What Kind of Message is “Shark Week” Really Sending?

Image Credit: Wikimedia

By Cameron Bullock

Discovery Channel’s “Shark Week” has undoubtedly been one of the most successful summer television programs for the last 27 years. However, since its inception, it has unfortunately instilled more fear than appreciation for sharks.

Due to “Shark Week’s” popularity, other networks have started creating their own version of week-long programming, such as National Geographic’s “SharkFest”. While scientific television networks devote a significant portion of their programming to reputable efforts, the purpose of these programs should be to eradicate the misconceptions of sharks, not create new ones.

One of the first things you may notice when you flip on “Shark Week” are the titles of the programs. One I found particularly humorous was “Jaws Strikes Back”. I’m not sure if the producers watched the first “Jaws” but Roy Schneider made sure that thing WASN’T coming back.

I completely agree that this title is more effective than the more accurate, “Great White Shark That We Had To Lure In Using Bait And Piss Off To Get Good Footage.” But we need to look at the message they’re sending with a title that supports the idea of man-eating, revenge-seeking sharks. It certainly doesn’t make me feel good about going for a late night swim.

Unfortunately, programs like that don’t provide viewers with simple facts. For example, the likelihood of being attacked by a shark is less than the likelihood of being crushed by a vending machine. While I’ll admit that “Shark Week” entertains me, I find the lack of vital information upsetting.

Do you think most “Shark Week” viewers know that only an estimated 10 people per year die from shark attacks? In contrast, humans are responsible for nearly 100 MILLION shark deaths a year. The majority of these unnecessary deaths are due to an industry called “finning”, which we discussed earlier in this article.

When faced with television sensationalism and the disturbing lack of factual, informative programming, it isn’t hard to see that aquariums can do more for sharks then the cable networks. By visiting any aquarium you will see that sharks can live harmoniously, even when surrounded by tempting fish.

I implore you to talk to an aquarium educator about the sharks they have and see for yourself what the real scoop is on these ocean predators. Most modern aquariums have made huge strides in promoting the real message, which is that sharks are the victims, not the attacker. It is our responsibility to make some serious changes.

So in terms of public opinion, where have we gone wrong and what can we do about it?

The movie “Jaws” has been one of the main contributors to public paranoia surrounding sharks. Some viewers saw “Jaws”, decided that all sharks are man-killers, grabbed their spear guns, and headed for open ocean. As awful as that sounds, the “Jaws” effect has made it hard to gain public support for shark protection laws even today.

To positively influence public opinion on sharks, “Shark Week” should be dedicated to showing you the beauty and amazing adaptations of sharks. Inspiration through entertainment is one of the most popular methods of motivating people to make a change.

Although I have been primarily critical of “Shark Week”, I must give credit to the Discovery Channel for dedicating a majority of this year’s time to more scientific programming. Besides, due to the lack of actual shark attacks they can’t keep replaying the same footage.

People would eventually crave some new ocean terror to really sink their teeth into.