1A Sharks On The Big Screen And In The Big Blue Sea
Jul 22, 2025
Jasmine Graham, a marine biologist and author of "Sharks Don't Sink," joins Simon Therold, a senior scientist at Woods Hole, and John Horn, an entertainment correspondent, to explore the dual life of sharks in culture and reality. They discuss the fear perpetuated by the film "Jaws" and its lasting impact on public perception. Graham shares shark conservation insights, revealing the threats these majestic creatures face today. Additionally, they dive into myths surrounding shark behavior and the urgent need for a shift in narrative to support their survival.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Jaws' Lasting Family Impact
- John Horn shared a family experience watching Jaws with his kids, noting the film's lasting impact and scare factor.
- Despite the kids' nightmares initially, the film remains suspenseful and terrifying decades later.
Cultural Views on Sharks
- Cultures view sharks diversely; some regard them as ancestral guardians rather than threats.
- Western pop culture, influenced by movies like Jaws, often instills fear of sharks, especially great whites.
Ocean Fear Equals Shark Fear
- Fear of the ocean ties to its mystery and inaccessibility, invoking unease about unknown creatures lurking deep below.
- Humans feel vulnerable in water, especially far from land, adding to shark-related anxieties.
