It really changed the way people think about sharks. The population of great white sharks declined dramatically from hunting and wasteful killing.
Well, it did create the summer blockbuster and everything that comes with that, but the shark part is more important.
Did Jaws affect people that live in places like Wisconsin the same way as those of us on the coast? I have lived near the beach my entire life and I almost never go further in the water than I can stand. I went on a snorkeling trip a few years ago and got back in the boat early.
In Illinois and feel like I got a good amount of shark fear from culture, though probably more the Shark Week shows than Jaws specifically.
I can’t say it’s Jaws’ fault but I am the same way in the ocean haha. If I can’t stand I am falling back
I don’t enjoy ocean swimming, or any swimming unless I can see to the lake or ocean floor. I did snorkel off the coast of Hawaii and although it was probably 20 feet deep, I could see all the way down. It was super clear.
I saw Jaws for the first time only a few years ago and before then I didn't have a fear of water, or more specifically, sharks in the water. I'd go to the beach and it wouldn't cross my mind. I'd be more concerned about drowning or being taken away by the current. I think I understood the chances of being attacked by a shark were actually relatively low
Jaws didnt make me cautious of sharks. Fishing from the shore and catching sharks did though lol. Twister was my Jaws. And the ocean was the Midwest.
There was an episode of a childrens' show about swallowing watermelon seeds leads to them growing in your stomach and I was scared of that for a long time. I even avoided the little white seeds.