For centuries, our understanding of the ocean has been shaped not only by science but by stories, myths, literature, and visual media. While many narratives celebrate the beauty and mystery of marine creatures, a significant number portray marine predators in an ominous and threatening light. Such portrayals have had profound real-world consequences, affecting conservation efforts, fishing practices, and public perception, often to the detriment of entire ecosystems.

When it comes to marine animals depicted in a negative light, few suffer more than sharks. The widespread cultural fear originated with Peter Benchley’s 1974 novel, Jaws, and was further perpetuated the following year with Steven Spielberg’s film adaptation. The story of a great white shark terrorising a sleepy beach town captivated audiences, but also overshadowed the reality that sharks are complex, vital, and endlessly fascinating creatures of the ocean.

Most authors dream of their work having a widespread, lasting impact, but Benchley later regretted his novel. In an interview, he admits, “What I know now, which wasn’t known when I wrote Jaws, is that there is no such thing as a rogue shark.”

In a recent article for the Blue Planet Society, Sarah Eager takes a deeper look at how Hollywood has demonised sharks and the tremendous impact it has had on these essential ecosystem engineers.

👇 Read the article here:

https://blueplanetsociety.org/manufacturing-monsters-how-hollywood-demonised-sharks/