving a Christmas tree by a shark attack.

Obviously, many factors beyond the film for this behavior. However, one has to recognize the weight that had Jaws in the popular perception we have of these magnificent beasts. Suffice it to recall another example closer as Jurassic Park (1993, also from Spielberg) and the impact it had on the public interest in dinosaurs and cloning issues. Sharks are creatures that have a crucial role in marine ecosystems, with an irreplaceable role in food chains. So let the murderer hit in the realm of fiction, because in the real world need our support, not our hatred.