Jaws: The Shark That Changed the World and Our Fear of the Deep

In the summer of 1975, the world was forever changed by a film that would become a cultural icon and a symbol of fear. "Jaws," directed by Steven Spielberg and released on June 20, 1975, introduced the world to the terrifying reality of shark attacks and forever etched the image of the great white shark into the collective consciousness. Before "Jaws" hit the big screen, millions of people had swam in the ocean without a second thought. But with the release of the film, the Summer of 1975 became known as "The Summer of the Shark," and it was a time of fear and panic. The film's impact was not just on swimmers but also on the tourism industry, which saw a significant decline in visitors due to the fear of shark attacks. The film's unforgettable first scene, where the great white shark zeroes in on a naked woman and drags her screaming underwater, still ranks as one of the most terrifying moments in movie history. "Jaws" not only raked in $260 million domestically but also changed real-world behavior, generating thousands of unconfirmed sightings of sharks and making veteran swimmers scared of deep water and novices afraid to even stick their toe in the water. The film's impact was not limited to just fear. Beaches were closed for the first time in 10 years in Long Island, and lifeguards were so scared that they had to force themselves back in the water after seeing the movie. Even ichthyologists themselves became shark-shy, with one research program at Wayne State University in the Midwest at a standstill because divers weren't supplying sharks anymore. Newspapers tried to reassure readers that shark attacks were statistically rare and that people had a greater chance of winning the lottery than being attacked by a shark. However, it made little difference as no one wanted to be one of the few who would become a victim. Companies that sold shark repellent gear had a field day, with sales of a shark dart made by Farallon Industries Inc. doubling after "Jaws" was released. By the end of the year, the early terror had begun to subside, and people started having fun with sharks. One of the earliest sketches on "Saturday Night Live" was "Landshark," where Chevy Chase played a diabolical Great White who knocks on doors in the suburbs. Even so, the Great Shark Scare of 1975 lingered in memory, with "Jaws 2" (1978) advertised with the unforgettable slogan: "Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water." Today, there is an interesting generational divide between those who grew up with "Jaws" and those who did not. Older folks tend to fear sharks while younger ones do not. The film's impact may have faded away with time, but its legacy lives on in popular culture and as a reminder of how a single film can change our perception of the world around us.